Are you a knowledgeable, driven practitioner who is passionate about making a tangible difference? We are looking for a Family Physician to join the SOAHAC team at our Waterloo-Wellington site located in Chippewa. Reporting to the Integrated Care Manager in Chippewa, the Family Physician is responsible for providing comprehensive, patient-centered Primary Care which emphasizes accessibility, health promotion, illness prevention and continuity of care for Indigenous people living off-reserve and surrounding First Nations communities. The physician provides care to individuals across the life span, promoting a wholistic approach to assist individuals, families and groups to achieve an optimal state of health and well-being. The Physician works in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team including mental health and traditional healing services and provides consultation to the Nurse Practitioners as needed.
Why work with us?
• Make an Impact: Your work will amplify SOAHAC’s mission, ensuring that Indigenous communities have access to vital, wholistic health services.
• Innovative and Collaborative Environment: Work in a multidisciplinary setting that values the exchange of ideas, innovation, and collective learning.
• Professional Growth: Benefit from meaningful professional development opportunities in a culturally rich environment that supports your career aspirations.
• Supportive Benefits Package: Enjoy competitive pay, a supportive benefits package, and meaningful time off to ensure your personal well-being.
What we’re looking for:
• Experience: Medical Degree and current license to practice medicine in the province of Ontario.
• Indigenous Cultural Knowledge and Understanding: Knowledge of the legacy of residential schools, colonization, assimilation, and the impacts of such history on the health of individuals.
• Cultural Sensitivity & Awareness: A genuine respect for Indigenous cultures and practices, with an openness to learning and engaging with Indigenous communities. Possess and thorough understanding of the social/societal determinants of health of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Experience with Indigenous communities is an asset.
• Clinical Knowledge: Function as a member of a multi-disciplinary team (including Primary Care, Mental Health, and Traditional Healing) with respect, professionalism, co-operation, and cultural sensitivity. Possess the ability to work with a collaborative, pro-choice, trauma-informed, harm-reduction-focused, and client-centered approach, with a commitment to providing the highest level of client and family-centered care.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills and relationship building abilities to support the interdisciplinary staff team and wholistic model of care.
• Organization and Time Management: Demonstrated organization, time management, and problem-solving skills that contribute to our standard of excellence in client care. Must have proficiency in the use of basic computer applications, EMR competency an asset.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: You are a team player who can work independently while contributing to broader organizational goals.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact positively with community members, management, and staff
• Additional Requirements: You have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle, as travel within the region may be needed. You’ll also need a clean police check and up-to-date immunizations and records.
What you’ll do:
• Primary Care: Provide comprehensive primary care services to clients of all ages, including primary prevention, health education, comprehensive physical exams, chronic disease management, antenatal care, palliative care and acute/episodic visits. Provide primary care indirectly by working interactively with nurse practitioners, providing consultation to nurses or other staff. Conduct on-site assessments, as well as telephone, virtual and home visits.
• Social Determinants of Health: Work within a social determinants of health framework which emphasizes health promotion and education, disease prevention and recognizes the special risk factors (social, physical, psychological etc.) which may affect the health of clients
• Advocacy Community Outreach: Advocate on behalf of clients with regards to equitable access to traditional healing and western health services. Participate in community outreach, patient education and prevention programs.
• Clinic Functions: Must maintain patient files, encounter information, correspondence, clinical protocols and other data to meet the requirements of the Ministry of Health and regulatory bodies. Provide leadership and guidance in the general organization and operation of the clinic’s medical activities. Maintain close collaborative working relationships with other allied health professionals and work in collaboration with other health professionals to ensure a broad range of traditional and western services are available to clients. Act as a supervisor and consultant to health care students and participates in the learning of students from other disciplines.
What we offer:
• Cultural and Personal Development: SOAHAC offers a culturally supportive environment where personal and professional growth is encouraged. You’ll have the chance to make a lasting impact on Indigenous communities while building your career.
• Supportive Work Culture: Join a team that values collaboration, respect, and shared success. You’ll be supported every step of the way as you work to amplify SOAHAC’s message.
• Inclusive Employment Practices: SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
If you are ready to make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous communities, amplify a message that matters, and be part of a team driving lasting change, we want to hear from you. Apply now and take the next step in your career with SOAHAC.
This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.