Associate Medical Director Polk Hardee Highlands

Empath Health

75d•Onsite

About The Position

Tidewell Hospice, a member of Empath Health, is seeking an Associate Medical Director to provide clinical leadership and ensure the highest standards of hospice and palliative care. In this role, you will guide the medical management of patients with advanced illness, support interdisciplinary teams, and uphold the mission and philosophy of hospice care. The Associate Medical Director oversees symptom management, care planning, and clinical quality while collaborating closely with nurses, CNAs, chaplains, and other care partners. Since 1980, Tidewell Hospice has proudly served families across southwest Florida with compassionate, dignified care. As a member of Empath Health, we help patients with advanced illness live meaningfully while supporting their families with warmth, expertise, and respect.

Requirements

MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school, with board certification in a related specialty.
Current Florida medical license under Florida Statute 458 or 459, along with active federal DEA registration.
Minimum of two years of recent, direct medical practice experience.
Hospital staff privileges at one or more hospitals and valid CPR certification if patient-facing.
Strong clinical judgment, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
Commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care aligned with hospice philosophy and Empath Health’s mission.

Nice To Haves

Hospice and palliative medicine certification strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide medical leadership for hospice patient care, ensuring high-quality symptom management, care planning, and adherence to hospice philosophy and clinical standards.
Round in care centers Monday–Friday and offer real-time clinical guidance to nurses, CNAs, chaplains, CTMs, and other interdisciplinary team members.
Review and sign daily admissions, medication reconciliations, prescriptions, orders, recertifications, and Certificates of Terminal Illness to support timely, compliant care delivery.
Participate in weekly IDG meetings to review recerts, admissions, medications, and care plans while guiding team decision-making and clinical quality.
Coordinate care with hospitals, specialists, and external providers, including intercepting hospital admissions and facilitating transitions to inpatient units or home care.
Complete daily responsibilities such as death certificates, prescription approvals, and plan-of-care calls to ensure seamless, patient-centered care across the Tidewell service area.
Part-time hospice Associate Medical Director Physician up to 20 hours per week. Availability to answer calls from nurses, CNA’s, chaplains, CTM’s, plan of care calls, etc., Monday through Friday 8-5.