The Associate Medical Director plays a key role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered hospice and palliative care to individuals and families in our community. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the vision and mission of a nonprofit hospice ensuring that care is delivered in a patient-centered and ethical manner. In addition to providing direct patient care, the Associate Medical Director collaborates closely with interdisciplinary team members, contributes to clinical leadership, and supports the mission of guiding life’s final journey with expertise and empathy.  

Supervises  

Clinical Supervision of Nurse Practitioners 

Clinical Leadership  

• Provide expert medical care directly to hospice and palliative care patients, including symptom management, advance care planning, and oversight of care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. 
• Perform medical patient visits in the home, community facilities, the hospice inpatient unit and residential hospice house. 
• Assess patients for hospice eligibility for initial certification and re-certification.  
• Serve as the Physician Member of the Interdisciplinary Group, collaborating to meet regulatory requirements, providing necessary certifications and documentation, and working together with community providers to establish plans of care. 
• Participate in on-call medical coverage for hospice patients on a rotational basis with other members of the medical team to ensure 24/7 coverage to all patients. 

Team Collaboration  

• Partner with nurses, social workers, chaplains, nurse practitioners, aides, doulas, and other team members to support holistic care. Facilitate effective communication and foster a supportive team environment. Collaborate with hospice, palliative medicine, and community providers.  

Regulatory Compliance  

• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and organizational policies. Maintain accurate and thorough documentation.  

Education and Advocacy  

• Serve as a resource for clinical staff, providing education and guidance on hospice and palliative care principles.  
• Act as a community ambassador, advocating hospice services and promoting awareness of end-of-life care options. Participate in community outreach events. 
• Provide support and education to medical professionals within the community to enhance broad provision of end-of-life care. 

Quality and Leadership Development  

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and help shape the strategic direction of hospice services.  
• Mentor staff and contribute to fostering a culture of excellence. 

Typical Physical Demands/Working Conditions: 

• Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination. 
• Requires standing and walking for prolonged periods of time. 
• Ability to sit, stand, stoop, bend, reach, lift, walk, and climb steps 
• Verbal and written communication skills, including ability to use phone and computer efficiently  
• Requires normal visual acuity and hearing   
• Drive short/long distances 
• Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical environment 

• Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) with a valid medical license in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 
• Valid and unrestricted DEA license. 
• Ability to qualify for Medical Malpractice Insurance. 
• Expertise in hospice, palliative care, or related fields.  
• Strong knowledge of hospice care regulations, quality measures, and compliance requirements. 
• Current Virginia driver’s license and automobile insurance 
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and current automobile insurance with required liability coverage amounts. 
• Frequent local travel may be required (e.g., driving to patient homes or local facilities). 
• Ability to be bonded 

Preferred: 

• Board Certified / Board Eligible in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. 
• Demonstrated expertise in the care of seriously ill patients. 
• Experience working with underserved populations, including rural communities. 
• Familiarity with electronic medical record systems. 
• Demonstrated leadership experience in interdisciplinary healthcare settings.