Medical Doctor - Anaesthesiologist

The Department of Health Services invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the position of Medical Doctor – Anaesthesiologist.

MANDATE

  The Specialist Anaesthesiologist is a medical doctor specializing in anaesthesia, pain management, and critical care medicine. Their primary mandate is to ensure the safe and effective administration of anaesthesia during surgical and medical procedures, manage patient pain, and provide critical care support.

The Anaesthesiologist is also expected to assist in the formulation of policies, guidelines and protocols relative to evidence-based, high quality, patient centred care.

 KEY FUNCTIONS

•  Examine, diagnose, treat, educate and follow up DHS patients/clients in accordance with generally accepted principles and practices of the medical profession.
• Administer various types of anaesthesia (general, regional, local) for surgical and medical procedures.
• Continuously monitor patients' vital signs and physiological responses during surgery and adjust anaesthesia levels as needed.
• Provide pain management services for acute, chronic, and postoperative pain.
• Manage patients in critical care units, including those with life-threatening conditions requiring intensive monitoring and treatment.
• Conduct preoperative evaluations and postoperative follow-ups to ensure patient safety and recovery.
• Provide routine medical services in accordance with legal and statutory requirements and for the enhancement of primary, secondary and tertiary levels of health care.
• Practice medicine with the highest ethical standards, ensuring patient confidentiality, informed consent, and respect for patient autonomy.

KEY DUTIES (A Few)

• Admit, conduct patient assessments and discharge inpatients as required.
• Evaluate patients' medical histories, conduct physical exams, and assess risks to develop an appropriate anaesthesia plan.
• Develop tailored anaesthesia plans based on the type of procedure, patient condition, and individual risk factors.
• Administer anaesthesia and manage airway, breathing, and circulation during procedures.
• Monitor and adjust anaesthesia levels, vital signs, and patient responses throughout surgery.
• Manage patient recovery from anaesthesia, including pain control and addressing any complications.
• Respond to emergencies and provide resuscitative care during surgery and in critical care settings.
• Develop and implement pain management strategies for patients with acute or chronic pain.
• Educate patients about anaesthesia, pain management, and postoperative care.
• Ensure accurate, complete, timely documentation of detailed medical records of anaesthesia administration, patient responses, outcomes and caregiver interactions in electronic health records, medical reports and other required versions of the patient record.
• Ensure sterile and safe surgical environments, adhering to hospital, DHS, accepted and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate with nursing, junior medical staff and other specialists to ensure comprehensive pre and postoperative care to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to patient management.
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• Embrace technology by utilizing all available ICT/media/mass communication to ensure that relevant messages and/or responses to the service offered are disseminated accurately, courteously and timely.
• Serve as lead and participate in in-service training and medical ward rounds, case presentations and team meetings.
• Provide assistance with critical care management.
• Adhere to hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance with medical standards and protocols.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance surgical care and patient safety.
• Stay current with advancements in anaesthesiology techniques, technologies, and medical knowledge through continuing medical education (CME).
• Attend workshops, seminars, and professional conferences to enhance clinical skills and knowledge.
• Perform other related duties as required by the job function.

  PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

• Adherence to safety protocols and minimization of anesthesia-related complications.
• Success in achieving optimal anesthesia depth and pain control during procedures.
• Effectiveness in communicating with patients and families about anaesthesiology procedures, risks, and postoperative evolution.
• Effectiveness in managing intraoperative and postoperative emergencies and handle unexpected situations and complications during surgery.
• Quality of postoperative care and patient recovery outcomes.
• Patient feedback on pain management and overall anesthesia experience.
• Effectiveness in working with the surgical team and other healthcare professionals, including nurses, specialists, and administrative staff to provide coordinated and comprehensive care.
• Maintaining positive professional relationships with colleagues, demonstrating respect, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Active involvement in quality improvement programs and initiatives.
• Contribution to measurable improvements in anaesthesia care quality and patient safety.
• Adherence to hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, including accurate and timely documentation in electronic and other patient health records.
• Adherence to ethical standards and guidelines in all aspects of patient care and professional behaviour.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development through continuing medical education (CME), staying current with advancements in general surgery, and participating in relevant training/workshops.

  SCOPE OF THE JOB

 Primarily clinical with some administrative duties as required.

The Anaesthesiologist will be required to work in a variety of settings, including the Princess Alexandra Hospital, clinics and other locations designated for the fulfilling of community outreach programmes, performing the duties so outlined in this job description and other appropriate functions and duties assigned by the DHS management.

It is a full-time position including on call duties

PERSONAL QUALIFICATION

The incumbent must possess sound knowledge of operations, practices, procedures, standards, specifications and work methods, interpersonal communication, computer skills, communicative, analytical and diagnostic ability and interpretative judgment.

Such knowledge, skills and abilities are normally obtained through the acquisition of a Specialist Medical Degree or Medical Degree plus Board certified specialty. Applicant should have three (3) years post qualification experience in a similar or related job.