Overview
When catastrophe hits, International Medical Corps is often one of the first humanitarian aid organizations on the scene providing rapid and effective aid that saves lives, reduces suffering, and promotes self-reliance.
International Medical Corps provides safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable and patient centered care; offers needs-based response according to the context and type of sudden onset disaster (SOD) and/or outbreak in the affected nation; adopts a human rights-based approach to its response; ensures it is accessible to all sections of the population affected by the SOD and/or outbreak, particularly the vulnerable; and treats patients in a medically ethical manner.
International Medical Corps is accountable to patients and communities, host governments and ministries of health, and its organization and donors. International Medical Corps commits to a coordinated response under the national health emergency management authorities. International Medical Corps collaborates with the national health system, the clusters and the humanitarian community.
Selected personnel are on standby to deploy to a crisis within 48 hours. Personnel may deploy to new areas of operation or lend support to International Medical Corps teams already on the ground. International Medical Corps maintains a roster of volunteers and staff who have completed pre-deployment paperwork, orientation and training. The roster is updated on a regular basis. Through this expression of interest, applicants maintain professional profiles with International Medical Corps, so that information is complete and readily available for an emergency response deployment.
This position will support International Medical Corps’ emergency response delivering outpatient clinical care to disaster-affected populations.
**NOTE** Candidates applying to this position are indicating that they are interested in being considered for International Medical Corps’ standby roster for emergency response. Roster members will be contacted only when there is an emergency-response need for which the responder is qualified. This position will not be compensated unless responders are deployed to an emergency response.
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
Trauma and orthopedic surgeons specialize in the treatment of patients who have sustained traumatic injuries such as accidents, falls, or sports-related incidents. This position plays a crucial role in the acute care and long-term recovery of patients with traumatic injuries. Their work requires a combination of surgical skill, medical knowledge, and a compassionate approach to patient care. Trauma and Orthopedic surgeons will typically work in emergency units, operating theaters, inpatient wards, intensive care units, and rehabilitation units.
Typical duties include examining, diagnosing, performing surgical and non-surgical procedures on, ordering diagnostic tests, and prescribing pre- and post-operative medications.
Trauma and Orthopedic Surgeons at times may be called to work day- or night shifts, may have unpredictable hours, and may be required to conduct surgeries under severe time constraints.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation.
MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As this is a common application for both trauma and orthopedic surgeons, all tasks and responsibilities are to be completed within the individual scope of practice of the individual applicant.
Diagnosis and Assessment
– Conduct thorough and timely medical histories and physical examinations to diagnose traumatic injuries.
– Order diagnostic tests and use medical imaging, such as Ultrasound, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to assess the extent of the injuries and the patient’s clinical condition.
Treatment Planning
– Develop comprehensive treatment plans based on the diagnosis and patient condition.
– Consider both surgical and non-surgical interventions depending on the severity and nature of the trauma.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures
– Perform non-surgical and emergency procedures as appropriate, including reductions, re-alignments, hemostatic procedures, and other procedures to improve morbidity and mortality of the patient within the scope of practice.
– Perform surgical procedures to repair or mitigate morbidity from traumatic injuries within your scope of practice.
– Utilize a variety of medical instruments, tools, and equipment to aid in the performance of surgical procedures as needed.
– Utilize implanted and external surgical equipment and supplies as required in the surgical care of trauma patients.
– Perform operations on critical, often multiple, injuries to different organ systems within your scope of practice.
Emergency Care
– Provide immediate resuscitation, stabilization, and other emergency care to trauma patients in emergency settings, including the use of medications to prevent further morbidity.
– Stabilize injuries to prevent further damage and complications.
Collaboration/Quality Assurance
– Work closely with other medical professionals, such as emergency physicians, anesthesiologists, and physical therapists, to ensure comprehensive patient care.
– Consult with specialists in related fields as needed.
– Contribute to the improvement of the facility medical and surgical protocols within the facility by recognizing areas of improvement and contributing to the implementation of solutions.
– Contribute to an environment of quality medical and surgical care that fosters accountability to patients and families.
– Perform tasks not typically associated with a traditional surgical practice outside of an emergency response, including the setup of tents and medical equipment, maintaining IPC, restocking medical supplies and equipment, and other non-medical tasks assigned by the Medical Coordinator.
Postoperative Care
– Oversee the postoperative care of patients, including critical care, wound management, pain control, and rehabilitation.
– Monitor and manage potential complications that may arise after surgery.
– Coordinate any follow-up care that is needed after the patient leaves the care of the facility.
Patient Education
– Educate patients and their families about the nature of their injuries, treatment options, and expected outcomes.
– Provide guidance on postoperative care and rehabilitation exercises.
Documentation
– Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records for all patients.
– Document procedures, treatment plans, and postoperative care thoroughly.
Team Leadership
– Provide leadership within the orthopedic surgery team, especially in trauma cases.
– Collaborate with nurses, residents, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective and efficient patient care.
Adherence to Ethical and Legal Standards:
– Adhere to ethical and legal standards in medical practice.
– Ensure patient confidentiality and informed consent.
Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed in this document are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and not necessarily all inclusive.
Job Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Educational Background – Successful completion of medical school to obtain a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, or the local equivalent in your country of origin.
Residency Training – Completion of a post-graduate training program in orthopedic surgery or general surgery with adequate exposure to acute traumatic injuries.,
Additional Experience – 3 years’ experience in acute trauma care. Fellowship training in traumatology (orthopedics) or in trauma surgery, critical care surgery, or acute care surgery (for general surgeons) is also acceptable.
Licensure – Obtain a medical license by passing the licensing exams required by the relevant medical board in the country or state of practice.
Board Certification – Certification by a relevant medical board, such as the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery (ABOS) or the American College of Surgeons (ACS) is highly recommended.
Surgical Skills – Acquire and demonstrate proficiency in a range of surgical techniques used in trauma (such as damage control surgery, exploratory laparotomy, thoracotomy) OR orthopedic surgery (such as internal fixation, external fixation, and joint reconstruction).
Clinical Experience – Accumulate significant clinical experience in treating trauma cases, particularly in emergency settings.
Interpersonal Skills – Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, their families, and other members of the healthcare team.
Adaptability and Stress Management – Ability to work well under pressure, make quick decisions in emergency situations, and manage the stress associated with trauma surgery.
Ethical and Professional Standards – Adherence to ethical and professional standards in medical practice, including maintaining patient confidentiality and demonstrating a commitment to patient welfare.
Additional Technical or Language Requirements
Code of Conduct
As applicable to this position, an individual must promote and encourage a culture of compliance and ethics throughout the organization and maintain a clear understanding of International Medical Corps’ and donor compliance and ethics standards and adheres to those standards. Staff are also responsible for preventing violations to our Code of Conduct and Ethics, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment. If you see, hear or are made aware of any violations to the Code of Conduct and Ethics or Safeguarding Policy, you have an obligation to report. If this is a supervisory position, one must set an example of ethical behavior through one’s own conduct and oversight of the work of others; ensure that those who report to you have sufficient knowledge and resources to follow the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct & Ethics; monitor compliance of the people you supervise; enforce the Code of Conduct & Ethics and International Medical Corps’ policies, including the Safeguarding Policy and the Protection from Harassment, Bullying and Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace Policy, consistently and fairly; support employees who in good faith raise questions or concerns.
Safeguarding
It is all staff shared responsibility and obligation to safeguard and protect populations with whom we work, including adults who may be particularly vulnerable and children. This includes safeguarding from the following conduct by our staff or partners: sexual exploitation and abuse; exploitation, neglect, or abuse of children, adults at risk, or LGBTI individuals; and any form of trafficking in persons.
Equal Opportunities
International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.
Misconduct Disclosure Scheme
All offers of employment at International Medical Corps are subject to satisfactory references and background checks. International Medical Corps participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme from the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR). In accordance with this, we will request information from an applicant’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.
About International Medical Corps
International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.
Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps is a private, voluntary, nonpolitical, nonsectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in underserved communities worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility for rapid response to emergencies. International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.