Do you want to make a difference? Join the world’s largest humanitarian network. The Canadian Red Cross Society, a non-profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in Canada and throughout the world, is currently seeking a Medical Doctor.
As part of the coordinated response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the Canadian Red Cross is seeking qualified personnel to join the fight against Ebola. The response requires efforts on multiple fronts, including community outreach, contact tracing, surveillance, management of human remains and case management. This job description covers a profile required specifically for the case management component. Selected applicants will be deployed to a Red Cross Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC) in West Africa between mid-November 2014 and April 2015.
Every mission will initially be limited to four weeks internationally due to the hardship of having to work under heavy personal protective equipment. Prior to deployment, the Red Cross will provide you with mission-specific training including an extensive practical course on Ebola and related safety procedures. During the mission, you will be working in a well-established ETC. After deployment, the Red Cross will extend your contract by an additional three weeks rest period during which you will be instructed on how to self monitor. This is not a quarantine period. Anyone deploying in this way will be placed under a Red Cross contract with pay and benefits. All applicants will need to meet the health and professional standards established by the CRC.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Medical Doctor and Clinical Officers are responsible for the clinical care and the management of the patients. They must be present when a new patient arrives and ensure that appropriate protocols are respected as well as clinical care in of suspected and confirmed Ebola patients. They are also responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of co-morbidities.
The medical doctor will work as part of a team of international nurses and medical doctors. He/ She will provide supportive treatment to patients from the community infected with VHD.
- General Responsibilities
• He/she is responsible to work on the ward of the hospital and provide supportive treatment and care to a range of patients. • The doctor is able to develop and maintain good working relationships with the various health actors. • He/she organizes or participates to all necessary internal or external meetings to ensure continuity and quality of care to patients. • In conjunction with WHO and MOH ensure consistent infection control procedures are in place. • In full PPE - performs a ward round at least twice a day. • Attends to patients according to the clinical evolution. • Prescribes treatment in the patient file. • Verifies that the treatment has been given according to the prescription. • Informs the doctor in charge of the VHF Treatment unit about the evolution of the patients admitted. • Attends to new admissions as soon they arrive. • Informs the clinician responsible for blood sampling. • Coordinates with the Head Nurse and nursing staff, ensuring the follow up of infection control and protective measures. • Participates in the weekly meeting of the VHF Treatment unit.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience: • Registered physician (Licensed in Canada). • Minimum 3 years direct patient experience post residency. • Experience in treating pediatric and adult patients. • Experience working in epidemic an asset. • Specialization in tropical medicine and/or infectious disease an asset. • Experience managing staff or volunteers an asset. • Previous experience working in a resource poor environment is an asset.
Skills and Abilities • Excellent communication skills (patient communication). • Well organized and analytical. • Flexible, with demonstrated ability to plan and fix priorities. • Ability to work and deal with difficult conditions. • Ability to meet stress with emotional stability, objectivity and optimism. • Understand and awareness of infection control protocols and procedures and their application to an outbreak scenario. • Awareness and experience of working cross culturally. • Works well in a multi-disciplinary team. • Flexible to the changing needs and development of the programme activities. • Works efficiently in a challenging context, and an ability to live in basic conditions. • Support of and adherence to the Red Cross principles. • Strict adherence to infection control protocols.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Working in West Africa in direct contact with infectious diseases such as Ebola is very demanding, both physically and psychologically. The living conditions in West Africa are difficult and you will be expected to live in basic living conditions (hotel) near the Ebola Treatment Centre. Working hours are according to shift requirements but you will be expected to be available 24 hours per day.
During the 3 weeks post-mission self-monitoring period, you are expected to be a minimum 4 hours’ drive from a certified medical facility in Canada, and should undergo a systematic self check related to any potential exposure and your health status.
How to apply:
Interested parties may submit their application by applying on the Canadian Red Cross Online Career Website.
This position is open until filled.
Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.
This position requires a successful Canadian criminal record check. The Canadian Red Cross Society is an equal opportunity employer.