Medical Director & Service Line Lead, Urgent Care - Santa Barbara, CA

The Urgent Care Medical Director and Service Line Lead will supervise Urgent Care clinician colleagues and works collaboratively with their Sutter Health dyad partner and operations team members to ensure the delivery of high-quality care while fostering a coordinated and high functioning Urgent Care team.

Approximately 50% of time will be dedicated to administrative responsibilities as the UC Department Head and Service Line Lead; Clinical urgent care work will be the remaining time.   The Urgent Care Department Head and Service Line Lead will lead several initiatives and will be an ambassador of Urgent Care, working with staff and clinicians on shared objectives for the success of urgent care as we align with the Sutter Health system's expectations for UC performance (e.g., patient volume, staffing ratios, patient wait time, patient experience results, outcome metrics, etc.).

Below are some of the administrative tasks that the UC Department Head will be responsible to maintain and/or implement. 

Operational Objectives -The UC Department Head will be involved in the following initiatives:

Protocol Development and Implementation with staff and clinicians, for example: 

• Appropriate use of POC tests, diagnostic imaging, IV and prolonged care, etc.
• Urgent care specific workups and workflows to align with the expectations of the Sutter Health system

Medication and Supply Issues:

• DME process
• PO medications
• IM/IV medications
• Security/policy regarding medications 

Quality of Care and Value Based Care:

• Antibiotic usage
• Communication between ID and UC teams
• Narcotics and frequent fliers
• Communication with PCPs, neuro, pain management
• ER referrals and appropriateness of specialty referrals and advanced imaging
• Communicate with departments regarding who we refer out of UC and who should be referred to UC
• Protocol development for advanced imaging studies in UC
• Protocol development for appropriate use of IV's and prolonged visits versus when to send to the ED
• Patient complaints
• Development of M&M meetings for UC providers (discuss interesting, relevant and/or concerning cases from UC with the intent of clinical quality and process improvement
• Continuing education specific conferences for UC (networking with various specialists to provide talks on relevant UC topics) 

Workflow: enhancing efficiency and decreasing patient waits  

• Use of rooms and staffing
• PSR and nursing workflows to improve efficiency
• Provider workflows and volume expectations for clinicians (Physicians and APCs)
• Space allocation 

Communication with Other Departments and with Hospitals as needed to solve operational issues 

Personnel  

• Interview new clinician candidates
• Orient new candidates to the department
• Mediate interpersonal conflicts between providers
• Mediate conflicts between providers and nursing or PSR staff in concert with Dyad partner
• Mediate with unsatisfied/upset/hostile patients
• Struggling physicians and advanced practice providers
• Forging relationship with dyad and other operational partners to develop a team-based approach to operational and administrative issues that impact patients, staff and providers

Department Meetings and service line meetings-at least monthly

• Monthly all hands on deck meetings - may need to have two each month to ensure all can attend
• Guest specialists to teach (e.g., Continuing education, M&M, etc). 

• Aggregate and analyze data on patient volumes and acuity
• Review Press Ganey UC data and work with clinicians and dyad partner on areas for improvement
• Arrange staffing, supplies, etc. to account for wait times
• Work with coding and compliance teams to ensure documentation and coding integrity

Additional Objectives 

Achieve annual metrics and improvements as communicated by Sutter Health System for Urgent Care Operations (e.g., volume, staffing, patient experience)

Functions and Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain clinician specific monthly meetings (M&M, educational, operational, etc). These meetings will be in addition to the all hands-on-deck meetings with Foundation staff
• Develop and/or enhance current clinical protocols and develop a process for monitoring adherence
• Work collaboratively with the provider who is designated to make the UC provider schedule
• Serve as liaison for physicians and department staff to support patient management  
• Address and mediate intra-office issues
• Display a caring and responsive attitude and conducts all activities respecting patient, family and employee rights and expectations
• Demonstrate sound cost containment techniques
• Adhere to established safety requirements and procedures to ensure a safe working environment
• Adhere to all policies and procedures
• Adhere to HIPAA regulations
• Adhere to all policies and procedures
• Participate in department quality improvement, clinic safety, infection control and hazardous materials programs/activities
• Participate in professional development activities and maintain professional affiliations
• Attend required meetings and participate in committees as requested
• Adhere to HIPAA regulations
• Exercise discretion and maintain high level of confidentiality 

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: 

• Ability to think analytically and strategically to formulate, develop, and execute clinical plans. 
• Strong leadership skills with an ability to set vision, lead change, and mentor others. 
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team to cultivate an inclusive environment of respectful, open, and honest dialogue and to foster a robust sharing of ideas and creative problem solving. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Well-developed sense of integrity, strong work ethic, scrupulous attention to detail, clear ability to establish and maintain timelines, and persistent commitment to ensuring a high level of quality. 
• General: Knowledge of clinical practices and medical terminology. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.  Ability to communicate well with patients, families, co-workers, physicians, other members of the healthcare team, etc. Ability to adapt to varied, age-specific and/or specialized groups. Ability to understand use, function, interpret, document, and keep records. Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures. Skill in identifying problems and recommending solutions. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, management, patients, medical staff, and the public. Skill in accepting constructive criticism and giving suggestions in a professional manner. 

Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl. Ability to reach, grasp, use fine finger movement and feel fine sensation to discern temperature, texture, size and shape. Good visual acuity, hand eye coordination, accurate color vision.  Ability to speak and hear. Requires regular use of personal protective equipment

Environmental Conditions: Patient care environment with potential exposure to unpleasant odors, communicable diseases, medicinal preparations, potential exposure to toxic and hazardous drugs, electrical hazards and other conditions common to a clinic environment.  Climate controlled, indoor environment. Occasional exposure to outdoor climate. Work may be stressful at times

Machines/Equipment Used: Clinical and office equipment 

MD or equivalent

Three (3) to five (5) years ED or Urgent Care clinical as well as prior leadership and administrative experience preferred

• Retirement: 401K & Profit Sharing
• Free Medical/Dental/Vision
• Malpractice Insurance

Sansum Clinic, the largest non-profit outpatient healthcare organization between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area, is now part of Sutter Health. Sutter and Sansum each have a century-long commitment to improving the health of the communities they serve. Unified by our common missions and values, we are now embarking on a journey to shape the future of healthcare on the Central Coast. Together, we will build on Sansum’s legacy while forging a new path forward.   This partnership is specifically designed to increase access to high-quality, multispecialty care, to advance our integrated care model, to provide a more connected, seamless experience for patients,  and to meet diverse community needs for generations to come. 

Our dedicated, highly-trained doctors and compassionate staff are an integral part of our history, alongside that of our city, which has always been advanced in the medical sciences despite its small size. Our longevity is rooted in our ongoing investment in the latest equipment and technology, and our recruitment of the best and the brightest physicians, which combined, enable us to deliver the high-tech and high-touch elements of quality healthcare.

Dr. William David Sansum, one of our founders, was a pioneering researcher who launched the Clinic with the intent to study and eventually conquer diabetes. Dr. Sansum was the first American to successfully isolate, produce and administer insulin to treat diabetes.

Sansum Clinic has maintained that innovative approach and has continually evolved the level of care available in the community, working to stay out in front of the community's needs - advancing care in addition to responding to the challenges of the day. 

Nestled in the heart of California, Santa Barbara stands out as one of the most picturesque communities in the United States. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant atmosphere, it has consistently been recognized as one of the best places to live in the Golden State. Whether you are a family looking for a welcoming community or a young professional eager to explore new horizons, Santa Barbara has something to offer for everyone. Picture yourself enjoying sunny days at the pristine beaches, exploring scenic trails, and relaxing in beautiful parks. Indulge in the culinary delights of local restaurants and explore the rich tapestry of wineries that the region has to offer. And let's not forget the weather – an absolute dream with consistent sunshine year-round. Imagine waking up to bright, sunny days that inspire outdoor adventures and a sense of well-being. Santa Barbara also offers unparalleled convenience with immediate access to a regional airport, ensuring effortless travel with multiple direct flights nationwide. Plus, with a mere 95 miles separating you from the bustling energy of Los Angeles, you have the best of both worlds within easy reach. Consider making Santa Barbara your home, where every day feels like a celebration of life. If you have any questions or would like more information about this incredible community, please feel free to reach out. Here's to the next year of discovery and joy!

It is the policy of Sutter Health and its partners to provide equal employment for all qualified individuals; to prohibit discrimination in employment because of basis of race, color, creed, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, registered domestic partner status, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin (including possession of a driver's license issued to individuals who did not present proof of authorized presence in the U.S.), age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or protected veteran status, political affiliation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition, genetic information or any other characteristic made unlawful by local, state or federal law, ordinance or regulation. We promote the full realization of equal employment opportunities through a positive continuing program within each medical group, company, hospital, department, and service area. Equal employment opportunities apply to every aspect of Sutter's employment policies and practices.