The following is a full-time opportunity working 30 hours per week (0.75 FTE).

Working collaboratively to add to the capacity and expertise in the areas of physician assessment, particularly in the area of Registration Assessments involving the Practice Readiness Assessments Alberta (PRA-AB), but also involving Change in Scope, Return to Practice and Competency Assessments. The Senior Medical Advisor (SMA) ensures that assessments are conducted with competent assessors who build sufficient evidence for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) to make registration decisions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the Senior Manager, works with the Assistant Registrar, Director, Senior Medical Advisors, and Coordinators to continue the operation, implementation and development of Registration Assessments, including but not limited to PRA applicant orientation sessions, assessor training materials, collaboration with national PRA groups, and identification of new assessors.

• Practice Readiness Assessments Alberta (PRA-AB):

  • Maintain an adequate pool of qualified assessors by recruiting or providing advice (as required) to the staff in the identification of appropriate assessors. This will involve identifying new assessors as well as eliminating assessors who do not meet performance expectations.
  • With support from the Registration Assessments team, conduct assessor training sessions for both new and current assessors as part of their introduction to the role and as part of their ongoing continuing professional development.
  • Review and analyze all assessment notes and reports generated by PRA assessors over the course of a practice readiness assessment.
  • Contact assessors at scheduled intervals, in keeping with procedure, to review assessment findings, gather assessor input into the status of the assessment, identify applicants’ strengths and weaknesses, and discuss any particular challenges that might impact a practice readiness decision.
  • Provide coaching and direction with respect to the quality and quantity of assessment notes and reports generated by the assessor in keeping with principles and related assessment tools.
  • Arrange for alternate assessment locations or further assessment as may be required based upon challenges identified in a particular assessment that may impact the reliability or validity of the assessment.
  • Provide feedback to staff relative to the status of all assessments and on the performance of assessors in the role.
  • Render a practice readiness recommendation at the conclusion of an assessment using a standard report. Participate in peer review of all assessment decisions.
  • In the event of a potential failure, compile all available evidence and provide the Assistant Registrar with a recommendation for a decision.
  • Contribute to and lead national pan-Canadian (NAC PRA) work involving assessments as a representative for CPSA.

• Change in Scope and Return to Practice assessments:

  • Review and approve all requests for change in scope, and return to practice assessments.
  • Provide direct support in related assessment/remediation arrangements, including selection of assessment tools, and selection and training of associated assessors.
  • Arrange for alternate assessment locations or further assessment as may be required based upon challenges identified in a particular assessment that may impact the reliability or validity of the assessment.
  • Render a practice readiness recommendation at the conclusion of an assessment. Compile all available evidence and provide this information and recommendation to the Assistant Registrar for a decision.

• Competency Assessments:

  • Maintain and redesign the Competency Assessment process and tools as required.
  • Maintain an adequate pool of qualified assessors by recruiting or providing advice (as required) to the staff in the identification of appropriate assessors.
  • Provide direct support for the Competency Assessment assessors and members undergoing the Competency Assessment process.

• Review and approve (decline) applications for Certified Examiners and Injury Management Consultants, as well as any additional practice applications that may be required through CPSA Council or Registrar direction.

• In support of continuous quality improvement, review and make recommendations to update process or procedures within CPSA.

• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required Minimum Qualifications:

  • MD, CCFP or equivalent, and/or Royal College Fellowship eligible for licensure in Alberta, and in good standing with CPSA.
  • 5 years of clinical practice and recent administrative experience with broad medical knowledge and experience in a variety of health care settings.

• Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

  • Previous experience in assessment, teaching/mentoring, and analyzing competence-related data
  • Sound knowledge of CPSA policies and practices, especially pertaining to registration
  • Strong interpretation of professional conduct and standards of practice
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills, including active listening, writing of correspondence and reports and presentation skills
  • Ability to analyze various information to make decisions and recommendations on complex issues
  • Computer literacy required, including familiarity with MS Office 365 applications

SALARY
The annual salary for this position is $195,296 and includes a comprehensive benefits package and pension plan.

Along with your resume, please submit a cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for this position by telling us how your relevant work experience has prepared you to undertake this role. A submission without a cover letter will not be considered.

During the 90-day probationary period, the successful candidate will be required to work from CPSA's downtown Edmonton office. At the conclusion of a successful probationary period, a hybrid work arrangement may be considered.

Please note that the successful candidate will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check satisfactory to CPSA.

We thank all candidates for their interest in CPSA. Only those selected to move forward in our selection process will be contacted.

By applying to this position, you are confirming you possess either a Canadian Citizenship, permanent resident, status, or valid work permit.

CPSA embraces diversity and equal opportunity. The more inclusive we are, the better we can do our work. All candidates are considered for employment regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran or disability status.

CPSA's work of regulating physicians and physician assistants takes place throughout Alberta. Our office is in Treaty 6 Territory, traditional lands of many First Nations including the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Dene and Nakota Sioux. We are located within the Métis Homeland and acknowledge the Inuit who call this place home.