Frequently Asked Questions
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Why would I join the Amdocs team of physicians?
As a member of the Amdocs team you will have the opportunity to experience First Nations health care and culture first hand. As a physician you will change the face of medicine in communities that have seen a “revolving door” approach to medicine. Along with excellent benefits and remuneration that are incomparable to any other package, you will have the collegial support of a medical team as you become part of a community that has similar goals and values in the practice of Family Medicine.
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As an Amdocs physician, who do I work for?
Physicians work as Independent Contractors. Each full-time physician delivers medical services for two hundred and twenty (220) days in each twelve (12) month period.
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Where would I live and how do I get there?
As a member of the Amdocs team you will be provided with furnished accommodations in the community in which you are placed. Depending on your needs this might be a home or apartment. All of the physician housing is situated near the clinic office and in some cases may be attached to the nursing station. A meal allowance is also provided.
The majority of our communities lie north above the 53rd parallel and require the community physician to fly in and fly out. A number of our physicians have their families situated in a larger center and commute on a weekly basis. There are some communities that can be reached via road as well. In each case, a generous travel allowance is provided. (Some of our physicians live in the communities in which they are stationed and there is no requirement to fly in and out).
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Are the communities safe?
Our physicians are in very safe environments. They are respected members of the community and are held as a valued contributor to the wellbeing of the families who live there. You live in a safe, secure home and all communities are policed by either the RCMP or a local police detachment.
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What is there to do?
Our physicians spend their time in many different ways when they are not in the clinic. Some take advantage of the outdoor adventure, fishing and hunting, while others use their evenings for continued studies. There are televisions in the homes, and Internet access for communications and on-line course participation. There are also cultural events that residents can participate in including pow-wows, local craftsmanship—beading and carving for example. Some communities offer opportunities to use a gymnasium and participate in various sports and fitness programs. There are also opportunities for snowmobiling and boating on the beautiful surrounding rivers and lakes in the warmer months.
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Are there schools in the communities?
All of the northern communities provide schooling to residents of their communities. It will be a personal decision as to whether you feel the schooling provided is adequate for your children.
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What is the focus of the physician’s practice in the Amdocs communities?
“Medical services” during weekdays include clinical services and administrative services. Physicians also deliver telephone on-call services to the designated Northern Stations. A day of work generally consists of eight (8) hours and is normally provided Monday through Friday. In recognition of each physician’s status as an independent contractor, it is understood that the nature of medical services provided varies from day to day.
Your key role will be to improve the lives and health of those living in isolated and under-privileged communities, while broadening your clinical knowledge and skill set, and developing your professional competencies and communication skills.
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What is Amdocs’ philosophy?
Our physicians utilize a scientific evidence-based disease management model with adequate time for patient appointments allowing for a patient-centered model of care, where you can guide a practice plan on a comprehensive level. Our physicians focus on comprehensive healing relationships and wellness care rather than isolated short moments of in-person patient visits.
Amdocs practice focuses on physician stability—our physicians stay in the communities in which they practice for an average of three years—and some much longer.
Amdocs believes very strongly in the First Nations’ Right to Self Determination. Much of Amdocs’ effort is put into real capacity building projects in each community that we serve.
You will ultimately change the outcome of disease profiles in the North—one patient at a time.
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What benefits are provided?
Amdocs provides its physicians with very attractive, flexible contract arrangements, including full or part-time positions. In addition to one of the strongest remuneration packages, accommodations and a meal allowance are provided while in the community. All transportation costs are also included in the remuneration as are Continuing Medical Education (CME) benefits.
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What licensing and certification is required for Amdocs’ physicians?
All resident Physicians have to be licensed in the province where they will be placed, or at minimum, need to be eligible for licensure at the time of application for a position in the Amdocs program. Detailed information on licensing requirements are available on the website of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Manitoba [Manitoba Licensing] and the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario [Ontario Licensing].
Amdocs is happy to provide additional information
and support with the process.
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