FAMILY PHYSICIAN- The Wellness Centre

ABOUT US
Welcome to the Wellness Centre. We are a groundbreaking, standalone First Nations primary care facility located in Fort St. James in north central British Columbia. This Centre serves the region of the Nak’azdli Whut’en, Binche Whut’en and Tl’azt’en First Nation (Dakelh people). Fort St James is located on Stuart Lake in close proximity of five First Nations communities with a population of 5000 diverse community members. It is a vast and remote area, known for its natural beauty and rich natural resources.

*Dadzi means loon in the Carrier language. The loon is one of the main bird species in the traditional territory. Local legend describes the loon as a source of wellness.

TITLE: Family Physician
Successful applicants may wish to be considered for a 0.2 FTE medical lead
Contract: Contract up to a 1.0 FTE-typically 1680 hours a year
Location: Fort St. James with spoke services to the on-reserve communities of
Binche, Nak’azdli and Tl’azt’en First Nations

Physician Master Agreement Full Scope range placement of $302,113 - $377,641 subject to whether scope of services includes facility-based coverage. Additional Rural Retention Program Premium of 22.26%. Compensation is scaled to Full Time Equivalent. Additional incentives may apply subject to eligibility. Family Physicians are not required to make a contribution towards overhead and typically a renewable contract will be negotiated.

FNPCI INITIATIVE
The Wellness Centre is a First Nations-led Primary Care Initiative (FNPCI). The FNPCI aims to improve access to primary health-care services for First Nations people across BC in a way that is culturally safe and closer to home. The FNPCI is part of the province’s primary care strategy, which is integrating team-based care in communities throughout B.C. and changing the way primary care is delivered with the creation of primary care networks in partnership with the Regional Health Authorities.

In order to meet the health and wellness needs of First Nations people, it is very important that primary care be culturally informed where Indigenous ways of knowing and being are woven into services. The aim is for clients to feel safe, welcomed, valued, respected and heard when they access care services at one of these centres.

ABOUT THE CENTRE
The Wellness Centre services are designed to provide wraparound, team-based primary care, mental health and traditional wellness services. It is expected that the centre will initially operate Monday to Friday (excluding Statutory Holidays) during regular business hours (this may change over time due to operational needs).

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Family Physician will be the most responsible provider for a patient panel but is expected to collaborate in team-based care for patients and support the practice of Western and Traditional Wellness approaches to patient health. A minimum panel size is typically expected to reach 650 per 1.0 FTE by year 3 and will be confirmed in the clinical service contract.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Family Physician (GP) will be responsible for practicing with cultural humility, to provide primary care in a culturally safe, team-based environment that recognizes the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the client (and family) to provide whole person care, in compliance with policies and procedures of acceptable BC health and wellness regulations and standards.

ABOUT YOU
• You are passionate about supporting First Nations individuals and families on their health and wellness journeys;
• You have an active practicing license in good standing with the College of Physicians of BC (CPSBC);
• You have training in Cultural Safety & Humility or are willing to take this training;
• Ideally you have experience working with First Nations people and communities and providing culturally safe care.
• Current valid driving license and willingness to travel to sites throughout the Fort St. James region.

ACTIVITIES/FESTIVALS/EVENTS IN THE REGION
- Vanderhoof rodeo
- Tl’azt’en cultural days
- Nak’albun elementary school cultural week
- Sports: Hockey leagues (youth, adult), soccer tournaments, basketball events
- Winter activities: Skiing, cross-country skiing etc.
- Fort St. James National Historic Site (canada.ca)
- Year-round outdoor activity: Hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, skiing

WHY LIVE IN THE FORT ST. JAMES AREA:
Fort St James, British Columbia is a charming town with a rich history and culture, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Here are some reasons why you might consider moving to Fort St James:
1. Unparalleled Natural Beauty: Fort St James is situated in the heart of the Nechako, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lakes. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and skiing in a stunning setting.
2. Rich Indigenous Culture: Fort St James is home to the Carrier Dakelh First Nations, offering a unique opportunity to learn about and experience Indigenous culture and traditions.
3. Small-Town Charm: With a population of around 3000, Fort St James offers a warm and welcoming community with a relaxed pace of life.
4. Education: Fort St. James has a range of educational opportunities including 2 Elementary Schools, a High School and the College of New Caledonia. There are a number of public and private daycares in the region.
5. Outdoor Adventures: Fort St James is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to world-class fishing, hunting, and skiing.
6. Affordable Living: Compared to larger cities in British Columbia, Fort St James has a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle.
7. Growing Economy: Fort St James is experiencing economic growth, with new businesses and initiatives emerging in industries like tourism, forestry, and mining.
8. Rich History: Fort St James has a fascinating history, with many museums, heritage sites, and cultural attractions to explore.
9. Community Events: Fort St James hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating its Indigenous heritage, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
10. Unbeatable Northern Lights: Fort St James’s location in the auroral zone makes it an ideal spot to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights.
11. Be a part of something amazing: The Wellness Centre is seeking Health Professionals that want to make change in groundbreaking and innovative Healthcare for First Nations people!

We work together, not apart, with our beautiful and culturally rich First Nations communities in British Columbia.


ANTICIPATED START DATE: As soon as possible.

Qualifications:
Current College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) License (Full); Canadian College of Family Practitioners (CCFP) (Mandatory); Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) (Mandatory)