Background

AIC CURE Children’s Hospital Malawi has an exciting opening for an Anesthesiologist!

CURE’s medical team walks with children and their families throughout every step of their healing journey, providing the therapies they need along the way. In addition to world-class clinical service, CURE Malawi ministers to the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Anesthesiologist is responsible for providing anesthesia for the patients requiring surgical intervention in the hospital. In this capacity, the anesthesiologist will also need to oversee the nurse anesthetists or anesthetic officers. The role of the anesthesiologist will also include oversight of the HDU/ICU and any critically ill patient on the ward. The anesthesiologist will review all codes in the hospital and oversee the debrief. Subspeciality expertise in pediatric anesthesia is preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Complete and document preoperative anesthesia evaluations of patients and order necessary lab work/consultation or any other preoperative investigations at least the day prior to surgery.
• Review preoperative patient charts for pertinent lab work, history and physical examination, vital signs chart, fluid status and medication sheet.
• Choose the safest and most appropriate anaesthetic for the patient: general, regional, MAC, local or combination and utilize the correct monitors for that anaesthetic for the duration of the surgery. Manage the patient airway adequately utilizing the mask, bag-valve mask, intubation, LMA, and other emergency airway procedures.
• Accurately manage fluid resuscitation in the patient and measure blood loss regularly.
• Oversee the safe functioning of the anesthesia machine, oxygen supply, suction, and all equipment necessary to provide anesthesia in close consultation with the biomedical team.
• Perform various regional anesthesia techniques as required.
• Assess and implement pain management in the post operative recovery period.
• Identify and treat intra operative & post operative anesthesia complications as soon as they occur..
• Accurately and thoroughly chart patient physiological data, medications & fluids administered contemporaneously pre, intra, and post operatively.
• Set up all necessary monitors and drugs, and check the anesthesia machine and oxygen supply prior to each anesthetic.
• Read and comply with all network anaesthesia guidelines and SOPs.
• Seek opportunities to teach staff both clinically and didactically with regards to advanced life support, anesthesia, & pain management.
• Protect the patient from harm utilizing proper positioning techniques and act as an advocate for the patient’s welfare.
• Maintain competency of anesthesia practice in accordance with professional standards established by the profession.
• Participate in resuscitation of patients when required.
• Oversee the maintenance of an accurate narcotic count and supply in the operating room and post-anesthesia care unit.
• Oversee work of the Anesthesia Technicians/nurses/officers or other assigned employees.
• Ensure adequate restocking of anesthesia supplies by supervising the Anesthesia Technicians or other assigned employees.
• Report to the Medical Director at any time when it appears to be unsafe to use the operating rooms (e.g. lack of oxygen).
• Act as an anesthesia consultant to anesthesia providers and medical/surgical staff.
• Complete monthly CQI electronic report per the direction of the Nursing/Anesthesia Clinical Director.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the co-worker for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Co-worker must perform other tasks, duties, and projects as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Medical degree from qualified, recognized medical institution
• Specialist post-graduation certification in anesthesia. Preferred subspeciality interest in pediatric anesthesia.
• Current licensure
• Current BLS and PALS certifications

• Complete and document preoperative anesthesia evaluations of patients and order necessary lab work/consultation or any other preoperative investigations at least the day prior to surgery.
• Review preoperative patient charts for pertinent lab work, history and physical examination, vital signs chart, fluid status and medication sheet.
• Choose the safest and most appropriate anaesthetic for the patient: general, regional, MAC, local or combination and utilize the correct monitors for that anaesthetic for the duration of the surgery. Manage the patient airway adequately utilizing the mask, bag-valve mask, intubation, LMA, and other emergency airway procedures.
• Accurately manage fluid resuscitation in the patient and measure blood loss regularly.
• Oversee the safe functioning of the anesthesia machine, oxygen supply, suction, and all equipment necessary to provide anesthesia in close consultation with the biomedical team.
• Perform various regional anesthesia techniques as required.
• Assess and implement pain management in the post operative recovery period.
• Identify and treat intra operative & post operative anesthesia complications as soon as they occur.
• Accurately and thoroughly chart patient physiological data, medications & fluids administered contemporaneously pre, intra, and post operatively.
• Set up all necessary monitors and drugs, and check the anesthesia machine and oxygen supply prior to each anesthetic.
• Read and comply with all network anaesthesia guidelines and SOPs.
• Seek opportunities to teach staff both clinically and didactically with regards to advanced life support, anesthesia, & pain management.
• Protect the patient from harm utilizing proper positioning techniques and act as an advocate for the patient’s welfare.
• Maintain competency of anesthesia practice in accordance with professional standards established by the profession.
• Participate in resuscitation of patients when required.
• Oversee the maintenance of an accurate narcotic count and supply in the operating room and post-anesthesia care unit.
• Oversee work of the Anesthesia Technicians/nurses/officers or other assigned employees.
• Ensure adequate restocking of anesthesia supplies by supervising the Anesthesia Technicians or other assigned employees.
• Report to the Medical Director at any time when it appears to be unsafe to use the operating rooms (e.g. lack of oxygen).
• Act as an anesthesia consultant to anesthesia providers and medical/surgical staff.
• Complete monthly CQI electronic report per the direction of the Nursing/Anesthesia Clinical Director.
• Provide anesthesia for patients requiring surgical intervention.
• Oversee nurse anesthetists or anesthetic officers.
• Oversee HDU/ICU and critically ill patients on the ward.
• Review all hospital codes and oversee debrief.

• Pediatric anesthesia expertise (preferred)
• Airway management
• Fluid resuscitation
• Regional anesthesia techniques
• Pain management
• Anesthesia machine and equipment oversight
• Patient advocacy
• Teaching and mentorship
• Compliance with guidelines and SOPs
• Competency in anesthesia practice
• Resuscitation skills
• Supervisory skills
• Consultation skills

• Medical degree from qualified, recognized medical institution
• Specialist post-graduation certification in anesthesia
• Current licensure
• Current BLS certification
• Current PALS certification