Medical Officer (Ophthalmology)

Tohono O•Sells, AZ

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 within the Division of Clinical Services and may require up to 50% travel to TON San Xavier Health Center or TON Sells Hospital. Temporary relocation to other TONHC facilities—including Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center—may be required. The incumbent may also attend field clinics at TONHC facilities as appropriate. The position works under the general supervision of the Clinical Director, who provides administrative oversight, and works with the Chief of Optometry on matters related to the Eye Program. The Medical Officer provides care in inpatient, ambulatory, and emergency-room settings; conducts outpatient clinics; and manages medical and surgical cases that do not require referral. The role also includes referrals when appropriate, patient and family counseling, clinical documentation and correspondence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and assistance with the Quality Improvement Program meeting Joint Commission accreditation standards. Applicants must hold a qualifying medical degree, be board certified or board eligible in ophthalmology, and have a permanent, complete, and unrestricted medical license from a qualifying U.S. jurisdiction. Background and fingerprint checks are required upon recommendation for hire. A valid driver’s license may be required, along with meeting tribal employer insurance requirements if operating program vehicles. Depending on department needs, fluency in both Tohono O’odham and English may be required as a condition of employment.

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 qualifying medical degree from a school outside the U.S. or Canada and permanent ECFMG 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 U.S. state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.
Knowledge of current standards of practice in ophthalmology.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and tribal laws, regulations, and requirements, and of Privacy Act of 1974 and HIPAA confidentiality requirements.
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 service delivery.
Knowledge of health care policy, program evaluation, and emerging concepts in assessment and management of medical practice.
Knowledge of economic, educational, health, and social challenges faced by Native Americans in rural and urban settings.
Skill in respectful, compassionate intercultural communication and in providing superior customer service.
Ability to practice professionally while respecting Tohono O’odham culture, customs, and traditions.
Ability to communicate professionally and competently with patients and caretakers, obtain sensitive information, and promote health-improving behaviors.
Ability to work under stressful conditions with 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 with employees and the public.
Ability to work independently with latitude to determine and pursue patient treatment.
Ability to travel within and outside the Nation’s boundaries as needed.
Criminal background check and National FBI fingerprint check 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 Tohono O’odham Nation tribal employer insurance requirements to receive a driver’s permit.
Depending on department needs, may be required to demonstrate fluency in both Tohono O’odham and English.

Responsibilities

Provide patient 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 recognition of rare and difficult-to-identify symptoms or signs.
Direct, prescribe, or provide treatment, or arrange specialized care or patient referrals when necessary.
Use the Purchased and Referred Care system for referrals outside TONHC as appropriate.
Provide definitive management for medical and surgical cases that do not require referral.
Provide comprehensive patient care, including prevention, health maintenance, early diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
Provide emergency care as appropriate.
Conduct outpatient clinics and develop care, diagnosis, and treatment plans for ambulatory patients.
Review medications, diet, therapy course, adherence to treatment plans, and other medically necessary observations.
Instruct and counsel patients and their families.
Serve as a consultant to TONHC and attend field clinics at facilities as appropriate.
Prepare appropriate medical records and organize pertinent clinical data for comprehensive ophthalmology care.
Disseminate clinical reports and correspondence about patients to physicians, hospitals, and other individuals and facilities.
Work with allied health professionals to provide effective interdisciplinary health care and treatment.
Assist with a comprehensive Quality Improvement Program that meets Joint Commission accreditation standards.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.