Clinical Component

Navigating the Clinical Component

Patient Population Demographics:
The practice serves a balanced caseload of approximately 75% medical oncology and 25% hematology-oncology patients. The patient population includes individuals with various types of cancer and blood disorders, emphasizing comprehensive and personalized care.

Types of Services/Procedures Performed:
Evaluation of new oncology and hematology patients
Establishing and implementing treatment plans
Administering chemotherapy and biologics
Performing phlebotomy for hematology patients
Coordinating care with affiliated hospitals and cancer centers

Expected Work Schedule:
4 days per week dedicated to clinical duties at one of the three clinic sites (primarily the Golden office)
1 day per week for administrative work, such as documentation, utilization review, quality improvement projects, research, and attending committee meetings
Clinic hours generally from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for late arrivals or same-day add-ons
20% protected non-clinical time per pay period for activities like teaching, clinical trials, or academic pursuits
The incoming provider may also use their non-clinical time to network and market themselves to build up their practice. There is a huge opportunity for the new provider to grow their referral base. Lara Augustine, Practice Manager, “I think the number one way is the tumor boards... That's where they're really going to get the people that they are going to get the referrals from.”. Tumor boards are held once per month.

Call Schedule/Coverage Expectations:
Call rotation: 1:6
Weekend call responsibilities begin on Friday evenings at 5:00 PM and conclude the following Monday morning. During this time, the physician on call will handle phone consultations and manage patient issues or emergencies remotely from home. In-person visits to affiliated hospitals, Saint Joseph Hospital and Lutheran Medical Center are occasionally required. Both are approximately 20 minutes from Western Hematology-Oncology.
Evening call duties take place weeknights from 5:00 PM to 7:00 AM, primarily handled by mid-level providers, with physician backup as needed.
Clinical Support Services Available:
Onsite pharmacy and pharmacist to manage medication dispensing and counseling
CLIA-certified lab for laboratory services
Infusion nurses for chemotherapy and biologics administration
Medical assistants for patient rooming, vital signs, specimen collection, and procedure assistance

Opportunities for Specialization/Focused Practice:
The incoming physician will have the opportunity to build a practice focused on their areas of interest and expertise, with the support and encouragement of the institution to develop specialized services.
Faculty Appointments: Clinical and Academic Tracks
National Jewish Health affiliates with the University of Colorado for academic purposes, offering two potential tracks for faculty appointments: the Clinical Track and the Academic Track.

Clinical Track:
The Clinical Track is tailored for physicians who primarily focus on clinical duties. Key aspects include:
Requirements: Maintain a robust clinical practice, demonstrated by high productivity and treating a minimum number of patients.
Teaching and Scholarly Activity: Some involvement in teaching or scholarly activity is encouraged but not mandatory.
Regional Reputation: Develop a regional reputation through clinical excellence and community involvement.
Compensation: May include additional stipends or incentives based on clinical performance and patient outcomes.

Academic Track:
The Academic Track is designed for physicians with a strong interest in research and teaching. Key aspects include:
Faculty Titles: Physicians may receive titles such as Instructor, Assistant Professor, etc., based on their academic contributions.
Requirements: Fulfill obligations like securing extramural funding, publishing original research, presenting at national conferences, and supervising trainees or students.
Promotion: Formal promotion through academic ranks depends on accumulating a portfolio demonstrating advancements in teaching, clinical expertise, and investigative accomplishments over time.
Compensation: May include additional stipends or incentives based on academic achievements, research contributions, and educational activities.
Physicians on either track will have opportunities to participate in continuing medical education, patient education programs, and community outreach, enhancing their professional development and contribution to National Jewish Health's mission.

Teaching/Academic Responsibilities:
Potential for an academic faculty appointment through the University of Colorado, with tracks for clinical or academic focus. Responsibilities may include teaching medical students and residents, participating in continuing medical education, and contributing to community outreach programs.

Research Requirements or Opportunities:
Involvement in clinical trials and research initiatives is highly encouraged. Opportunities exist for investigator-initiated studies and industry-sponsored trials, with potential financial incentives for participation. 

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