Podiatrist

Indian Health Service • Porterville, CA

355d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Medical Director, the Podiatrist will examine, diagnose, prevent, and treat diseases, disorders and deformities of the human foot; and to do related work as required. Communicates and works effectively with clinical staff. The Podiatrist must diagnose, plan and conduct course of treatment for patients; assist in the planning and coordination of podiatry services. Instruct patients and staff in proper foot care. In this capacity, the Podiatrist performs his/her duties with professionalism, compassion, and sound judgment to partner with TRIHCI's patients to improve their health status and quality of life. The Podiatrist must be able to communicate well and be able to establish rapport with patient and their families, being sensitive to the needs of the Indian community and its cultures, traditions, behavior patterns, and backgrounds. The Podiatrist must be familiar with the objectives of TRIHCI, must maintain genuine enthusiasm for the success of TRIHCI's health programs, and consequently exercise a strong sense of stewardship in developing and maintaining community relations.

Requirements

• Must possess broad competency with medical skills and knowledge, and be able to effectively apply them in an ambulatory outpatient setting.
• Must possess or be able to obtain specific regulatory knowledge as it pertains to Indian health from entities such as IHS, CRIHB, IHP, and the State of California.
• Must have good communication skills, be able to effectively communicate with diverse populations, and be willing to convey responsibilities to patients.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently in carrying out assignments while remaining reliable and dependable.
• Possess basic computer and database software operation knowledge, and demonstrate a working knowledge of routine office hardware and equipment (e.g. printers, copiers, fax machines, etc.).
• Must demonstrate the ability to maintain accurate records and preparing clear and accurate reports for informational, auditing, and operational use, including capacities for attention to detail and for reviewing and verifying accuracy of data.
• Possess the ability to organize and follow one's own work schedule (i.e. setting priorities, being available during work hours, and meeting critical deadlines).
• Possess the ability to become knowledgeable of health needs and services provided to the Indian community both on and near the reservation.
• Demonstrate the competency and integrity to maintain the confidentiality of organizational, employee, and client records.
• Possess the ability to deliver effective education, training, and presentations on technical medical subjects to large and/or small groups of various educational and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of causes, means of transmission and methods of control of communicable disease, principles and practices of diagnosis and treatment of common medical problems.

Responsibilities

• Perform and provide primary medical diagnostic, preventative, education, and treatment services at all TRIHCI facilities, and in accordance with applicable policies and standards.
• Diagnoses, treats, or prescribes treatment of the foot, ankle, and other related structures using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
• Ensures that clinical service delivery is conducted in accordance with evidence-based practice, best practice standards and effective clinical risk management.
• Enhances the quality of patient care by delivering evidenced based podiatry interventions through the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foot problems.
• Maintains current knowledge of contemporary podiatry techniques and healthcare issues, and ensure all clinical practice is in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements, professional code of ethics, professional code of conduct and available evidence.
• Assess, plan and implement appropriate intervention to clients with diabetes, including those with active foot complications requiring pressure care and wound management.
• Participates in team and discipline based quality improvement and service development activities.
• Demonstrates thorough understanding and absolute commitment to the principles and practices of infection control, regulations and procedures.
• Practices effective infection control procedures.
• Provides advice on appropriate footwear and foot care to clients at risk of falling.
• Demonstrates excellence in specialist assessment and the delivery of evidenced based podiatry assessment and restorative interventions.
• Performs foot, ankle, and related structure surgeries within the scope of practice.
• Consults with inter-professional team on the care of patients.
• Prescribes medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery and sets fractures.
• Administers medications and local anesthetics.
• Advises patients about treatments and foot care techniques to prevent future problems.
• Records all diagnoses, treatments, and prescriptions.
• Refers patients to other physicians or specialists for consultation in an inter-professional manner.
• Deliver preliminary diagnosis to patients and direct, prescribe, or provide a full treatment regimen, including health education, health maintenance, prescription medications, and follow-up services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees