Physician III

Job Description:
Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of each other, teamwork, and inclusivity? HSCS is dedicated to building a diverse community atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported, and accepted while providing specialized care for Texans in need. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interest you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Physician III performs highly advanced and/or managerial (senior-level) medical, clinical, or public health work. The Physician III works under the general clinical and administrative supervision of the Medical Director or designee. Work involves directing medical and infection control activities, monitoring trends and making recommendations for improvement. Responsible for the delivery of high quality general medical evaluation and treatment to patients with psychiatric disorders. Provides supervision to physicians and nurse practitioners in the medical clinic. Acts as a resource for infection control and consultant to general medical physicians. Provides treatment to state hospital employees injured in the course and scope of employment. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Must understand that duties, location of work and shift pattern are subject to change as determined by the administration to meet the needs of the hospital.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Leads and supervises Physicians and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in the general medical clinic. Provides appropriate consultation and collaboration with APRNs in order to establish the Prescriptive Authority Agreement and the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners requirement for APRN practice within the state of Texas.

Requests input from colleagues, when indicated, and demonstrates a cooperative and supportive manner in working with the supervisor, peers, and support staff to facilitate work and information flow.

Performs comprehensive physical assessments and medical history in order to arrive at the most appropriate multi-axial diagnostic impressions and formulations. Orders appropriate laboratory and diagnostic studies as necessary. Monitors the patient’s response to treatment on a continuous basis. Documents all patient encounters related to assessment, rationale for treatment interventions and other related issues in order to outline the course of hospitalization. Frequency of documentation is appropriate to the level of care the individual requires.

Monitors patient’s response to treatment on an on-going basis. Reviews diagnostic studies, conducts clinical assessments of abnormal results, and follows up or refers patients as appropriate. Documentation is provided, as appropriate, to the level of care the patient requires. Treatment is consistent with standards of care stablished by The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and state hospital policies and procedures.

Oversees the implementation of the hospital infection control plan as required by TJC, this includes monitoring the status of infectious diseases of employees and patients, as well as prevention. Data of immunizations of staff and patients as well as incidents of diseases are monitored and plans for improvement are developed in response to outbreaks of infectious diseases. Acts as a resource for infection control and consultant to general medical physicians.

Actively participates in audits and other performance improvement activities. Provides appropriate input to ensure standards of care are met and acceptable level of patient care is maintained. Assists in developing Plans of Correction for deficiencies identified.

Demonstrates respect, compassion, consideration, and responsiveness by practicing in a manner that reflects respect for the patient and family members and is attentive to the needs of other co-workers and their ability to work towards a common goal for the patient.

Provides treatment to state hospital employees injured in the course and scope of employment. Provides initial clinical assessment and basic non-invasive care and stabilization for emergency and non-emergency occupational injuries within the scope of discipline licensure. Provides support to visitors and employees, when indicated, while waiting for transfer to outside facility for assessment and treatment.

Establishes and maintains professional competencies through participation in Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs or activities in order to provide the best level of care to patients as well as maintain state licensure. Provides CME certificates, current licensure and other required documentation for Medical Staff credentialing file.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of APRN scope of practice and understanding of collaborative agreement for APRNs and Physicians
Knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and treatment appropriate to the age-related needs of patients served.
Knowledge of the principles of public health practices
Knowledge of disease management and risk analysis

Skills in the care and treatment of patients, and in the use of medical diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment
Skills in the use of a computer and applicable software
Skills in developing, describing, and communicating medical or public health plans and procedures.
Skills in project management, prioritization, and program evaluation
Skills in problem identification, analysis, and resolution
Skills in process facilitation techniques, team building, negotiation, conflict resolution, and strategic planning

Ability to examine, diagnose and treat physical disorders.
Ability to interpret laboratory analyses and X-Rays.
Ability to direct medical activities.
Ability to evaluate the age-specific needs of patients and implement an effective course of treatment in coordination with other disciplines.
Ability to interact effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds.
Ability to foster partnerships and agreements with individuals and entities on a national, state, and local level.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

---