General Practitioner in Oncology (GPO) Colchester East Hants Health Centre

The Nova Scotia Health Cancer Care Program (NSH CCP), Northern Zone, Colchester East Hants Health Centre (CEHHC) has an opportunity for a General Practitioner in Oncology (GPO). The GPO works in a shared care model with specialists from Medical Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Hematology, Radiation Oncology, Urology, Thoracic Surgery and Palliative Care as well as the cancer site teams to manage care for the oncology patient. The GPO maintains regular communication with the specialist regarding the plan of care and practices collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team, consulting with members of other health professions, as appropriate. The GPO acts as a resource to the oncology patient’s primary care provider and other health care providers on issues related to the care of cancer patients (e.g., providing guidance during work-up of suspected cancer patients, addressing questions related to referral process, sharing information related to management of cancer patients, etc.).

Oncology Specific experience is not a prerequisite, as training and ongoing support is provided as part of the role.

The NSH CCP is responsible for delivering safe and sustainable cancer care services to Nova Scotians. Equitable access to high-quality care close to home is a NSH CCP priority. Expansion of cancer care services at CEHHC will allow patients to stay connected to their family supports and home community throughout their cancer journey.

• Maintain current knowledge related to systemic therapy delivery and potential complications.
• Be the most responsible physician contact as it pertains to the patient's cancer treatment for patients under their care.
• Be accountable and committed for the designated days and hours for outpatient assessment clinics per week. Collaborate with prescriber colleagues and clinic leads (e.g., Clinical Practice Lead, Manager) to ensure the number of clinics and patients per clinic allow for safe and efficient care and meet the patient demand and volumes.
• Practice in an interdisciplinary model of care that responds to the patient’s needs while undergoing systemic therapy, radiation therapy and other oncological care, maintaining a supportive role with the patient’s primary care provider.
• Receive patient and supervise treatment delivery as required including:
  • Conduct and document a patient’s evaluation regularly as per plan of care. More frequent evaluations may be required based on the patient’s clinical condition.
  • Review/ perform pre-treatment assessment including but not limited to bloodwork, diagnostic imaging, toxicity assessment, and other relevant clinical investigations to complete prescription orders for continuation of previously initiated anti-cancer systemic therapy regimens, including:
    • • New orders
      • Modifications of existing orders

• • • • Both oral and parenteral regimens
  • Prescribe systemic therapy orders as per protocol and the Cancer Centre Specialist’s referral order.
  • Revise systemic treatment in keeping with the protocol or in direct prescriber-to-prescriber consultation with the Cancer Centre Specialist. 
  • Revise ancillary (e.g., antiemetic) therapy according to patient needs.
  • Complete all documentation related to a clinical encounter.
  • Provide a summary of patient treatment, upon completion of treatment plan, to be shared with the patient’s referring oncologist/ hematologist, primary care provider, and other clinicians as appropriate, based on patient’s circumstances.

• • Act as the most responsible physician during the administration of the patient’s treatment. The patient will continue to see their primary care provider for non-cancer related care.
  • Maintain the cancer care plan for patients on active treatment and follow-up, in collaboration with other members of the health care team.
  • Manage cancer symptoms and treatment-related adverse effects in collaboration with the specialist and health care team. Agree not to initiate, cancel, or make substantive changes in treatment plan for any patient without the consultation and supervision of a specialist.
  • Notify the specialist of changes in the patient’s condition including the following:
    • • Oncologic emergencies including febrile neutropenia, spinal cord compression and severe hypercalcemia
      • Cancer recurrence or progression on treatment
      • Grade 3 or higher treatment related toxicity (e.g., neutropenia requiring a treatment delay or treatment reduction)
      • Hospital admissions for any cause
      • Significant medical illness including myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism
      • Deaths from any cause

• • Follow cancer patients admitted to hospital in collaboration with admitting physician to ensure oncology needs are addressed.

• Where possible, provide follow-up assessments and examinations for cancer patients undergoing surveillance as well as consultation and support for cancer patients without family physicians.
• Complete forms and written referrals as needed.

Availability:

• • Available on-site during working hours to address questions related to patient care and to assist with treatment related complications/ hypersensitivity reactions. The GPO shall be readily available to respond in person during the drug infusion if an adverse reaction occurs.

• • For absences, the GPO is responsible for arranging coverage and handover with covering physician or other oncology delegate (e.g., Nurse Practitioner) in a timely manner and in collaboration with the Manager/ Clinical Practice Lead.
  • Where possible, provide back-up GPO coverage in other sites within the zone in the absence of the site-specific GPO to ensure there is no compromise to clinical care.

Other:

• • Adhere to NSH CCP guidelines and policies to ensure that expected standards of care are achieved.
  • Participate in medical practice that is compatible with Nova Scotia Health’s mission, values, and strategic directions.
  • Provide academic and clinical leadership to the local medical community related to the care of cancer patients and work in a co-leadership capacity with the clinic manager and/ or zonal oncology leadership as needed.

Expected Hours:

• Part-time hours (0.4 FTE)
• Patient load is variable

• GPOs must have an active license to practice medicine in this province from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS).
• GPOs must maintain active Canadian Medical Protective Association coverage and have active hospital privileges at their designated site/zone. 
• Previous oncology training and experience is an asset but not required. Training will be provided to anyone with sufficient interest.

Physicians in Nova Scotia provide fulfilling patient care which embraces family life, professional development and community involvement. That's what makes practicing medicine in Nova Scotia unique. Physicians are increasingly attracted to practices that offer team-based care to their patients and allow them to consult with their peers. The size and scale of Nova Scotia allows for better connections across the health care system. Your practice of medicine and your life is richer here. Nova Scotia is more than medicine. 

Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. Our priority groups are Aboriginal People, African Nova Scotians, Persons with Disabilities and Recent Immigrants. Members of these groups are welcome to apply and self-identify if they wish to be considered under our Employment Equity policy.