The Palliative Care Physician provides specialized medical care focused on improving quality of life for patients with serious, complex, or life-limiting illnesses. This role emphasizes expert symptom management, goals-of-care discussions, and support for patients and families, working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams across the continuum of care.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesEvaluate and manage patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses in inpatient, outpatient, or community settings
Provide expert management of complex symptoms including pain, dyspnea, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and depression
Conduct goals-of-care discussions, advance care planning, and code status conversations
Support patients and families with decision-making aligned with patient values and preferences
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including nursing, social work, chaplaincy, case management, and specialty consultants
Provide consultation services to primary and specialty teams
Assist with transitions of care including hospice referral when appropriate
Educate patients, families, and healthcare teams on palliative care principles
Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation
Participate in quality improvement, patient safety, and program development initiatives
Supervise and educate advanced practice providers, residents, fellows, or medical students as applicable
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 (Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Neurology, Oncology, or related specialty)
Fellowship training in Hospice and Palliative Medicine preferred
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 serious illness care
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to facilitate complex and sensitive conversations
Compassionate, patient- and family-centered approach
Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams
Hospital inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and community-based care settings
Call responsibilities as determined by program structure
Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout clinical environments
Manual dexterity for clinical examinations and office-based procedures
Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for patient assessment