The Hospice Physician provides medical oversight and direct patient care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on comfort, symptom management, and quality of life. This role emphasizes compassionate, patient- and family-centered care while collaborating with an interdisciplinary hospice team to support patients throughout the end-of-life journey.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProvide medical evaluation and ongoing care for hospice patients in home, inpatient, or facility-based settings
Manage pain and complex symptoms including dyspnea, nausea, anxiety, delirium, and terminal agitation
Collaborate with interdisciplinary hospice team members including nursing, social work, chaplaincy, and therapy services
Certify and recertify hospice eligibility in accordance with regulatory requirements
Develop and oversee individualized plans of care focused on comfort and quality of life
Participate in family meetings and goals-of-care discussions
Provide clinical guidance and support to hospice nursing staff and advanced practice providers
Participate in after-hours or on-call coverage as required
Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation
Participate in quality improvement, patient safety, and compliance initiatives
Comply with all regulatory, accreditation, and professional standards
Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from an accredited medical school
Completion of an accredited residency program (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, or related specialty)
Board-eligible or board-certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine preferred
Ability to obtain and maintain unrestricted state medical licensure
DEA registration or eligibility
Expertise in symptom management and end-of-life care
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to conduct sensitive discussions with patients and families
Commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care
Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams
Patient homes, hospice inpatient units, nursing facilities, and community-based settings
Call responsibilities as determined by hospice program needs
Ability to travel to patient care locations
Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout care environments
Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for patient assessment