Medical Officer (Podiatry)
About The Position
Serves as a podiatrist for Tohono O'odham Nation Sells Hospital and associated health centers, providing preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic podiatric services. The position works under the general supervision of the Clinical Director, who provides general clinical and administrative guidance, while exercising considerable independence in patient care. The position may require temporary relocation to Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, or San Xavier Health Center. The podiatrist provides inpatient and outpatient care, including consultations and surgical procedures, and collaborates with physicians on podiatric medical and surgical management. The role includes planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating a podiatric medical and surgical program for the TONHC hospital, with particular attention to reducing diabetes-related lower-extremity amputations on the Tohono O'odham Nation. Duties may vary by assignment.
Requirements
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree.
- One year of approved residency training and one year of medical center experience, or two years of approved residency training.
- Maintain an active license to practice podiatric medicine in any U.S. state.
- Board eligibility with the American Board of Wound Management, Primary Podiatric Medicine, or the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.
- Knowledge of Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
- Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and tribal laws, regulations, and requirements.
- Knowledge of confidentiality laws and requirements, specifically the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
- Skill in supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff.
- Skill in providing superior customer service to external and internal customers.
- Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively verbally and in writing.
- Upon recommendation for hire, pass a criminal background check and National FBI fingerprint check to determine suitability for employment, including a 39-month driving record.
- May be required to possess and maintain a valid driver's license, with no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last 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.
- Depending on department needs, may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham language and English as a condition of employment.
Responsibilities
- Interview and examine patients, review medical histories, and request or perform diagnostic tests to diagnose podiatric conditions.
- Provide medical or surgical treatment and referrals as appropriate.
- Co-admit and discharge podiatric patients with an MD or DO for podiatric medical or surgical management.
- Perform inpatient consultations and outpatient and inpatient surgical procedures under anesthesia.
- Maintain clinical and administrative records as required.
- Counsel and educate patients, families, communities, and staff about podiatric health care, emphasizing preventive foot care for patients with diabetes.
- Treat bone, muscle, and joint disorders affecting the feet.
- Treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, and abscesses using surgical methods.
- Educate the public about the benefits of foot care through speaking engagements, advertising, and other forums.
- Advise patients on treatments and foot-care techniques to help prevent future problems.
- Use plaster casts and strapping to correct deformities.
- Diagnose foot diseases and deformities using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory results.
- Prescribe medication, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
- Direct the orthotic, contact cast, and shoe program for patients with diabetes.
- Perform diabetic foot screening exams and treat diabetes-related complications, including neuropathy, infections, ulcers, venous stasis, and wounds.
- Refer patients to physicians when foot or leg symptoms indicate systemic disorders such as arthritis or diabetes.
- Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate a podiatric medical and surgical program for the TONHC hospital.
- Develop new theories and approaches to decrease the diabetes-related lower-extremity amputation rate on the Tohono O'odham Nation.
- Attend meetings and participate on committees at TONHC as assigned.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned and contribute to a team effort.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
