Medical Officer (Ophthalmology)

Tohono O'odham Nation Healthcare•Sells, AZ

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Officer provides diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic ophthalmology services to patients at Tohono O'odham Nation Health Care (TONHC). The position is in the Division of Clinical Services and may require up to 50% travel to TON San Xavier Health Center or TON Sells Hospital, as well as temporary relocation to other TONHC facilities, including Santa Rosa Health Center and San Simon Health Center. The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Clinical Director, who provides administrative oversight, and works with the Chief of Optometry on Eye Program matters. The Medical Officer cares for patients in inpatient, ambulatory care, and emergency room settings. Duties include examining and diagnosing patients, determining and providing treatment, managing medical and surgical cases that do not require referral, arranging specialized care when needed, and providing follow-up and emergency care. The role also includes patient counseling, maintaining clinical records, communicating clinical information to other providers, collaborating with allied health professionals, and assisting with a Quality Improvement Program that meets Joint Commission accreditation standards. Applicants must hold an eligible medical degree and have board certification or eligibility in ophthalmology, along with a permanent, complete, and unrestricted medical license in an eligible U.S. jurisdiction. A criminal background and FBI fingerprint check are required upon recommendation for hire. A valid driver's license may be required, and fluency in Tohono O'odham and English may be required depending on departmental needs.

Requirements

Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy from a U.S. or Canadian medical school approved by a recognized accrediting body in the applicant's year of graduation; alternatively, a substantially equivalent medical degree from a school outside the U.S. or Canada, with ECFMG permanent certification or a Fifth Pathway Certificate.
Board certified or board eligible by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
Permanent, complete, and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.
Knowledge of the economic, educational, health, and social challenges faced by Native Americans in rural and urban settings.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and tribal laws, regulations, and requirements.
Knowledge of legal regulations and confidentiality requirements, including the Privacy Act of 1974 and HIPAA.
Knowledge of TONHC Medical-Staff By-Laws, rules, regulations, and appointment requirements for maintaining active medical-staff status.
Knowledge of analytical and evaluative methods for assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of health care delivery.
Knowledge of current standards of practice in ophthalmology.
Knowledge of health care policy, program evaluation, and emerging concepts in the assessment and management of medical practice.
Skill in respectful, compassionate intercultural communication and in providing superior customer service.
Ability to provide care that respects Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
Ability to interact professionally and competently with patients and caretakers to obtain sensitive information and promote health-improving behaviors.
Ability to work under stressful conditions and handle high patient volumes and demands from patients and medical professionals.
Ability to set and follow priorities, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and maintain positive working relationships.
Ability to work independently with broad latitude to determine and pursue treatment courses.
Ability to travel within and outside the Nation's boundaries as needed.
A criminal background check and National FBI fingerprint check, including a 39-month driving record, are required upon recommendation for hire.
A valid driver's license may be required; if required, the license must meet the stated conditions of no DUIs or major traffic citations within the past three years.
If required to operate program vehicles, meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit.
Fluency in both Tohono O'odham and English may be required depending on departmental needs.

Responsibilities

Provide ophthalmology care in inpatient, ambulatory care, and emergency room settings.
Interview and examine patients, review medical histories, and request or perform diagnostic tests and examinations.
Make preliminary diagnoses, including recognizing rare or difficult-to-identify symptoms or signs.
Prescribe or provide treatment regimens, arrange specialized care, and refer patients as necessary, including through the Purchased and Referred Care system.
Manage medical and surgical cases that do not require referral.
Provide prevention, health maintenance, early diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and emergency care.
Conduct outpatient clinics and develop care, diagnosis, and treatment plans for ambulatory patients.
Review patient medications, diet, therapy, treatment-plan adherence, and other medically necessary observations.
Instruct and counsel patients and their families.
Serve as a consultant to TONHC and attend field clinics as appropriate.
Prepare and maintain appropriate medical records for ophthalmology patients.
Disseminate clinical reports and correspondence to physicians, hospitals, and other individuals and facilities involved in patient care.
Collaborate with allied health professionals to provide effective interdisciplinary health care services and treatment.
Assist with a comprehensive Quality Improvement Program that meets Joint Commission accreditation standards.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.