Medical Officer (General Practice)

Tohono O'odham Nation Healthcare•Casa Grande, 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, and carries out administrative duties, including continuing education. The position may be located at Tohono O'odham Nation Sells Hospital or another TONHC health center. It works under the general supervision of the Clinical Director, who provides administrative oversight. The physician exercises considerable independence in patient care. Temporary relocation to Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, or San Xavier Health Center may be required. The physician delivers comprehensive care in clinic and inpatient settings, with emergency-department consultation as needed. Care may also be provided in homes, schools, job sites, and other community locations within the TONHC service area. The incumbent coordinates care with other health professionals, maintains clinical records and health information systems, and participates in the Quality Improvement Program.

Requirements

Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy from a United States or Canadian medical school approved by a recognized accrediting body in the year of graduation; alternatively, a foreign medical degree substantially equivalent to an accredited U.S. medical education, 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, which must be maintained.
One to two years of professional experience beyond 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 respectfully toward 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 practices or treatment regimens are ineffective.
Ability to work independently with wide latitude in determining and pursuing patient treatment.
Ability to travel within and outside the Tohono O'odham Nation as necessary.
Ability to adapt to stressful situations, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, exercise independent judgment, and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers and the public.
Upon recommendation for hire, pass a criminal background check and National FBI fingerprint check; a 39-month driving record is also required.
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 tribal employer's insurance requirements for a driver's permit.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in both the Tohono O'odham language and English may be required based on department needs.

Responsibilities

Provide care primarily in ambulatory clinic and inpatient settings, and consultation in the Emergency Department as needed.
Interview and examine patients, review medical history, and request or perform diagnostic tests and examinations.
Make preliminary diagnoses, including recognition of rare and difficult-to-identify symptoms or signs.
Direct, prescribe, or provide treatment regimens, or arrange specialized care and referrals as necessary.
Document observations and care in clinical records.
Provide emergency care as appropriate.
Manage 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.
Review medications, diet, therapy, treatment-plan adherence, and other observations to develop, modify, and assess treatment plans.
Give patients and their families instructions and consultation.
Perform minor surgery and assist other physicians with minor surgery.
Deliver infants when urgent or emergency circumstances require it 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.
Work with allied health professionals to provide effective interdisciplinary health care and treatment.
Participate in a comprehensive Quality Improvement Program meeting The Joint Commission accreditation standards.
Ensure clinical care conforms to 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 as assigned and contribute to a team effort.