What are the responsibilities and job description for the Palliative Care Physician (MD/DO) - Texas position at Commonwealth Medical Services?
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
- 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
Must maintain state certification and/or licensure.