Family Medicine/Primary Care Physician

High Country Community Health•Elkin, NC

About The Position

High Country Community Health (HCCH), a federally funded Community and Migrant Health Center serving Watauga, Avery, Burke, and Surry Counties, provides comprehensive and culturally sensitive primary health care to medically underserved populations. The position requires medical training in family practice, general practice, or another primary care orientation, along with an understanding of and interest in preventive and community health. The physician oversees patient care and works with the care team—including patient health and resource specialists, nursing staff, and other support personnel—to assess health, make or confirm diagnoses, arrange specialist referrals, and write or refill prescriptions. The physician supervises medical support personnel, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and is responsible to HCCH’s Medical Director.

Requirements

Medical training in family practice, general practice, or another primary care practice orientation.
Understanding of and interest in preventive and community health.
Practice medicine in accordance with the customary ethical and conduct standards of the North Carolina Board of Medical Examiners.
Comply with HCCH bylaws, rules, and regulations.
Ability to make sound judgments based on assessments and available data and act accordingly.
Ability to be flexible, innovative, and work independently.
Good interpersonal skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple functions or tasks.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekdays and, when needed, some weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Ability to squat, kneel, reach, twist, walk, and sit for long periods; the role requires considerable physical effort for most of the day.

Responsibilities

Examine and treat patients in the office.
Refer patients for specialist services as required.
Answer telephone calls from HCCH’s Nurse Triage when scheduled.
Maintain electronic medical records.
Review laboratory, X-ray, and emergency reports daily and supervise medical support personnel.
Provide backup and supervision for provider extenders and develop standing orders.
Participate in special screening, training, and community outreach activities as determined.
Develop cooperative arrangements with other health providers in the area.
Participate in drafting medical policies with the HCCH Medical Director, CEO, and board representatives.
Ensure appropriate coding for billing purposes.
Perform other assigned medically related duties.
Maintain the ability to order testing with a local hospital.
Promote goodwill among and between HCCH employees.
Maintain respectful and open dialogue with HCCH leadership.
Work with care-team members to coordinate patient care and stay informed about treatment progress.
Complete health assessments, make or confirm diagnoses, provide referrals, and write or refill prescriptions as appropriate.
Supervise nurse practitioners and physician assistants regarding patient care.