Cardiac Critical Care Intensivist at Tenwek Hospital

Purpose:

• To provide intensivist critical care services within the respective department in order that the patient  receives quality care and support in recovery from cardiothoracic surgery or in co-management of critically ill pre-operative cardiothoracic patients.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consult with patients to understand their symptoms and health concerns
• Prescribe tests and treatments and recommend surgery where pre-operative optimization has been achieved for pre-operative critical patients, or help patient recover in the acute peri-operative stage after emergence form cardiothoracic surgery.
• Be able to perform or guide effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Maintain detailed notes of appointments with patients, including tests, test results and treatment prescribed. This documentation can be done in person or offered in consultation with junior doctors, cardiac MO’s, echo technicians, cardiothoracic fellows or surgeons.
• Perform tests when needed to check health and particular cardiovascular systems and be able to interpret test results to help diagnose and manage the patients.
• Provide support and advice to patients receiving intermediate long-term care as they transition out of the critical care unit.
• Train and provide educational support and mentorship to junior staff. Be willing to supervise (or if certified) help co-ordinate and offer BLS/ ACLS training.
• Safeguard hospital’s and patients’ confidential information and property at all times.
• Be willing to promote cardiothoracic-related research. Identify research topics, construct a research plan, and carry out surveys at the operational level.
• Perform any other responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Director of Cardiothoracic Surgical Services or his/her designate, depending on the need and urgency.
• Promote effective interpersonal and public relations with team.
• Display Christ-like attitude and character both on- and off-duty.
• Abide by the Tenwek Hospital moral code and Kenya Medical and Dental Council regulations.
• Maintain familiarity with the legal implications of clinical practice and ensure that legal requirements are met.

SPECIFIC SKILLS SET

• Good fund of knowledge of cardiovascular medicine, ionotropic and vasopressor support
• Able to perform basic bedside echocardiography and/or interpret results to guide in clinical care
• Can set up ventilator and troubleshoot for proper functioning with overhead consultation of respiratory therapist when need arises
• Basic knowledge of use, management and troubleshooting intra-aortic balloon pump and other cardiac support devises that may be used

SUPERVISION RECEIVED FROM:

• Director of Cardiothoracic Surgical Services or his/her designate (Primary Supervisor)

SUPERVISION GIVEN TO:

• Cardiothoracic fellows, medical and clinical officers, echocardiography technicians, nurses

QUALIFICATIONS                                                     

• Committed Christian                                              
• Medical degree, Masters or fellowship in Adult/Pediatrics Critical care
• Valid medical license and registered with the Kenya Medical and Dental Council
• Two years of relevant work experience in a busy Cardiac Hospital, of which must be after post-basic qualification
• BLS, ACLS Certified
• Excellent interpersonal, supervisory, communication, administrative, and customer care skills
• Mentorship training is an added advantage
• Computer Literate