Your clinical responsibilities will encompass a wide range of oncological services, reflecting the diverse needs of the community. A typical day begins with inpatient rounds at 7:30 or 8:00 AM, followed by clinic starting around 9:00 AM. You'll manage a mix of new patient consultations and follow-ups, overseeing treatment plans that span the full spectrum of oncology care. The patient demand in the area is significant, with the current medical director maintaining 90th percentile production while still achieving a balanced schedule that allows them to finish their day around 4:00 PM.
Your practice will cover a broad range of malignancies, including breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, hematologic, gynecologic, head and neck, skin (including melanoma), urologic, and neurological cancers. You'll be responsible for developing and implementing treatment plans that may include chemotherapy (both traditional and targeted therapies), immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. While Benefis does not perform certain complex procedures like Whipple surgeries, you'll play a crucial role in coordinating care directly, with large centers such as the University of Washington, University of Utah, MD Anderson, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Cleveland Clinic at your fingertips for collaboration and resources.
Our robust tumor board meets twice-weekly, working closely with surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for each patient. The tumor boards, while not mandatory, are an important forum for case discussions and treatment planning. You'll also work closely with the radiation oncology team, consisting of two radiation oncologists, to coordinate combined treatment modalities when appropriate.
Your clinical duties extend beyond direct patient care. You'll oversee the infusion center as needed, ensuring safe and effective administration of chemotherapy and other intravenous treatments. The center is staffed with experienced OCN certified nurses, allowing you to focus on critical decision-making and patient management. You'll also have the opportunity to engage in late-phase clinical trials if desired, contributing to the advancement of cancer treatment while offering patients access to cutting-edge therapies.
The position involves a balance of inpatient and outpatient care. While primarily clinic-based, you'll also manage hospitalized patients, coordinating with the inpatient team to ensure continuity of care. On-call responsibilities are shared among the oncologists, with the exact frequency not specified but described as easily manageable. The call schedule is designed to maintain a healthy work-life balance, with no regular weekend duties required.
In addition to medical management, you'll work closely with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care. This includes collaborating with genetic counselors for risk assessment and testing, integrating naturopathic and dietary services into treatment plans, and coordinating with nurse navigators who assist patients throughout their cancer journey. You'll also interface with palliative care services, ensuring that quality of life and symptom management are prioritized alongside curative treatments.
Your role extends to patient education and support. You'll be expected to communicate complex medical information to patients and their families, guiding them through treatment decisions and managing expectations. The position offers the opportunity to participate in community outreach and education programs, helping to raise awareness about cancer prevention and early detection in the rural communities served by Benefis.
Professional development is an integral part of your role. You'll have opportunities to engage in continuing medical education, attend conferences, and potentially participate in research activities. There may also be teaching opportunities associated with the new medical school program, allowing you to contribute to the education of the next generation of physicians if desired.
At Benefis Health System, you'll practice oncology with a high degree of autonomy, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative team. Your clinical expertise will be crucial in providing high-quality cancer care to a population that might otherwise have limited access to such services. This position offers the unique opportunity to significantly impact cancer outcomes in a rural setting while engaging in a diverse and challenging clinical practice.