Associate Medical Director

Company: Compassus
Location: Des Moines
Posted on: January 9, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Position Summary The Associate Medical Director is responsible for modeling the Compassus values of Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Innovation and for promoting the Compassus philosophy, using the 6 Pillars of Success as the foundation. S/he is responsible for upholding the Code of Ethical Conduct and for promoting positive working relationships within the company, among all departments, and all external stakeholders. The Associate Medical Director assumes responsibility for the medical component of the assigned Interdisciplinary Team. S/he does not replace the patient's primary physician but serves in a consultative, supportive role. S/he functions as a liaison between the medical community and Compassus. The Associate Medical Director provides support to both corporate and program staff, intercedes with attending physicians and facilities, and provides community and physician education and development. Position Specific Responsibilities • Assumes responsibility for the medical component of the assigned Interdisciplinary (IDT). • Develops proficiency in Clinical Services activities including, but not limited to, Medicare/Medicaid regulations, corporate policies, provider contracts, and quality improvement. • Makes determination regarding admission to hospice while considering the primary, terminal condition, related diagnosis(es), current subjective and objective medical findings, current medication and treatment orders, and information about the medical management of any of the patient’s conditions unrelated to the terminal illness. • Provides written certification and composes narrative statement of eligibility (after determination of appropriateness) that it is anticipated that the patient’s life expectancy is six months or less if the illness runs its normal course. • Provides medical guidance and expertise in decisions regarding patient care. • Attends and participates in weekly IDT meetings. • Reviews clinical information and composes narrative statement of eligibility before the recertification period for each patient, and participates in recertification at appropriate intervals as specified by law. • Meets the general medical needs of the patients to the extent that these needs are not met by the attending physician. • Consults with the interdisciplinary team during a crisis situation when primary physician cannot be reached. • Makes home visits to hospice patients if needed. • Functions as liaison between the medical community and the hospice. • Offers insight from the medical community to the hospice staff. • Consults with patient’s primary physician regarding appropriateness of specific treatments and procedures. • Assists with physician and facility communication and public relations. • Actively collaborates regarding the QAPI activities of the agency. • Develops recommendations for resolution for the PIP resulting in agency intervention. • Inputs into policy/procedure formulation. • Performs other duties as assigned. Education and/or Experience Ph.D. Medical Degree or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine required. Hospice and/or palliative care experience required. Skills Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage. Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from leaders, team members, investors, and external parties. Strong written and verbal communications. Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English. Articulates and embraces hospice philosophy. Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations An active and unencumbered licensed Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopath in the state(s) of employment required. Physical Demands and Work Environment: The demands of this role necessitate a team member to effectively perform essential functions. Adaptations can be made to accommodate team members with disabilities. Regular standing, walking, and manual dexterity are fundamental, along with the ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. Visual acuity requirements include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. In a healthcare setting, exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and conditions typical to the field is expected. Routine use of standard medical equipment and tools associated with clinical care is essential. This description provides a general overview and may vary by role and department, capturing the nuanced demands and conditions inherent to clinical positions in our organization. At Compassus, including all Compassus affiliates, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Pillars of Success. We are committed to creating a fair work environment where our team members feel welcomed, highly valued, and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Keywords: Compassus, West Des Moines , Associate Medical Director, Healthcare , Des Moines, Iowa