Medical Officer (General Practice)

Tohono O•Sells, AZ

About The Position

A physician provides diagnosis, care, and treatment for inpatients, ambulatory-care patients, and emergency patients across a full range of clinical scenarios. The role also provides specialized services for children, adolescents, and adults, along with administrative duties and continuing education. The position may be located at Tohono O'odham Nation Sells Hospital or another TONHC health center and may require temporary relocation to Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, or San Xavier Health Center. The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Clinical Director, who provides administrative oversight, and exercises considerable independence in patient care. The physician delivers comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up care; provides emergency care and consultation as needed; and coordinates referrals and specialized care. The role includes maintaining clinical records and health-care information, communicating with patients, families, physicians, and facilities, collaborating with allied health professionals, and participating in quality improvement activities that meet The Joint Commission accreditation standards. Care is provided in clinics, inpatient settings, and, when needed, homes, schools, job sites, and other community locations in the TONHC service area.

Requirements

Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy from a U.S. or Canadian medical school approved by a recognized accrediting body in the year of graduation; alternatively, a medical degree from a school outside the U.S. or Canada with substantially equivalent education and medical knowledge, demonstrated by permanent ECFMG certification or a Fifth Pathway Certificate.
Completed an approved internship.
Permanent, complete, and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory; must maintain the license.
One to two years of professional experience beyond formal internship training, or equivalent progressive experience in breadth and intensity, or completion of three to four years of residency training.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and tribal laws, regulations, and requirements.
Knowledge of confidentiality requirements, including the Privacy Act of 1974 and HIPAA.
Knowledge of economic, educational, health, and social challenges faced by Native Americans in rural and urban settings.
Respectful and compassionate intercultural communication skills and superior customer service skills.
Ability to practice with respect for Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
Ability to provide practical, comprehensive care across a full range of clinical scenarios and develop new approaches when established practices or treatments are ineffective.
Ability to work independently, determine and pursue courses of treatment, and exercise independent judgment.
Ability to travel within and outside the Tohono O'odham Nation as necessary.
Ability to adaptively cope with stressful situations and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with colleagues and the public.
Criminal background check and National FBI fingerprint check are required upon recommendation for hire, 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, must meet tribal employer insurance requirements for a driver's permit.
Depending on department needs, may be required to demonstrate fluency in both Tohono O'odham and English as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Provide care primarily in ambulatory clinic and inpatient settings, and provide emergency department consultation as needed.
Interview and examine patients; review medical histories; and request or perform diagnostic tests and examinations.
Make preliminary diagnoses, including recognition of rare or difficult-to-identify symptoms and signs.
Direct, prescribe, or provide treatment, or arrange specialized care and referrals as appropriate.
Document observations and care in clinical records and prepare appropriate records for all patients seen.
Provide emergency care and oversee medical cases that do not require referral.
Provide total patient care, including prevention, health maintenance, early diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
Provide medical care and public health services to eligible individuals in homes, schools, clinics, job sites, and other community locations within the TONHC service area, even if rarely required.
Review medications, diet, therapy, adherence, and other observations to develop, modify, and assess treatment plans.
Provide instructions and consultation to patients and their families.
Perform minor surgery and assist other physicians with minor surgery.
Deliver infants in urgent or emergent circumstances and provide or arrange postpartum care.
Coordinate and integrate patient information into TONHC health-care information systems.
Disseminate clinical reports and correspondence to physicians, hospitals, and other relevant individuals and facilities.
Collaborate with allied health professionals to provide effective interdisciplinary care and treatment.
Participate in a comprehensive Quality Improvement Program meeting The Joint Commission accreditation standards.
Ensure clinical care follows standards of practice, guidelines, and department policies and procedures.
Communicate effectively with patients and families in medically, psychosocially, and culturally complex situations.
Perform other job-related duties and contribute to a team effort.