Job Summary
The Gastrointestinal Surgeon and Endoscopist is a highly skilled specialist responsible for the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and endoscopic management of a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including those affecting the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, pancreas, and biliary system. This role combines expertise in both endoscopic procedures and complex surgical interventions to provide comprehensive care for patients with GI conditions, such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and gastrointestinal motility disorders. The Gastrointestinal Surgeon and Endoscopist plays a key role in the early detection and management of GI cancers and other complex digestive diseases, employing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to optimize patient outcomes.
In addition to performing a full spectrum of GI surgeries, including laparoscopic procedures, this specialist conducts various endoscopic procedures, such as upper endoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). They are proficient in advanced endoscopic techniques, including polypectomy, mucosal resection, stent placement, and endoscopic management of gastrointestinal bleeding, providing minimally invasive options for diagnosis, treatment, and palliation of GI conditions.
The Gastrointestinal Surgeon and Endoscopist works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team that includes gastroenterologists, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, anaesthetists, and nursing staff to develop personalized, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. They are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of patient safety, and quality care through adherence to clinical guidelines, participation in quality improvement initiatives, and continuous professional development.
Furthermore, you will contribute to advancing the field of gastrointestinal surgery and endoscopy by engaging in clinical research, teaching, and mentorship of medical students, residents, and fellows. The role is crucial in ensuring that patients receive holistic, compassionate, and state-of-the-art care, improving overall GI health and quality of life.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership:
- Lead a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, gastroenterologists, anaesthesiologists, and nursing staff, to deliver comprehensive and coordinated care.
- Participate in regular multidisciplinary tumour board to including an Oncologist, Radiologist, Pathologist and Surgeon to review GI tumour cases and decide on an evidence-based treatment method.
- Promote a culture of safety, quality, and patient-centred care within the department, ensuring adherence to ethical and clinical standards
- Mentor and provide education to junior doctors, surgical trainees, and medical students in both surgical and endoscopic techniques.
- Serve as a clinical expert, contributing to the development and implementation of protocols, guidelines, and best practices for gastrointestinal surgery and endoscopy.
Strategic Development
- Develop and implement strategies to enhance the GI surgical and endoscopic services, expanding the range of procedures offered and optimizing patient pathways.
- Collaborate with hospital leadership to align the GI services with organizational goals and to identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and service improvement.
- Participate in clinical research and innovation to advance surgical and endoscopic techniques, contributing to the body of knowledge in gastrointestinal care.
- Engage in strategic planning initiatives to improve patient outcomes, reduce wait times, and increase service efficiency
Governance
- Ensure compliance with all relevant clinical guidelines, regulations, and accreditation standards for gastrointestinal surgery and endoscopy.
- Lead audits, quality improvement initiatives, and peer reviews to monitor performance, patient outcomes, and safety within the department.
- Participate in governance meetings, providing expertise on GI surgical and endoscopic practices and advising on risk management strategies.
- Develop and oversee clinical governance frameworks, ensuring all surgical and endoscopic procedures adhere to the highest standards of care.
Other Responsibilities
- Conduct pre-operative assessments, surgical planning, and post-operative care, ensuring comprehensive patient management throughout the treatment journey.
- Stay up to date with the latest advancements in gastrointestinal surgery and endoscopy, incorporating new techniques and technologies into practice.
- Provide expert consultation on complex GI cases for all AMCE Clinical Directorate patients.
Equality and Diversity
- Act as lead for Equality & Diversity in the Estates and Facilities 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 development of high potential employees, providing a structured approach to mentoring and developing critical talent at all levels of management.
Communications And Working Relationships
- Establish and maintain effective communication with patients and their families, providing clear explanations, guidance, and support throughout their care.
- Collaborate with other specialists, including oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and dietitians, to ensure a coordinated approach to patient care.
- Actively participate in departmental and multidisciplinary meetings, contributing to case discussions, strategy sessions, and service development.
- Engage with external organizations, professional bodies, and healthcare networks to promote the hospital's GI services and best practices.
Line Management
- Provide supervision, mentorship, and performance management to junior surgical staff, endoscopy nurses, and allied health professionals within the department.
- Oversee the recruitment, training, and development of staff, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and professional growth.
- Ensure efficient use of departmental resources, including personnel, equipment, and facilities, to maintain quality standards of patient care.
- Manage the workload and scheduling of surgical and endoscopic sessions, ensuring adequate staffing levels and operational efficiency.
Organizational Responsibilities
- Report directly to the Clinical Director of General Medical & Surgical Services, contributing to departmental and organizational goals.
- Represent the department in hospital-wide committees, strategic initiatives, and quality improvement projects.
- Promote a culture of excellence, safety, and patient-centered care across the organization, advocating for the needs of the GI surgical and endoscopic services.
- Participate in external conferences, professional networks, and forums to represent the hospital and contribute to the advancement of gastrointestinal surgery and endoscopy.
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.