afd operational medical director

AFD OPERATIONAL MEDICAL DIRECTOR / ADMD

The Operational Medical Director for the City of Alexandria Virginia Fire Department provides direction and leadership of clinical performance and medical operations for the Alexandria Fire Department's (AFD) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. The incumbent serves as the final authority on all medical care provided by AFD personnel in the field (online and offline medical direction) and ensures that all prehospital medical care, protocols, training, and quality improvement activities comply with federal, state, regional, and City regulations and best practices. The OMD operates with significant autonomy under the general direction of the Fire Chief or a designated Assistant/Deputy Fire Chief.

The Opportunity

• Provide direct medical oversight through phone/radio communications, ride-alongs, and emergency responses. Develop, implement, and periodically review medical protocols, policies, and procedures for Fire and Emergency Communications personnel, ensuring they meet current best medical practices across a wide range of patient categories (e.g. pediatric, geriatric, trauma, cardiac, psychiatric). Collaborate on mobile integrated healthcare initiatives, such as the community paramedicine program.

• Serves as the authorizing physician for procuring prehospital medications and EMS supplies. Direct and oversee the department's controlled substance medication storage, distribution, and accountability program. Participate in audit and medication diversion control processes.

• Maintain an effective quality management system, coordinating data review and conducting monthly meetings to ensure care quality and efficacy within the City of Alexandria. Provide input into the City's comprehensive infection control and prevention plan required by OSHA.

• Plan, collaborate, and implement prehospital/EMS research projects, evaluate findings for implementation, and publish results to enhance nationwide prehospital care.
• Provide medical oversight for the training and certification of all EMT and Paramedic personnel. Ensure compliance with Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services (VDH-OEMS) regulations. Expand initial training and continuing education programs to meet state rules and regulations. Participate in mass casualty simulations and declared disasters.
• Maintain effective working relationships with external contacts (for example local medical facilities and EMS agencies). Represent the department at regional (e.g., Alexandria EMS Council, Northern Virginia EMS Council) and national meetings and conferences.
• Consult with a wide array of internal experts (AFD leadership IT, public health, finance, emergency medicine, etc.) to ensure that all program development decisions are data-driven, reasonable, cost-effective, and beneficial for patient care.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of advanced life support principles, practices, and procedures; strong managerial, communication and leadership skills; ability to make quick, sound decisions in emergencies; excellent communication, training, and problem-solving abilities. Knowledge of process improvement activities, program development and quality assurance. Ability to work collaboratively with multiple agencies and departments. Knowledge of Virginia EMS Rules and Regulations.

Must possess and maintain an active and unrestricted license or reciprocity to practice medicine by the Virginia Board of Medicine; must possess and maintain a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Registration for Schedule II-V controlled medications; must possess and maintain an active and unrestricted certification in Emergency Medicine by the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) or a national organization recognized by the Virginia Office of EMS; possess and maintain the EMS Physician Endorsement through the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services. Qualifications for the EMS Physician endorsement are established in the Virginia Administrative Code and requires the following: possess and maintain certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Advance Trauma Life Support (ATLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) from a national organization recognized by the Virginia Office of EMS. Minimum three (3) years post-licensure experience in an emergency care setting or an EMS agency. Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle driver's license in the state of residency.

Additional licensure and requirements:

• Ability to obtain, within 3 months of appointment, certifications on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) training program: IS-100, IS-200,IS-700, and IS-800;
• Ability to obtain, within 6 months of appointment, an Emergency Vehicle Operator course for sedans and ambulances that meets the requirements of the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services or the Virginia Department of Fire Programs;
• Ability to obtain, within 12 months of appointment, certifications on the National Incident Management System (NIMS) training program: ICS-300 and ICS-400

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

This class specifi cation provides a generalized representation of positions in this class. It is not intended to refl ectessential functions pursuant to ADA, nor is it intended to list every specifi c function and task of this class title. A jobclass may also have a medical standard associated with specific physical or mental requirements that must be met.

The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.