Medical Doctor- Paediatrician

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

MANDATE

The Specialist Paediatrician is generally accountable for the provision of Paediatric services that promote optimal health, development, and well-being of young patients by providing preventative care, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and educating families about child health and safety, as well as monitoring growth and development, based on generally acceptable standards.

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

 KEY FUNCTIONS

•  Serve as primary care physician for infants, children, and adolescents, providing routine check-ups, vaccinations and screenings.
• Examine, diagnose, treat, educate and follow up paediatric DHS patients/clients with common childhood illnesses such as infections, injuries, genetic disorders and developmental delays in accordance with generally accepted principles and practices of the medical profession.

• Administer vaccinations according to recommended schedules and provide guidance on preventative healthcare measures.
• Monitor growth and development milestones, addressing concerns related to physical, cognitive and emotional development.

• Educate patients and caregivers on child nutrition, safety, behavioural issues, and chronic disease management.

• Provide emergency medical care and stabilisation for critically ill or injured children before referral to specialised care facilities.

• Participate in the promotion of health and wellness programmes.

• Provide a range of medical services in the area of the specialty for the enhancement of primary, secondary and tertiary health care.

KEY DUTIES (A few)

• Perform thorough physical examinations and medical assessments to evaluate the health status of paediatric patients.
• Prescribe medications, therapies and treatments based on diagnosis and medical guidelines.
• Ensure accurate, complete and timely documentation of medical findings, management, progress, follow-up plans, and patient and caregiver interactions in electronic health records, medical reports and other required versions of the patient record.
• Promote child health through counselling on nutrition, physical activity, injury prevention and disease prevention strategies.
• Collaborate with nurses assigned to the care of paediatric patients, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive patient care.
• Provide a range of medical services for the enhancement of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare.
• Formulate and prescribe specialized health care regimens for designated patients
• Provide critical care management.
• Serve as lead for in-service training and medical ward rounds and case presentations.
• Perform other related duties as required by the job function.
• Act as a catalyst for change, model change and build capacity for managing change throughout the ministry/department/organization. Influence others to translate vision into action.
• 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.
• Develop and implement strategies for improving and maintaining a high level of patient and client satisfaction in the public sector.

PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS

• Evaluate patient health outcomes, including recovery rates, disease management and developmental progress.
• Proficiency in performing and interpreting necessary medical procedures and diagnostic tests relevant to Paediatrics.
• Feedback from patient and family satisfaction surveys, reflecting the quality of care provided, including communication, empathy and responsiveness.
• Clarity, compassion and effectiveness in communicating with patients and their families about diagnoses, treatment plans and health education.
• Ability to work effectively with other healthcare professionals, including nurses, specialists, and administrative staff to provide coordinated and comprehensive
• Maintaining positive professional relationships with colleagues, demonstrating respect, andfostering a collaborative work environment.
• 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 internal medicine, and participating in relevant training/workshops.
• Adherence to hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, including accurate and timely documentation in electronic and other patient health records.

 SCOPE OF THE JOB

Primarily clinical with some administrative duties as required.  The Paediatrician 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.

The Paediatrician would be required to provide care to patients from post-delivery through adolescence, adapting medical approaches to meet the developmental needs of paediatric patients.

It is a full-time position including on call duties.

 PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

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.  Neonatology experience post specialization would be an asset.