Consultant Intensivist At The African Medical Centre Of Excellence (amce)
The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)
full-time
Job Objective
The Consultant, Intensivist will be responsible for providing expert medical care to critically ill patients, leading the multidisciplinary team in the ICU, and ensuring the highest standards of clinical practice.
The role holder will be pivotal in advancing critical care services within AMCE through clinical excellence, quality improvement, education, and research, adhering to international patient safety and quality standards.
Key Accountabilities / Responsibilities
Clinical Expertise and Patient Management:
Lead daily multidisciplinary ward rounds, developing and implementing comprehensive, evidence-based management plans for all ICU patients.
Perform and interpret advanced diagnostic and monitoring procedures, including point-of-care ultrasound (e.g., echocardiography, lung ultrasound), bronchoscopy, and hemodynamic monitoring.
Demonstrate proficiency in the management of a wide spectrum of critical illnesses, such as severe sepsis, ARDS, multi-organ failure, neurocritical care, and post-operative complications.
Prescribe and manage complex pharmacological regimens, including vasoactive drugs, sedatives, analgesics, and antimicrobials, tailored to individual patient needs.
Ensure timely and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR), including daily progress notes, procedure notes, and discharge summaries.
Procedural Expertise and Safety:
Perform a range of invasive procedures with a high degree of skill and safety, including central venous catheterization, arterial line insertion, endotracheal intubation, percutaneous tracheostomy, chest tube insertion, and lumbar puncture.
Adhere to strict infection control and sterile techniques during all procedures to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections, including Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP).
Oversee the management of advanced life support, including mechanical ventilation (invasive and non-invasive), renal replacement therapy (CRRT), and therapeutic hypothermia.
Manage complications and emergencies during procedures, demonstrating rapid assessment and intervention skills.
Ensure all equipment used for procedures is checked, maintained, and used according to safety protocols.
Collaboration and Communication with Clinical Teams:
Serve as the primary consultant for referring physicians and surgeons, providing expert advice on the admission and management of critically ill patients.
Facilitate seamless patient transitions by communicating effectively with the Emergency Department, operating theatres, and general wards regarding patient intake and step-down.
Engage in regular, transparent, and empathetic communication with patients' families, providing updates on prognosis, care plans, and goals of care, including conducting family meetings.
Foster a collaborative and respectful working relationship with all members of the multidisciplinary team, including nurses, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists.
Lead daily huddles and handovers to ensure continuity of care and clear communication among all shifts.
Quality Assurance and Clinical Governance:
Actively participate in the ICU's quality improvement program, leading initiatives to reduce complications, improve outcomes, and enhance patient safety.
Contribute to the development, implementation, and regular review of clinical protocols, policies, and pathways (e.g., sedation protocols, weaning protocols, sepsis bundles).
Engage in regular audits of clinical practices and outcomes (e.g., mortality rates, readmission rates, complication rates), analyzing data to identify areas for improvement.
Ensure strict compliance with international patient safety goals, infection control standards, and all regulatory requirements.
Participate in critical incident reporting, investigation, and root cause analysis, contributing to a culture of learning and transparency.
Teaching, Training, and Mentorship:
Provide direct clinical supervision, bedside teaching, and mentorship to junior medical staff, including residents, fellows, and medical students rotating through the ICU.
Develop and deliver high-quality educational programs and simulation-based training sessions for the multidisciplinary team (e.g., airway management, crisis resource management).
Contribute to the hospital's continuing medical education (CME) program by presenting at grand rounds, journal clubs, and morbidity & mortality conferences.
Assess and evaluate the clinical competencies of trainees, providing constructive feedback to support their professional growth.
Foster an environment of inquiry and continuous learning, encouraging staff to stay abreast of the latest evidence in critical care.
Technology Management and Advancement:
Demonstrate expert proficiency in the use of all ICU technologies, including advanced mechanical ventilators, multi-parameter monitors, CRRT machines, and the EMR/PACS systems.
Stay informed about emerging technologies in critical care (e.g., non-invasive monitoring, novel ventilation modes, AI-based predictive analytics) and evaluate their potential clinical application.
Contribute to the evaluation, selection, and implementation of new equipment and technologies, ensuring they meet clinical needs and safety standards.
Champion the optimal utilization of existing technology to improve efficiency and patient outcomes.
Troubleshoot basic technical issues with equipment and liaise effectively with clinical engineering and vendors for advanced support.
Research and Development:
Actively participate in and promote clinical research within the ICU, contributing to the generation of new knowledge in critical care medicine.
Develop and lead research protocols, from conception and ethics approval to data collection, analysis, and publication.
Encourage and support research initiatives among junior staff, assisting them with study design and manuscript preparation.
Present research findings at national and international critical care conferences, enhancing the reputation of the institution.
Stay current with the latest research and evidence-based practices, integrating new findings into daily clinical care.
Qualifications
Education, Skills and Competencies:
Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
Certification in Critical Care Medicine from recognized health authorities.
Possession of Board certification in a related base specialty such as Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology, Surgery, or Pulmonary Medicine).
Minimum of 5years experience as a consultant (post fellowship).
Current and valid medical license to practise.
Proficient in advanced airway management, including video laryngoscopy and percutaneous tracheostomy.
Competent in performing and interpreting point-of-care ultrasound (e.g., Focused Cardiac Ultrasound, lung ultrasound, FAST exams).
Expertise in inserting and managing central venous catheters, arterial lines, and temporary hemodialysis catheters.
Ability to manage advanced mechanical ventilation (invasive and non-invasive) and renal replacement therapy (CRRT).
Ability to lead and manage medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest (ALS certified), septic shock, and massive transfusion protocols.
Capacity to make complex, time-sensitive decisions regarding patient care, including goals of care and end-of-life discussions, based on a synthesis of clinical data and ethical principles.
Ability to communicate complex and often distressing medical information to patients and their families with empathy and clarity.
Strong interpersonal skills to lead daily rounds, resolve conflicts, and foster a collaborative team environment.
Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team effectively, delegate tasks appropriately, and promote a culture of mutual respect and psychological safety.
Demonstrated knowledge of quality improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, PDSA) and a commitment to using data to improve patient safety and clinical outcomes.
Must have skills:
Competent in performing and interpreting point-of-care ultrasound (e.g., Focused Cardiac Ultrasound, lung ultrasound, FAST exams).
Proficient in advanced airway management, including video laryngoscopy and percutaneous tracheostomy.