Consultant Orthopaedic Surgery
The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)
full-time
Job Objective
The Consultant Orthopaedics will provide independent, comprehensive surgical and non-surgical care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. The role encompasses the full patient journey, including diagnosis, treatment planning, complex elective and emergency surgery, postoperative management, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up.
The role holder will provide clinical leadership to the orthopaedic service, supervise and develop junior medical staff, contribute to multidisciplinary and academic activities, and ensure high standards of patient safety, clinical governance, operational performance, and surgical outcomes.
Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
Clinical Patient Management
Lead inpatient ward rounds and outpatient clinics, taking accountability for evidence-based management plans and outcomes for elective and trauma patients.
Independently manage a comprehensive caseload of orthopaedic patients, including those with fractures, joint disorders, spinal conditions, and postoperative complications, within approved clinical privileges.
Perform and document comprehensive patient assessments, including history taking, physical examination, and interpretation of laboratory and radiological data (X-rays, CT, MRI).
Prescribe and adjust pharmacological regimens, including analgesics, antibiotics, and anticoagulants, in accordance with approved protocols and individual patient needs.
Ensure timely, accurate, and complete documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR), including daily progress notes, procedure notes, operation notes, and discharge summaries.
Lead the initial assessment and management of orthopaedic trauma patients in the Emergency Department, coordinating with the trauma team.
Procedural Expertise and Safety
Perform a range of orthopaedic procedures independently, including closed reductions of fractures and dislocations, application of casts and splints, aspiration and injection of joints, and wound debridement.
Independently perform complex procedures within approved clinical privileges, including internal and external fracture fixation, joint arthroplasty, and arthroscopic surgery, and participate in spinal procedures where appropriately credentialed.
Adhere strictly to infection control and sterile techniques, actively participating in Surgical Site Infection (SSI) prevention bundles.
Recognise and manage intraoperative and postoperative complications promptly, seek additional specialist support where clinically indicated, and document all events thoroughly.
Ensure pre-operative checks (including WHO Surgical Safety Checklist), equipment readiness, and post-operative monitoring are completed in line with safety protocols.
Maintain proficiency in the use of orthopaedic surgical instruments, power tools, and traction equipment.
Collaboration and Communication
Serve as the primary point of contact for referring physicians, emergency department staff, and ward teams regarding patient admissions, transfers, and discharge planning.
Communicate daily with patients' families, providing clear updates on clinical status, prognosis, and care plans, and participate in formal family meetings to discuss goals of care and surgical consent.
Facilitate seamless handovers between shifts using standardized communication tools (e.g., SBAR), ensuring continuity of care.
Collaborate respectfully with ward nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and other allied health professionals to optimize patient outcomes and rehabilitation.
Lead the response to clinical deterioration, initiate appropriate treatment, and escalate to relevant specialists or the Clinical Director where required.
Participate in daily huddles and multidisciplinary team meetings to align care plans, discuss complex cases, and address operational issues.
Quality Assurance and Clinical Governance
Actively participate in the department's quality improvement programme, including data collection for clinical audits (e.g., infection rates, readmission rates, patient outcomes).
Contribute to the review and update of clinical protocols, such as peri-operative care, VTE prophylaxis, and pain management pathways.
Report critical incidents, near misses, and adverse events via the hospital's incident reporting system, and participate in root cause analysis as assigned.
Ensure compliance with international patient safety goals (e.g., WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, hand hygiene, medication reconciliation).
Lead clinical audits and quality-improvement initiatives, present findings to the department, and ensure agreed actions are implemented and monitored.
Monitor and promote appropriate use of blood products, antibiotics, and diagnostic imaging to reduce waste and harm.
Teaching, Training, and Mentorship
Provide structured clinical and surgical supervision, bedside teaching, mentorship, and assessment for senior residents, residents, medical officers, interns, and medical students.
Deliver formal teaching sessions (e.g., case presentations, journal clubs, simulation-based training, fracture fixation workshops) for the multidisciplinary team.
Assess and document trainee competence, provide constructive feedback, and support remediation and progression in line with training requirements.
Assist in the orientation and onboarding of new orthopaedic medical staff and rotating residents.
Foster a learning environment by encouraging questions, evidence-based discussions, and reflective practice.
Maintain own continuing medical education (CME) credits and assist in organizing departmental CME activities (e.g., grand rounds, morbidity & mortality conferences).
Research and Professional Development
Lead or collaborate on clinical research, including protocol development, ethics submissions, patient recruitment, data analysis, publication, and dissemination of findings.
Develop and lead research or quality-improvement initiatives, with the aim of presentation or publication at national or international level.
Stay current with emerging evidence in orthopaedics by regularly reviewing journals (e.g., Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research) and attending webinars or conferences.
Contribute to the development of research protocols, case reports, or review articles for publication.
Present research findings or interesting cases at departmental meetings and national/ international conferences as opportunities arise.
Qualifications
MBBS or equivalent medical degree from a recognised institution.
Fellowship in Orthopaedic Surgery from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, West African College of Surgeons, or an internationally recognised equivalent.
Full registration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and a valid practising licence, or eligibility to obtain the required Nigerian registration and licence.
Minimum of five years of post-fellowship experience in Orthopaedic Surgery, supported by a strong and current surgical portfolio.
Demonstrated competence in a broad range of orthopaedic procedures, including trauma surgery, fracture fixation, arthroplasty, and arthroscopy; subspecialty expertise is advantageous.
Expertise in interpreting orthopaedic imaging, including X-ray, CT, and MRI, and integrating findings into clinical decision-making.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage orthopaedic emergencies, including open fractures, septic joints, compartment syndrome, and cauda equina syndrome.
Strong clinical leadership and the ability to supervise multidisciplinary teams, delegate appropriately, resolve conflict, and foster a culture of safety and mutual respect.
Ability to make complex, time-sensitive decisions, recognise clinical deterioration, escalate appropriately, and lead discussions on treatment goals and consent.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex or distressing information to patients and families with clarity, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
Demonstrated experience in teaching, mentorship, clinical audit, research, quality improvement, and the use of data to improve patient outcomes.
Commitment to ethical practice, continuing professional development, and evidence-based orthopaedic care.
Must have skills
Demonstrated ability to independently manage orthopaedic emergencies, including open fractures, septic joints, compartment syndrome, and cauda equina syndrome.