Public Health Physician - Public Health Response, BC Centre for Disease Control

BC Centre for Disease Control; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Public Health Physician to lead initiatives in respiratory viral surveillance and communicable disease control. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including health authorities and Indigenous organizations, to enhance public health outcomes. You will provide expert consultation, develop surveillance systems, and engage in policy development while fostering a culture of respect and wellness. If you are passionate about making a difference in public health and have a strong background in epidemiology, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• MD required; postgraduate degree in Epidemiology or Public Health preferred.
• Strong communication, leadership, and clinical skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide medical leadership in respiratory surveillance and outbreak management.
• Develop policies and support public health research related to infectious diseases.

Skills

Epidemiologic expertise

Communication skills

Leadership abilities

Clinical medicine proficiency

Statistical software proficiency

Education

MD from a recognized university

Postgraduate degree in Epidemiology or Public Health

Fellowship in Community Medicine, Internal Medicine or Pediatrics

Job description

Public Health Physician, Public Health Response

BC Centre for Disease Control

Regular Full-Time (1.0 FTE)
Vancouver, BC

The Public Health Physician provides medical leadership within the Public Health Response team, working closely with the Senior Scientist and Senior Practice Leader of Respiratory Viral Surveillance. Reporting to the Medical Director, this role involves providing medical expertise and leadership for provincial respiratory surveillance (e.g., influenza, RSV, COVID-19), emerging respiratory infection preparedness, and response. The physician supports outbreak investigation, program and policy analysis, and offers expert consultation to address knowledge gaps in communicable diseases, strengthening public health networks and emergency management.

This role collaborates with communities, health authorities, Indigenous organizations, and government bodies to address public health issues, uphold Indigenous rights, eliminate anti-Indigenous racism, and promote reconciliation. It also participates in initiatives to foster a culture of respect and wellness.

Specific Accountabilities

1. Provides epidemiologic expertise and consultation on communicable diseases to health officials and government, including outbreak management and population-based prevention measures.
2. Monitors, interprets, and recommends actions based on surveillance data for diseases of concern, with emphasis on nosocomial, vaccine-preventable, and respiratory-borne diseases. Develops surveillance systems and initiatives.
3. Assists with communications for rapid information dissemination to the public, healthcare providers, and government, including briefing notes, media interviews, and public relations.
4. Prepares epidemiological reports and provides advice to health organizations on disease control.
5. Develops policies, supports budget proposals, and participates in public health research related to infectious diseases.
6. Coordinates outbreak investigations across jurisdictions, liaises with national and international bodies, and may act as media spokesperson.
7. Creates educational materials for public and professional audiences.
8. Attends meetings and conferences, representing the division and participating in committees and workgroups.
9. Provides on-call services as scheduled.

Qualifications

1. MD from a recognized university.
2. Postgraduate degree in Epidemiology or Public Health.
3. Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Community Medicine, Internal Medicine or Pediatrics with Infectious Disease training, or Medical Microbiology.
4. Registration or eligibility with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC.
5. Proficiency in computer skills, including statistical software.
6. Clinical medicine proficiency.
7. Strong communication skills, including public speaking.
8. Leadership and supervisory abilities.
9. At least one year of public health experience in communicable disease control.
10. Experience as a Medical Health Officer or related roles is an asset.
11. Research experience and grant funding success are assets.

Work site: 655 West 12th Avenue, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver BC
Job type: Regular Full Time
Hours: 8:30-16:30, Monday to Friday

Applications should be submitted via this link. For questions, contact Heather Finn at [e-mail].

Our organization is committed to employment equity and reconciliation, supporting Indigenous rights, and fostering an inclusive environment.