At the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC), the role of a Family Medicine Physician in the Primary Care Services / Outpatient Department is both comprehensive and multifaceted. Physicians are entrusted with the management of acute, chronic, and preventive care, catering to patients across the entire spectrum of life, from birth to natural death. This means providing full-scope care for both pediatrics and adults.
The scope of a Family Medicine Physician at YKHC is expansive, addressing adult care that spans from well care and preventative measures to acute and chronic management of all bodily systems. This includes handling-controlled substance refills, pain contracts, preoperative exams, post-surgical follow-ups, employment physicals, and managing infectious diseases like tuberculosis. Pediatric care at YKHC extends to well care, sports physicals, acute care, and even management of both simple and complex chronic issues, with the latter occasionally involving consultation with a pediatric specialist.
Women's health is another crucial aspect of the role, with physicians managing gynecological issues, conducting first and routine prenatal visits, and post-partum care. For high-risk obstetric patients, consultation with an OB specialist might be required. While general schedules prioritize less complex pediatric and OB care, there may be occasions when physicians need to step in to assist.
One distinctive element of the role at YKHC is the diverse modalities of interaction, which includes in-person visits, radio medical traffic (RMT), telehealth, and video teleconferences. All appointments are organized by the scheduling department, case management team, and ED techs. Physicians are reminded that scheduling is dynamic, with changes resulting from unforeseen events like weather disturbances or colleague unavailability.
In terms of procedural expectations, physicians should be adept at basic incisions & drainage, suture and staple placements or removals, nail removals, skin biopsies, joint injections, and other minor surgeries. Knowledge of LARCs, such as Nexplanon and IUD placements or removals, splinting, casting, orthopedics, and ECG interpretation, is also essential.
Training is another key component. Physicians may occasionally be called upon to train new providers, work with residents or fellows during their outpatient clinic rotations, and provide patient care via RMT, supervising village health aides. Proper documentation using the electronic medical record system is mandatory, as is attending a majority of the monthly Outpatient Clinic provider meetings and other mandatory departmental meetings.
Furthermore, all physicians must maintain their licensure with the State of Alaska, uphold their national board certification, and actively engage in continued medical education. This ensures that they remain updated and compliant with the highest standards of medical practice.
A unique and enriching aspect of working with YKHC is the requirement to travel to remote Alaskan villages at least four times a year. This provides physicians with the unparalleled experience of offering localized care while immersing themselves in the rich Alaska Native Culture. Village stays typically last 3-4 days, though unforeseen circumstances like weather may extend these visits.
In summation, the role of a Family Medicine Physician at YKHC is an intricate blend of clinical expertise, patient engagement, and cultural enrichment, providing a holistic and fulfilling career path.