Description

Imagine practicing palliative care in an integrated health care system with an established system of concurrent care hospice, with a nationally supported VITAL TALK-based goals of care program, and with the freedom to use a variety of non-pharmaceutical treatments and modalities.  We work collaboratively with specialty and primary care colleagues.  Teaching includes didactic sessions for residents, fellows, and faculty, in addition to direct supervision of goals of care discussions. Plans for hospice and palliative medicine fellows from the University of Iowa are ongoing.

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The Outpatient service provides direct outpatient care, e-consults, and Telehealth appointments Monday-Friday (8 am to 4:30 pm). We see an average of 20 heart failure and oncology patients in concurrent care hospice—receiving disease-directed therapies and hospice. We have a Palliative Plus case management program for patients who are hospice-appropriate medically but not interested in enrollment.  Our inpatient service provides services during the day and rotating coverage on nights and weekends. Average inpatient census of  6 to 10 patients. Our palliative care team includes a robust interdisciplinary team including spiritual care, two dedicated pharmacy specialists, social workers, RN case management, and music therapy.

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Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature and the site of the International Writing Program and the Writers Workshop.  Home to the University of Iowa, there are many cultural and sporting events.  In addition, there is an ease of living—with easy commuting to and from work.  There are big city amenities in a city that is the right size.

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The candidate must lead the Palliative Care team in evidence-based practice to care for Veterans with a compulsive commitment to quality care.  The candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, thrive in an interdisciplinary team environment, and be a strong ambassador for palliative medicine within the hospital, the VA clinics, and with the many collaborating hospice agencies. The candidate must be collaborative and enjoy working in an environment that thrives on continuous quality improvement while providing direct patient care, and teaching students, residents, and fellows.

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Candidates must be certified through the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine with 5-7 years of experience.  Fellowship-trained physicians are preferred.

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Please click the following link to review the outstanding benefits of VA employment: 2023 VHA Total Reward$ of a Physician VA Career Brochure.

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For additional information on this opportunity, please contact James Pryan, at (785) 221-0838 or send your CV to james.pryan@va.gov.