Family Medicine Physician Position Description
FLSA Status: Exempt Professional
Job Type: 1.0 FTE
Position Reports to: Chief Medical Officer
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
About Multi-Cultural Health Evaluation Delivery System (MHEDS)
MHEDS was established 50 years ago as a joint project of the Erie Diocesan Mission Office and the Erie Council of Churches to meet the health needs of African-American and Hispanic Farm Workers and other low-income individuals and their families. Refugee and immigrant health were added in the late 1990s. On January 1, 2019, MHEDS entered the Federally Qualified Health Center system as a Look-Alike.
Our service area is the City of Erie. Our mission is to enable all who wish to achieve complete mental, physical and social well-being by providing equitable, culturally sensitive, patient-centered health care, regardless of their ability to pay. MHEDS has a very diverse panel of patients: 35% are Asian, 29% Black/African American, 29% White, and the remainder mixed race. 6% are Latino/a. As an FQHC Look-Alike, MHEDS must comply with standards that ensure all patients have access to comprehensive health care services. We also offer health insurance enrollment, interpretation, and translation.
MHEDS expanded by opening a second site at the JFK Center in 2020. The second site allowed us to begin to offer women’s health and accommodation to serve more new arrivals. In late 2021, MHEDS began receiving Afghan refugees along with its anticipated arrivals. In early 2022 we began receiving Ukrainian refugees. Our anticipated 549 new patients became 1,010. This Federal Fiscal Year, we have been told to expect 750 refugees plus additional Afghans and an unknown number of Ukrainians. Eighty percent of MHEDS’ staff are hired from within the New American group, allowing us to be more aligned both linguistically and culturally with those we serve.
Job Summary
Provides primary care services for all patients of MHEDS. Completes initial physicals, immunizations, medical tests and maintains electronic records. Is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of clinical quality improvement activities. Assists in collaboration with other providers in the development and implementation of uniform health maintenance schedules and evidence-based treatment protocols. Oversees any medical students or other health professions students who are completing clinical rotations with any of the staff. Maintains an interdisciplinary approach to the care of patients. Works all hours required to maintain responsibilities to health center and patients. This position will require the employee to handle Protected Health Information (PHI) for duties related to provider credentialing, complaints and grievances, Medical Management issues, and risk and compliance issues. Access to the PHI contained in the claims Medical Management and provider credentialing systems is necessary for this staff member.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Completes initial physicals per State Office of Refugee Resettlement requirements.
- Follows medical treatment protocols and makes appropriate referrals for testing and specialized treatment.
- Provides ongoing medical treatment to those patients who make MHEDS their medical home.
- Provides EPSDT services to qualified children.
- Completes all immunizations required for school attendance.
- Maintains electronic records on all patients seen.
- Maintains all medical supplies and equipment.
- Meet regularly with CMO to discuss any concerns or issues.
Education and/or Experience
Graduation from an accredited medical school and a current unrestricted license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is required. Knowledge of managed healthcare systems, medical quality assurance, quality improvement, and risk management. Board certification in primary care is preferred. Must meet and maintain credentialing and privileging criteria as outlined in the credentialing and privileging policy. Able to work collaboratively internally and externally. Experience and demonstrated successful leadership of case management, disease management, and/or population health programs. Self-assured and results-oriented.
Language Skills
Must be fluent in English. Must be able to communicate/relate to a diverse patient population of refugees and immigrants, using interpreters as indicated. Must be compassionate and sensitive to cultural traditions/medical practices of ethnic patient groups served.
Physical Demands
Normal medical/administrative office setting demands including lifting and carrying or delivering supplies that usually weigh less than 10 pounds, but may occasionally weigh 20-30 pounds, within the building. Must possess a valid driver’s license and have the ability to drive a private vehicle.
Work Environment
The office and clinical areas are well-illuminated, climate-controlled indoor areas. The office and clinical environment are both professional and efficient. Work may require occasional interruptions. Work involves some exposure to hazards typical of a medical office environment, including potential exposure to infectious diseases and blood-borne pathogens, chemical exposures, fire, and mechanical and electrical hazards. Protective clothing and equipment are provided and required to be worn in potential exposure situations.
