Medical Officer

Job description

Position: Medical Officer – Accident and Emergency (A&E)

Department: Accident & Emergency (A&E) Services

Reports To: Medical Officer In-Charge (MOIC)

Key Responsibilities:

1. Emergency Medical Care:
   1. Provide initial assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients presenting to the A&E department.
   2. Stabilize patients in critical condition, including performing life-saving procedures such as intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and defibrillation.
   3. Triage patients based on the severity of their condition to ensure those needing immediate attention are prioritized.
   4. Administer appropriate medications, including pain relief, antibiotics, and other emergency drugs.
2. Emergency Procedures:
   1. Perform essential emergency procedures such as airway management, intubation, CPR, resuscitation, and inserting IV lines.
   2. Conduct minor wound suturing and provide basic care for minor injuries and wounds.
   3. Perform diagnostic tests like ECGs to assess patient conditions and assist with immediate management decisions.
   4. Manage trauma cases with basic non-invasive interventions such as wound care and immobilization of fractures.
3. Patient Communication & Care:
   1. Communicate effectively with patients and their families, explaining diagnoses, treatment options, and follow-up care instructions.
   2. Provide reassurance and guidance to patients and families, particularly in critical and stressful situations.
   3. Ensure comprehensive and timely discharge planning, including appropriate referrals to specialists or admission for further care.
4. Collaboration & Teamwork:
   1. Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, including nurses and consultants, to ensure holistic care.
   2. Liaise with multidisciplinary teams for the ongoing care and transfer of patients to other departments or hospitals as required.
   3. Participate in inter-departmental case discussions and collaborative emergency response when large-scale emergencies or disasters occur.
5. Documentation & Compliance:
   1. Maintain accurate and complete medical records, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
   2. Document all patient encounters, diagnoses, treatments, and follow-up care in the electronic medical record (EMR) system or paper records.
   3. Ensure that medical documentation aligns with hospital protocols and A&E standards.
6. Professional Development & Attitude:
   1. Maintain a positive attitude towards continuous learning and professional growth.
   2. Proactively seek opportunities to improve skills and knowledge in emergency medicine and related areas.
   3. Attend and participate in continuing medical education (CME) programs, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on the latest emergency medicine practices.
   4. Actively participate in training sessions, including teaching junior medical staff and nursing personnel.
   5. Stay informed about the latest guidelines in emergency care and disaster management.
7. Shift Work & On-Call Duties:
   1. Perform duties during day, evening, and night shifts as assigned, ensuring 24-hour coverage of the A&E department.
   2. Be available for on-call duty when required, especially during mass casualty events or disaster response.
8. Health & Safety Compliance:
   1. Adhere to hospital protocols regarding infection control, safety, and risk management.
   2. Ensure proper use and maintenance of medical equipment and follow protocols for reporting faulty or damaged equipment.
   3. Maintain awareness of hospital disaster protocols and participate in regular drills and training for mass casualty and disaster response.
   4. Take reasonable care for the safety and health of self and other persons who may be affected while at work.
9. Hospital Representation & Professional Image:
   1. Project a good image of the hospital and the profession through delivery of quality patient care.
   2. Behave professionally and courteously towards patients, colleagues, and all other hospital staff.
10. Clinical Practice Guidelines & Protocols:
    1. Whenever possible, follow the Clinical Practice Guidelines / Critical Care Pathways / Governing Policies / Hospital Protocols while examining and treating patients.
    2. Ensure that clinical decisions are in line with current standards and best practices in emergency medicine.
11. Proactivity & Initiative:
    1. Demonstrate a proactive approach in managing patient care and solving clinical problems.
    2. Show willingness to take initiative in improving patient outcomes and department processes.
    3. Anticipate patient needs and ensure a high standard of care is provided.
12. Additional Duties:
    1. Participate in hospital committees and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of emergency services.
    2. Provide input in protocol development and continuous improvement of patient care standards in A&E.
    3. Assist in any other duties as required by the department or hospital administration.

Qualifications:

1. Medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
2. Valid practicing license with the Medical Council or relevant regulatory body.
3. Postgraduate qualification in Emergency Medicine or other fields (preferred but not required).

Skills & Competencies:

1. Strong clinical decision-making skills with the ability to work under pressure.
2. Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to professional growth.
3. Proactive and self-motivated with a focus on improving patient outcomes.
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and colleagues.
5. Strong organizational and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced environment.
6. Ability to work effectively in a team and lead during emergencies.