Palliative Care Physician at Partners In Health/Inshuti Mu Buzima (PIH): (Deadline 15 April 2024)

Job Title: Palliative care physician

Department:

Clinical

Location:

Butaro Level 2 teaching hospital

Reports to:

Oncology program Director

Positions reporting to:

Palliative care nurse

Main Responsibilities

1

Job Purpose: We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated physician to help to strengthen the palliative care team within Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCE). The mission of this full-time team is to serve as a lead person to shape the palliative care program and to provide quality palliative care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The provider will be based in Butaro and will work in collaboration with other oncology team members, health professionals and the training program to deliver holistic and patient-centered care in the hospital and oncology clinics and to oversee the training of medical students on palliative care rotation in the hospital.

2

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a champion and leader in developing a full-time palliative care service at Butaro Hospital within the BCCOE.
• Provide palliative care consultations at least three days a week and follow up care as needed.
• Assess the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families and provide appropriate interventions and referrals.
• Prescribe and manage medications for pain and symptom relief, including opioids, and ensure their safe and rational use.
• Educate and support patients and their families on the goals and benefits of palliative care, advance care planning, and end-of-life issues.
• Coordinate and communicate with other health professionals and service providers involved in the patient’s care to ensure continuity and quality of care.
• During the work week be available to provide advice or “curbside consultation” for colleagues working in inpatient or outpatient settings.
• Supervise, mentor, and train students (medical/nursing students, residents, oncology fellows) in the practice and principles of palliative care.
• Lead discussion of cases at weekly palliative care Interdisciplinary Team Meeting and tumor boards
• Collaborate with palliative care program coordinator and Nurse Director on team logistics and training
• Serve as a palliative care resource for the clinicians and staff at Butaro Hospital.
• Develop and lead educational initiatives in palliative care at Butaro Hospital.
• Co-direct and teach palliative care curriculum for medical students at UGHE and University of Rwanda
• Teach palliative care course for residents (internal medicine, surgery, neurology, emergency medicine, OB/GYN) affiliated with UGHE and University of Rwanda
• Participate in research, advocacy, and policy development to improve access and quality of palliative care in the country.

Education and Experience Requirements  

• A medical degree (MD or MBBS) and a valid license to practice medicine in Rwanda
• Evidence of good clinical knowledge and skills as well as aptitude for teaching
• An interest in gaining knowledge and skills in pain and symptom management, communication, and ethical issues in palliative care.
• Prior palliative care experience is an added value and participants must be willing to participate in a palliative care training program with both in person and online components, with plan for ongoing mentorship and training with international palliative care collaborators.
• Willingness to commit to a career as a palliative care physician-educator
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team and respect the values and preferences of patients and their families.
• Uphold and live principles of equity in health care and committed to living PIH/IMB values: Ubumuntu-Compassion, Ubupfura-Integrity, Ubunyangamugayo-Honesty, Ubwubahane-Mutual respect, Ubumwe-Solidarity, Agaciro-Dignity, Kugira ishyaka-Determination
• At Partners In Health, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including our patients, families and community members – as well as our staff are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures