Neurologist Clinician and Pain Program Researcher

Within the context of a patient and family-centered model of care, and in accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and strategic directions of Providence Health Care (“Providence”), the Department of Medicine is seeking a Neurologist l’s Hospital (SPH) and Mount St. Joseph’s (MSJ). SPH is a 500-bed clinical academic teaching hospital in downtown Vancouver. MSJ is a PHC acute care facility in the Mount Pleasant Neighborhood of Vancouver, with 200 beds.

The New St. Paul’s build s underway, with planned opening in 2027.

The successful candidate will join a cohesive group of neurologists engaged in quality patient care and teaching. The candidate will provide neurologic services at Providence Health while on call through the emergency department and hospital consultation service. The candidate will provide ongoing care for patients seen while on-call after discharge as appropriate through their private office.

In addition, the successful candidate will be involved in clinical practice of pain medicine, and research on mechanisms implicated in Centralized Pain pathways. The Central Pain Program is led by Dr. May Ong, within the Department of Medicine. The physician will provide neurologic care within the PHC Centralized Pain program, including the inpatient multiday Ketamine Infusion program under Department of Medicine.

Currently, there are 2 beds dedicated to treat patients with refractory centralized neuropathic pain with published outcomes. There are plans to expand to 4 beds in the new St Paul’s hospital given the lengthy wait list.

The in hospital multi-day Ketamine infusion program under the Department of Medicine l’s hospital is the first and only program of its kind in Canada. Founded in 2015 to treat patients with refractory centralized pain mechanisms, the program has a proven track record with published outcomes in scientific journals including the British Medical Journal. We hope to expand the ketamine infusion program to 4 beds in the new St Paul’s given the huge demand resulting in lengthy wait list (over 1 yr).

Dr. Ong has a fully dedicated pain medicine practice, developed over 30 years, with experience in clinical trials including cancer pain (TTX), migraine headache (PRE-EMPT protocol), CGRP MAB, GEPANTS, Ketamine infusion in OIH, CIPN, CRPS, Central Pain.

The selected candidate may also choose to engage in a private neurology or pain practice in the community.

There will be funding for protected time in research x 0.4 FTE (per week) x 3-5 years (negotiated depending on research program and productivity).

There is an on-call stipend for Neurology call. Renumeration is otherwise fee-for
-service.

Applicants must have an FRCPC certification in Neurology by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RSPSC) and/or be licentiates of the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) and must be eligible for licensure in the Province of British Columbia by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

The successful candidate will have completed additional training in the diagnosis and management of central and peripheral neuropathic pain. Experience in practice research in mechanisms of centralized pain is advised. The candidate will have a strong interest in teaching and medical education.

The successful candidate will also exemplify Providence’s values and contribute to a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. In addition, Providence is committed to our responsibilities on Truth and Reconciliation. We hold ourselves accountable for making our care, facilities and services a safer experience for Indigenous patients, residents, families, staff and Medical Staff.