Psychiatry

Role Description

In accordance with the standards of practice and the established vision and values of Vancouver Coastal Health, the psychiatrist who accepts this position will evaluate, diagnose and provide specialized treatment for patients with complex, treatment‑resistant psychosis including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar and other disorders. The psychiatrist is a member of a collaborative interdisciplinary team that includes physicians, nurses, psychiatric nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, peer‑support workers, psychologists, rehabilitation workers, and recreation therapists to provide an innovative and comprehensive array of services.

The psychiatrist will serve as a resource to the interdisciplinary team in dealing with complex mental disorders and symptom management with a strong knowledge base in psychopharmacology. The psychiatrist may also be involved in innovative treatment interventions and will participate in the training and education of medical students, residents and other allied health professionals. Participation in academic activities is expected and opportunities exist for participation in research.

All physicians working in Vancouver Acute are required to participate in on‑call service.

The BC Psychosis Program provides world‑class, patient‑focused care for people with refractory psychosis and their families. It offers excellence in clinical care based on the best available evidence and treatment tailored to each person’s individual needs and inclusive of families whenever possible. The program serves as a resource to Health Authorities across BC by providing highly specialized services to patients that require pharmacological, biophysical, and psychosocial treatment for their illness because second line treatment approaches have been either ineffective or partially effective.

The 25‑bed inpatient unit established in the Detwiller Pavilion, UBC Hospital has a provincial mandate. Clinical staff are experts in their field, with interest in research on psychotic disorders and the effectiveness of both existing and new treatments.

The clinical program models are strength‑based and aim to support individuals in their unique process of recovery by offering a range of evidence‑based clinical services including psychotherapeutic and psychosocial interventions, integrated approaches to physical health & wellness, and peer‑based programming.

The psychiatrist will report to the Head and Medical Director, Department of Psychiatry, Vancouver Acute through the Clinical Director, BC Psychosis Program.

The psychiatrist will provide a minimum of 4 half‑days of work per week in a blended billing model (sessional and fee‑for‑service). Physicians are responsible for their own billings.

• A Medical Degree and eligibility for or active licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia.
• Specialist qualifications in Psychiatry from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or the equivalent.
• Eligibility for a clinical faculty appointment with the UBC Faculty of Medicine.
• A demonstrated ability working as a member of an interdisciplinary mental health team.
• Familiarity with the principles of Recovery and Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Mental Health.
• A commitment to participate in new methods in health improvement and care delivery.
• Experience working with refractory psychosis population.
• Experience with addiction psychiatry and the substance‑use challenges that face this marginalized population would be an asset.
• Candidates must meet the credentialing requirements of Vancouver Coastal Health.

• Grow your career with employer‑paid training and leadership development opportunities.
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services available to employees and their immediate families.
• Award‑winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers.
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff.