Addiction Medicine - Inpatient Withdrawal Management Unit & Recovery Support Centre

Nova Scotia Healthcare System•Springhill, NS

38d•CA$191,847 - CA$225,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Nova Scotia Health's Mental Health and Addictions Program is seeking a compassionate and collaborative physician to join the interdisciplinary team providing Addiction Medicine services at the Springhill Inpatient Withdrawal Management Unit (IWMU) and Recovery Support Centre, located at All Saints Springhill Hospital. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide both inpatient and outpatient Addiction Medicine care, supporting individuals throughout their recovery journey—from medically supported withdrawal management to ongoing community-based treatment, including Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) and recovery-oriented care. The successful candidate will primarily practice in Springhill and may provide occasional clinical support to the Amherst Recovery Support Centre, based on operational requirements. The position is 0.4 FTE and may be filled by a single physician or shared among multiple physicians. Flexible scheduling allows physicians to balance this role with other clinical practices. The physician will work as part of an experienced interdisciplinary team that includes nursing, social work, counselling and other Mental Health and Addictions professionals committed to delivering evidence-informed, patient-centered addiction care. This position reports to the Mental Health and Addictions Physician Lead, Addiction Medicine.

Requirements

Hold a current medical license issued by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS), or be eligible for licensure.
Be eligible for certification with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, as appropriate.
Hold, or be eligible to obtain, active medical staff privileges with Nova Scotia Health.
Maintain membership with the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA).

Nice To Haves

Certification in Addiction Medicine through the College of Family Physicians of Canada or another recognized certifying body is considered an asset.
Experience in Addiction Medicine, inpatient withdrawal management, Opioid Agonist Treatment, or substance use care is considered an asset.
Nova Scotia Health provides orientation, mentorship and ongoing clinical support for physicians who wish to develop expertise in Addiction Medicine.

Responsibilities

Provide medical assessment, admission, stabilization and ongoing management of patients admitted for medically supervised withdrawal.
Diagnose and manage withdrawal from alcohol, and other substances using evidence-based protocols.
Initiate and optimize pharmacologic treatment for substance use disorders, including Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) where clinically appropriate.
Collaborate with nursing, allied health professionals and community partners to facilitate safe discharge planning and transition to ongoing treatment.
Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Conduct comprehensive outpatient Addiction Medicine assessments and ongoing follow-up.
Provide Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) and other evidence-based pharmacologic treatments for substance use disorders.
Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with patients, families (where appropriate) and the interdisciplinary team.
Provide ongoing monitoring and support for patients receiving addiction treatment.
Facilitate referrals to community programs, primary care and other Mental Health and Addictions services.
Deliver trauma-informed, culturally safe and recovery-oriented care that promotes patient autonomy and engagement.
Work collaboratively with primary care providers, hospital services and community partners to ensure seamless transitions across the continuum of addiction care.
Participate in interdisciplinary case discussions and quality improvement initiatives.
Provide occasional clinical support to the Amherst Recovery Support Centre as operationally required.