Senior Medical Advisor, Investigations

College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 259,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare regulatory body in Edmonton is seeking a Senior Medical Advisor to lead investigations under the Health Professions Act. This role requires extensive clinical experience and exceptional communication skills to handle complaints, prepare reports, and collaborate with various stakeholders. The position offers a salary of $258,451 along with a comprehensive benefits package, with a potential hybrid work arrangement after an initial probation period.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Pension plan

Potential for hybrid work

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of clinical practice experience required.
• Recent administrative experience essential.
• Capable of handling multiple investigation cases concurrently.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations of complaints under the Health Professions Act.
• Prepare comprehensive preliminary Investigation Reports.
• Ensure timely communication with all parties involved.

Skills

Strong investigative ability

Proficient knowledge of CPSA policies

Superior communication skills

Ability to analyze complex issues

Education

MD, CCFP or equivalent

Job description

Overview

The Senior Medical Advisor, Investigations works under the supervision of the Program Manager, Investigations. The role supports the team by providing specialized medical expertise related to investigations under the Health Professions Act. The individual must possess broad clinical experience, a comprehensive understanding of the CPSA Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, Health Professions Act, Health Information Act, and have the ability to perform complex investigations. The role requires outstanding communication skills, the ability to draft professional documents and to communicate effectively with internal and external parties.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investigation of complaints under the Health Professions Act as assigned by the Associate Complaints Director (ACD)/Program Manager within both legislated and procedurally required timelines.
• Review and determine appropriate investigation process related to the assigned complaint file based on the natures and issues of the filed complaint and direction from the Complaints Director (CD) and ACD.
• Gather, review, and analyze medical records within the parameters of CPSA privacy policy and the Health Information Act.
• Conduct interviews pursuant to Professional Conduct Department (“PCD”) policies.
• Assess and arrange external assistance as appropriate (including external medical investigators, external investigators, expert opinion).
• Communication with external parties including physicians, complainants, legal counsel, hospital administration, etc.
• During the active investigation, ensure that the timeliness of reporting pursuant to legislated requirements is met.
• Ensure CPSA and PCD Privacy requirements are met during the investigation process (i.e.: redactions, password protection, correct individuals and contact information).
• Preparation of comprehensive preliminary Investigation Report. Ensure the preliminary version is available for review in advance of the weekly rounds meeting, and present (both written copy and oral summary) to the Complaints Director.
• Prepare disposition correspondence (final letters: hearing referral, dismissal, etc.) for the ACD’s review and signature.
• Meet key performance indicator expectations for file loads and investigation closures on an annual basis.
• Respond to legal counsel and other parties on status of investigation and provide information with respect to the investigation.
• Perform additional duties as required by legal counsel during preparation for hearings; may include additional investigation, interviews, and/or research.
• Attend hearings at Complaint Director’s request.
• Prepare documentation and correspondence for files.
• Approach all efforts on investigation in an unbiased and methodical manner.
• Regular communication with all parties and CPSA team members.
• May provide coverage assistance and respond to queries when other investigators are absent.
• Participate in the instruction and oversight of work performed by the assigned Administrative Assistant and ensure performance expectations are met. Provide regular feedback to both the individual and the Program Coordinator.
• Actively participates in regular standing meetings and investigator team meetings as directed.
• Actively engage in professional development on a regular basis.
• Active engagement in PCD quality improvement processes and projects.
• In support of continuous quality improvement, look for and suggest opportunities of improvement to the program and process.
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• MD, CCFP or equivalent, and/or Royal College Fellowship eligible for licensure in Alberta

Experience:

• A minimum 5-10 years clinical practice and recent administrative experience.

Skills:

• Strong ability to investigate multiple complaint cases concurrently, and make decisions on complex issues.
• Proficient sound knowledge of CPSA policies and practices.
• Developed knowledge of expected community standards of practice and investigation process.
• Requires interpretation of unprofessional conduct as defined under the HPA, Standards of Practice, Code of Ethics, and Code of Conduct.
• Superior communication skills, including active listening, writing of correspondence and reports, and presentation skills.

Salary and Terms

The salary for this position is $258,451 and includes a comprehensive benefit package and pension plan.

During the 90-day probationary period, the successful candidate will be required to work from CPSA's downtown Edmonton office. At the conclusion of a successful probationary period, a hybrid work arrangement may be considered.

Application Instructions

Along with your CV, please submit a cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for this position by telling us how your relevant work experience has prepared you to undertake this role. Submissions without a cover letter will not be considered.

We thank all candidates for their interest in CPSA. Only those selected to move forward in our selection process will be contacted.

Please note that the successful candidate will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check satisfactory to CPSA.

By applying to this position, you are confirming you possess either a Canadian Citizenship, permanent resident status, or valid work permit.

CPSA has suspended its mandatory employee COVID-19 vaccination policy at this time. Should it be deemed necessary to be reinstated, all employees would be required to provide proof of vaccination. By applying to this position, you acknowledge your awareness of CPSA's suspended policy.

CPSA embraces diversity and equal opportunity. The more inclusive we are, the better we can do our work. All candidates are considered for employment regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran or disability status.

CPSA’s work of regulating physicians and physician assistants takes place throughout Alberta. Our office is in Treaty 6 Territory, traditional lands of many First Nations including the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Dene and Nakota Sioux. We are located within the Métis Homeland and acknowledge the Inuit who call this place home today.