Palliative Care Physician - Wheeling Hospital, West Virginia

Are you a compassionate and dedicated physician seeking an opportunity to build a Palliative Care program from the ground up? WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital is seeking a Palliative Care/Critical Care Physician to join our team and lead the development of a robust and sustainable Palliative and Hospice Utilization Program. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of patients and families in the Wheeling community.

Role Overview

As the Palliative Care Physician, you will be responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive Palliative and Hospice Utilization Program at Wheeling Hospital. You will provide palliative care consultations to patients in the hospital and our Continuous Care Center, a modern 200-bed long-term and skilled nursing facility. Your responsibilities will include assessing patients' needs, developing individualized care plans, managing pain and symptoms, providing emotional support, and facilitating end-of-life care discussions. You will also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and patient-centered care.

A Day in the Life

Here's a glimpse into a typical day as a Palliative Care Physician at Wheeling Hospital:

• Start the day by reviewing patient charts and preparing for palliative care consultations.
• Conduct patient assessments to understand their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with the patient, family, and other healthcare professionals.
• Manage pain and other symptoms using a variety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.
• Provide emotional support and counseling to patients and families facing serious illness.
• Facilitate end-of-life care discussions and assist patients in making informed decisions about their care.
• Collaborate with nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other members of the palliative care team.
• Educate patients, families, and staff about palliative care and hospice services.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance the palliative care program.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest advances in palliative care and hospice medicine.

Why Wheeling, West Virginia?

Wheeling, West Virginia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, Wheeling provides a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The city boasts a rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and a friendly community. With affordable housing, excellent schools, and a low cost of living, Wheeling is an ideal place to raise a family or enjoy a comfortable retirement.

Wheeling Hospital is conveniently located in the heart of the city, providing easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The hospital is also a short drive from major metropolitan areas such as Pittsburgh and Columbus.

Career Path

This Palliative Care Physician position offers significant potential for career growth and advancement. As the program develops, you will have the opportunity to expand your leadership role and mentor other members of the palliative care team. You may also have the opportunity to pursue additional training and certifications in palliative care and hospice medicine.

Salary and Benefits

WVU Medicine offers a competitive salary and benefits package to its employees. The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to salary, WVU Medicine provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, CME allowance, retirement plan, life insurance, and disability insurance.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to providing a supportive and collaborative work environment for its employees. We value teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. We are also dedicated to providing compassionate and patient-centered care to our patients and families.

As a member of the WVU Health System, Wheeling Hospital is part of a broad, integrated network of doctors, hospitals, clinics, and specialized institutes. This provides our employees with access to a wide range of resources and opportunities for professional development.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please visit http://wvumedicine.org/careers and complete the online application. For additional questions, please contact Brianne Sellew at brianne.sellew@wvumedicine.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is palliative care? Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, with the goal of improving quality of life for both the patient and the family.
2. What is hospice care? Hospice care is a type of palliative care for people who are nearing the end of their lives. It focuses on providing comfort and support to patients and families during the final stages of life.
3. What are the benefits of palliative care? Palliative care can provide a number of benefits, including improved pain and symptom management, reduced stress and anxiety, enhanced communication, and improved quality of life.
4. Who is eligible for palliative care? Anyone with a serious illness is eligible for palliative care, regardless of age or stage of illness.
5. Where is palliative care provided? Palliative care can be provided in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics.
6. How do I access palliative care services? Talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about whether palliative care is right for you.
7. What is the role of the palliative care physician? The palliative care physician is responsible for assessing patients' needs, developing individualized care plans, managing pain and symptoms, and providing emotional support.
8. What qualifications are required to become a palliative care physician? To become a palliative care physician, you must have an MD or DO degree, complete a residency in internal medicine or family medicine, and complete a fellowship in palliative care.
9. What is the difference between palliative care and curative care? Curative care is aimed at curing a disease, while palliative care is aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.
10. Is palliative care the same as end-of-life care? While palliative care can include end-of-life care, it is not limited to it. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness.