JOB SUMMARY
As a member of the medical team on the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital (FEH), the Staff Ophthalmologist ensures that predetermined medical objectives of the Flying Eye Hospital ocular disease programs in developing countries (both virtually and in person) are achieved successfully by actively participating in the design, planning, implementation and evaluation of these programs. As a global representative of Orbis International, the Staff Ophthalmologist also acts as an FEH ambassador to local medical professionals, government officials, and other key contacts and supporters around the world, as well as the general public and other Orbis staff. This position focuses on screening patients, teaching local medical staff, delivering patient care, conducting site planning visits, participating in the development and evaluation of specific program objectives, and performing hands-on administrative and logistical program preparation activities. It requires up to 45 weeks of worldwide travel any given year, mostly to developing countries, with approximately 20 weeks of travel expected in 2023.
REPORTING & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The Staff Ophthalmologist reports to the Associate Director, Clinical Services and will work closely with the other members of the FEH medical team (anesthesiologist, nurses, biomedical engineers), visiting volunteer faculty members, and local medical professionals as well as the FEH Program Manager.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
- Develop and implement a teaching program either for simulation or blended, (in person or remotely) that meets the specific program medical objectives. This included supervising and supporting volunteer faculty; utilizing appropriate teaching materials such as video tapes; and facilitating discussions between local doctors and volunteer faculty in the classroom and operating room. At times it may also include facilitating conferences or round table discussions with local medical professionals.
- Participate in the screening day activities that take place at the start of each weekly program and ensure that all patient records are accurate and complete. Obtain informed consent to operate for all surgical and laser patients to ensure that the patient or caregiver is fully informed.
- Participate in the volunteer faculty’s weekly meeting and help determine which patients should be selected for surgical and laser treatments.
- Participate in the surgery activities by examining all surgical patients on day of surgery; explaining laser procedure to patients; occasionally performing laser surgery in conjunction with local doctors; conducting post-op exams for all surgical patients; discussing case management with local doctors and volunteer faculty; and preparing appropriate post-operative follow up documentation.
- Conduct the surgical case review, as assigned by the Head Ophthalmologist.
- Maintain the patient records in the electronic medical database.
- Prepare various program reports as required.
- Participate actively in fund raising events and goodwill tours on and off the plane and represent Orbis at social functions.
- Assist in the daily cleaning, set-up and packing of the aircraft.
- Perform other related duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Valid Medical Degree or diploma from an accredited/officially recognized Medical School in country of training (e.g. MD, MBBS and MBChB)
- Ophthalmology Residency Certificate recognized by the official board, council, or other nationally recognized entity in country of training (e.g. American Board of Ophthalmology, the [Royal] College of Physicians/Surgeons, the Australian Medical Council, the European Union of Medical Specialists) or the Ministry of Health or equivalent government agency in country of training.
- Current Medical license (for U.S., Canada, or Australia) or official Annual Registration Certificate of the state/province/region of primary country of practice.
- Ophthalmic fellowship desirable.
- Public Health training preferred.
- Previous experience conducting community ophthalmology programs highly desirable.
- Previous international work or travel experience desirable.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
The successful candidate will be:
- A strong communicator with oral and written fluency in English and able to produce written program reports – working knowledge of a second language is a plus;
- An excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with colleagues and official representatives from various cultural and professional backgrounds and apply the appropriate level of discretion and tact;
- An successful trainer and teacher, able to apply adult and participatory learning methods;
- A flexible, pro-active, and open-minded employee with a high level of professional integrity and the ability to work productively in team, roll up her/his sleeves, and problem solve creatively.
- High degree of computer literacy (Office 365 applications) and willingness to learn the Orbis online supply chain management system (medical supply inventory system).
- Tolerant to stress and able to function effectively in a demanding, fast-paced, and constantly changing work environment.
- Ability to travel to developing countries up to 80% of the time. This includes having no significant disqualifying factors that would preclude approval of entry visas in the countries on the flying eye hospital travel schedule.
COMPENSATION
This role can be performed remotely anywhere in the world and the salary offered will be in local currency scaled to the final candidate’s location using benchmarking data for organizational parity. Orbis also offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package for consideration that varies by country.
Orbis is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
