Job Summary
The Cardiothoracic Surgeon will play a pivotal role in the Cardiovascular & Theatres department, focusing on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the heart, lungs, oesophagus, and other thoracic organs. This position requires a highly skilled surgeon with extensive experience in performing complex surgical procedures, including but not limited to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair and replacement, and lung resections. The surgeon will be responsible for leading surgical teams, ensuring patient safety, and improving surgical outcomes through effective management of clinical practices.
The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of cardiothoracic surgery principles and techniques, demonstrating proficiency in both traditional and minimally invasive surgical methods. In addition to technical expertise, the role demands excellent interpersonal skills to foster collaboration within the multidisciplinary surgical team and engage effectively with patients and their families. The Cardiothoracic Surgeon will also be expected to contribute to clinical research initiatives and mentor junior staff, thereby enhancing the overall quality of care delivered within the department.
This role is critical in addressing the growing demand for specialised cardiac and thoracic care in Nigeria, where cardiovascular diseases are prevalent. The successful candidate will be committed to continuous professional development and staying abreast of advancements in surgical techniques and technologies. They will also play a key role in developing protocols that align with international best practices while adapting them to local healthcare contexts.
Key Responsibilities
- Surgical Procedures: Perform a wide range of cardiothoracic surgeries, including open-heart surgeries and minimally invasive techniques.
- Patient Assessment: Conduct thorough pre-operative evaluations, including medical history reviews and diagnostic tests, to determine suitable treatment plans.
- Post-operative Care: Manage post-operative recovery processes, ensuring patients receive appropriate care and monitoring for complications.
- Team Leadership: Lead surgical teams during operations, coordinating with anaesthesiologists, perfusionists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Clinical Governance: Uphold high standards of clinical governance by adhering to established protocols and guidelines while promoting a culture of safety within the operating room.
- Research Contributions: Engage in clinical research projects aimed at improving surgical techniques and patient outcomes, contributing to publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Mentorship: Provide guidance and training to junior surgeons and medical staff, fostering an environment of learning and professional growth.
- Patient Communication: Communicate effectively with patients regarding their conditions, treatment options, and post-operative care instructions.
- Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other departments such as cardiology , anaesthesia, and radiology to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients.
- Quality Improvement Initiatives: Participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing surgical practices and patient care delivery.
- Emergency Response: Be available for on-call duties to manage emergency surgeries or complications arising from previous procedures.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate and comprehensive medical records in compliance with legal requirements and institutional policies.
- Professional Development: Engage in continuous education opportunities to stay updated on advancements in cardiothoracic surgery.
Equality and Diversity
- Act as lead for Equality & Diversity in the department to ensure the development and effective implementation of a strategy, set of policies, procedures and monitoring and control systems are in place.
Personal and Staff Development
- Work with HR to undertake recruitment, retention, performance management and development of staff in the team.
- Work with the Recruitment Manager to establish connections with appropriate local, international and online communities to nurture a pipeline of talent to support the growth of the company.
- Responsible for the development of high potential employees, providing a structured approach to mentoring and developing critical talent at all levels of management.
Communications And Working Relationships
- Collaborate closely with anaesthesiologists during surgeries.
- Maintain open lines of communication with nursing staff regarding patient care needs.
- Engage with patients' families to provide updates on surgical outcomes.
- Coordinate with other specialists (e.g., cardiologists) for comprehensive patient management.
- Foster a team-oriented environment within the operating room through proactive communication strategies.
- Participate actively in departmental meetings to discuss case reviews and quality improvement initiatives.
- Build relationships with external stakeholders involved in healthcare delivery or research partnerships.
Line Management
- Supervise junior surgeons during procedures as part of their training.
- Conduct performance appraisals for team members involved in surgical care delivery.
- Delegate tasks appropriately among surgical team members based on their skills and experience levels.
- Provide mentorship opportunities for residents or fellows interested in cardiothoracic surgery.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies regarding staff conduct and performance standards.
- Facilitate training sessions on new technologies or techniques relevant to cardiothoracic surgery.
- Address any personnel issues within the surgical team promptly and professionally.
Organisational Responsibilities
- Uphold high standards of clinical governance within the Cardiovascular & Theatres department.
- Ensure adherence to health regulations and institutional policies during all surgical procedures.
- Participate in budget planning related to the cardiovascular department's operational needs.
- Contribute to strategic planning initiatives aimed at enhancing service delivery within the department.
- Monitor departmental performance metrics related to patient outcomes and satisfaction levels.
- Advocate for resource allocation necessary for maintaining high-quality surgical services.
- Engage with community health initiatives aimed at raising awareness about cardiovascular health issues.
Confidentiality
The post holder must be aware that Confidential Information and data to which the post holder will have knowledge and access to in the course of their employment with the AMCE is to be kept confidential, and this confidentiality is a condition of employment. The duty to maintain confidentiality continues even when the post holder is no longer employed.
This information is not to be shared with anyone outside of the AMCE under any circumstances, except to the extent necessary to fulfil any duties and responsibilities required within the role. Furthermore, upon termination with the AMCE Abuja, the post holder will return to the AMCE all confidential information held.
General
The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and well-being and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of AMCE together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients, staff and visitors.
To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
All employees must hold an AMCE email account, which will be the AMCE's formal route for email communication. You are therefore required to check this regularly and to deal with such communication promptly.
Infection Control Statement
The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role. These requirements are set out in the AMCE Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures, which will be made clear during your induction and subsequent refresher training. These standards must be strictly complied with at all times.