Palliative Care Physician (MD/DO) - Texas

Commonwealth Medical Services; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is looking for a Palliative Care Physician to enhance the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses. Key responsibilities include managing complex symptoms, collaborating with healthcare teams, and conducting goals-of-care discussions. The ideal candidate must have an MD or DO, preferably with fellowship training in Palliative Medicine, and the ability to engage in compassionate, patient-centered care. This role will involve work in hospital, outpatient, and community settings, ensuring compliance with medical standards.

Qualifications

• Expertise in managing symptoms of serious illnesses.
• Compassionate care aligned with patient values.
• Ability to navigate complex healthcare conversations.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and manage patients with serious illnesses.
• Conduct complex symptom management.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Educate on palliative care principles.

Skills

Symptom management expertise

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Facilitating sensitive conversations

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Completion of an accredited residency

Fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine (preferred)

Board-eligible or board-certified in Hospice and Palliative Medicine (preferred)

Job description

Palliative Care Physician (MD/DO)

Position Summary

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 Responsibilities

• Evaluate 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

Qualifications

• 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

Skills and Competencies

• 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

Work Environment

• Hospital inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and community-based care settings
• Call responsibilities as determined by program structure

Physical Requirements

• 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

Must maintain state certification and/or licensure.