Physician - Nephrology

                                                                                                      Health Care System
                                                                                                        Amarillo, Texas
                                                                                          Nephrologist Functional Statement

The staff nephrologist the following responsibilities:
ExaminationsEvaluates patients by examining thoroughly. Appropriate clinical, laboratory and other pertinent data is obtained to determine care the patient is provided.
Diagnosis--Interprets and evaluates clinical data for the purpose of determining diagnosis and clinical status.
Therapeutic Ability--Prescribes appropriate and timely treatment; applies indicated therapeutic procedures; recognizes and assesses changes in behavior, symptoms, signs, and other pertinent facts about the patient and modifies plan of treatment when indicated. Recognizes own capabilities and limitations.
Effectiveness in Emergencies--The incumbent is readily available; and quick in recognizing emergency situations, and taking timely necessary action.
Patient Management--Develops and maintains rapport and gains the confidence of patients and relatives through competence and interpersonal skills to the end that patients and others are informed participants in the treatment effort.
Consultations and Specialty Skills--Recognizes the need for consultation and utilizing facility or clinic specialty skills in diagnosis and treatment.
Record keeping--Physical and other examinations and changes in patient's status are promptly and completely recorded. Unusual incidents are promptly reported to the appropriate official. Clear, accurate, and adequate clinical records are kept current and completed at time of discharge. The treatment plan is clearly stated. The physician is fully knowledgeable of and utilizes the Computerized Patient Record System. All progress notes, orders are to be completed and signed daily.
Encounters - All encounters to be completed daily by physician as this affects hospital funding.
Consults Closure: Consults are required to be completed by the provider at the time patient has been seen.
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Educational responsibilities usually involve either "teaching" or ''coordination.'' Some positions may involve both or cut across the elements or functions.
Teaching and Monitoring--Covers both the individual and group learning experiences where one serves as the learning facilitator in the role of a mentor or teacher for residents, trainees, or employees. As a mentor, plans and guides educational activities to meet the individual needs of the learner within the resources available. Counsels
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learner on professional/occupational goals as they relate to education activities. Encourages active participation on the part of the student. Actively solicits evaluation from students of teaching and educational experiences. Assures that content is based upon student and patient care needs, up-to-date and at the appropriate level for the audience. Develops courses, lectures or programs based on preestablished objectives. Employs learning resources and media (library, film, slides, etc.) in an appropriate manner.
Coordination of Educational Programs-- Assesses educational needs for both continuing and basic education programs, using audits, self-assessment surveys, morbidity and mortality data, and new developments in health care. Establishes and maintains procedures for professionals to self-assess and partake in needs assessment procedures. Selects needs for which education/training is the most cost-effective intervention.
Establishes educational objectives consistent with both the educational needs and available educational resources and identifies appropriate learners.
Mandatory Training - completes all mandatory required training yearly.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Emotional Stability--Retains self-control and responds consistently to the requirements of the work situation despite external pressures or inner tensions.
Dependability--Adheres to personal and professional/administrative obligations and responsibilities. Reliable in carrying out assignments. Keeps appointments, shows initiative, assumes appropriate responsibility. Maintains discretion on confidential matters.
Relations With Staff and Community--Works harmoniously and effectively with other staff members. Maintains morale by enlisting ideas, motivation, and assistance of associates regardless of position. Listens and accepts views of others. Accepts constructive counseling. Recognizes and acknowledges the contributions and needs of other elements of the medical program. Deals effectively with non-VA persons and groups.
Eliciting Cooperation--Secures the active cooperation of professional, administrative, and technical associates. Stimulates and participates in the team approach to problems. Gains the confidence and respect of others.
Handling Groups--Effective in conducting meetings. Defines problems, creates and maintains interest, stimulates discussion, and maintains direction toward an appropriate conclusion.
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Adherence to Ethical Standards--Practices by, and cooperates in maintenance of, ethical standards of the profession as an individual, a colleague, and a member of the larger community.
Responsibilities/Duties:
Diagnoses kidney-related medical problems. Studies normal kidney function, kidney problems, the treatment of kidney problems and renal replacement therapy (dialysis and kidney transplantation).
Nephrologists diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the kidneys. Focus on non-surgical treatment and management of renal disorders. A Nephrologist focuses on kidneys and the entire renal system of the body.
Nephrologist specializes in the management of patients with a wide range of renal disorders which include glomerulonephritis, renal cancer, hydronephrosis, etc. Nephrologists may also perform pre-transplant assessments in some patients or assist in referral for consideration of transplant surgery.
Nephrologist to diagnose, treat and manage any condition or disease which affects the kidney functions. This need not necessarily mean only the management of disorders of the kidney, but also the management of a wide range of systemic disorders, which may be responsible for malfunctioning of the kidneys which include high blood pressure, cancers or diabetes.
Essential Skills
Professionalism. Successful nephrologist must be able to conduct themselves in a professional manner. This means remaining friendly and approachable, staying composed when dealing with sensitive situations or information, and being organized and prepared at all times.
Communication. Excellent communication skills are needed to clearly discuss conditions and treatments with patents in a way that they fully understand. Nephrologist must be able to communicate and work collaboratively with other medical technicians to aid in diagnosing, administering treatment, and evaluating patient outcomes accurately.
Knowledgeable, It is vital that a Nephrologist be knowledgeable in their area of expertise. They must possess analytical skills, have attention to detail, and an extensive understanding of medicine.
Self-Motivation and Compassion. Being self-motivated and having a genuine desire to help people is important. A nephrologist must be able to treat patients and their families with compassion and understanding.
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Learning Continuation. Staying up to date with the latest updates/academia and medical advances is critical. One must be able to work and study in order to learn new information that may affect a diagnosis or treatment.
Attend Morning Report on a daily basis from 0800-0900
Nephrologist inpatient/outpatient consultations and daily inpatient rounding.
Outpatient nephrology clinics
Committee Appointments- Will participate in meetings as assigned.
Coordinate the patient care by effective communication with PCP, Inpatient, ED and outside services.
Provide medical expert opinions for Tort Claims as requested.
Peer review committee as needed.
Other duties as assigned by Chief of Medicine.