Medical Officer (General Practice)

Tohono O•San Simon, 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 to children, adolescents, and adults, along with administrative duties and continuing education. The position may be based at Tohono O'odham Nation Sells Hospital or any 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 provides comprehensive care, including prevention, health maintenance, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and emergency care. Duties may include care in clinics, inpatient settings, the Emergency Department, and community locations within the TONHC service area. The physician collaborates with other physicians and allied health professionals, maintains accurate clinical records and health care information, and participates in quality improvement activities consistent with Joint Commission accreditation standards. Duties vary by assignment, and other job-related responsibilities may be assigned.

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 degree from a non-U.S. or non-Canadian medical school providing substantially equivalent education and medical knowledge, demonstrated by permanent ECFMG certification or a Fifth Pathway Certificate.
Completion of an approved internship.
A 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 progressive experience equivalent 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 laws and requirements, specifically the Privacy Act of 1974 and HIPAA.
Knowledge of economic, educational, health, and social challenges faced by Native Americans in rural and urban settings.
Skill in respectful and compassionate intercultural communication and in providing superior customer service to internal and external customers.
Ability to practice with respect for Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
Ability to provide practical, comprehensive health care across a full range of clinical scenarios and develop new approaches when established techniques or treatments are ineffective.
Ability to work independently with wide latitude in determining and pursuing patient treatment.
Ability to travel within and outside the boundaries of the Tohono O'odham Nation as necessary.
Ability to cope adaptively in stressful situations, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, exercise independent judgment, and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and the public.
Upon recommendation for hire, complete a criminal background check and National FBI fingerprint check, 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 past three years; if required to operate program vehicles, meet tribal employer insurance requirements for a driver's permit.
Depending on departmental needs, may be required to demonstrate fluency in both Tohono O'odham and English.

Responsibilities

Provide care primarily in ambulatory clinics and inpatient settings, and consultation in the Emergency Department 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 or referral when necessary.
Document observations and care in clinical records.
Provide emergency care as appropriate and manage medical cases that do not require referral.
Deliver comprehensive 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, as needed.
Review medications, diet, therapy, adherence, and other observations to develop, modify, and assess treatment plans.
Instruct and consult with patients and their families.
Perform and assist other physicians with minor surgery.
Deliver infants when urgent or emergency circumstances require and provide or arrange postpartum care.
Coordinate and integrate information into TONHC health care information systems.
Prepare appropriate medical records and organize pertinent clinical data to support comprehensive care.
Disseminate clinical reports and correspondence to physicians, hospitals, and other individuals and facilities.
Collaborate with allied health professionals to provide effective interdisciplinary care and treatment.
Participate in a comprehensive Quality Improvement Program that meets The Joint Commission accreditation standards.
Ensure clinical care follows standards of practice, guidelines, and department-specific policies and procedures.
Communicate effectively with patients and families facing medical, psychosocial, or cultural complexity.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned and contribute to a team effort.