General Surgeon at Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro, NH

Under the direction of the Chief Medical Officer, is responsible for providing specialized knowledge and experience related to the diagnosis, preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of patients including the management of complications in multiple aspects of general surgery practice.

Patient Care--Preoperative period:

· Examines patients to obtain information to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and determines surgical risk.

· Formulates an appropriate plan of care based on physical exam, patient history and clinical findings, and collaborates with other physician(s) as necessary.

· Diagnosis bodily disorders and other conditions, providing appropriate treatments, including surgeries and medications.

· Writes orders including diagnostic tests, referrals, and medication.

· Answers patient questions and clarifies concerns in a friendly, attentive manner.

· Provides and promotes effective and compassionate care for patients and families.

· Orders and interprets patient diagnostic and other clinical tests.

· Advises patient and family about laboratory and other test results in order to promote patient cooperation and understanding of plan-of-care treatment decisions.

· Provides patient and family education regarding diagnoses, disease process and treatment options.

· Analyzes patient's medical history, medication allergies, physical condition, and diagnostic results to verify need for surgical intervention, and to determine the best surgical methodology and surgical risk.

· Partners with perioperative teams to assess and mitigate surgical risk.

· Prescribes pre- and post-operative treatments and procedures, such as sedatives, diets, antibiotics, preparation, and treatment of the patient's operative area.

· Informs patients and families about the procedure to be done, and the benefits and the risks that the patient needs to consider before obtaining necessary consents.

· Explains procedures to patients, including recovery and any follow-up care that will be needed.

· Directs and coordinates the interdisciplinary professional team to coordinate both operative and nonoperative care.

· Refers patients to medical specialists or other practitioners when appropriate.

Patient Care--Intraoperative and Post-Operative Period:

• Performs a wide range of surgeries expertly and successfully, anticipating and correcting post-operative problems resulting from co-morbid conditions and stress of surgery.
• Treats diseases, injuries, and deformities by invasive, minimally invasive, or non-invasive surgical methods.
• Directs and coordinates activities of nurses, assistants, specialists, and other medical and clinical staff participating in the operative care of patients.
• Participates as a leader in surgical services, providing input on planning, scheduling, coordination, of supplies and equipment. Assists in the determination of safely performed elective procedures based on outcomes data and facility needs/capabilities.
• Ensures that proper patient documentation is timely, accurate, complete, and is compliant with office, hospital, and governmental entities.
• Ensures the ideal experience and highest level of customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Responds to and resolves patients' issues in a timely, professional, and friendly manner.
• Acts as an information resource and ambassador to patients.

Office Practice and General Surgery Program:

• Works with practice management to ensure proper compliance with billing, coding, and CPT code-assignment.
• Supports and coordinates all surgical practice and Hospital quality improvement efforts and reporting. Continually seeks opportunities for quality improvement in processes, services, operations, and clinical quality/outcomes
• Provides consultation and surgical assistance to other providers and surgeons.
• Utilizes the current Electronic Medical Record to complete the documented Best Practice Workflows accurately.
• Collaborates with hospital staff to optimize surgical and nonsurgical care
• Initiates and participates in growth and development of General Surgery department. Assess other General surgery service offerings, while considering the needs of the community. Provide provider outreach and promotion of Huggins Hospital General Surgery services.
• Actively engages in the development of medical services including protocols, standard procedures, and management of patient-care-related activities.
• Acts in a positive and professional manner, complying with practice policies, procedures, and federal and state laws.
• Implements best practice models in clerical and clinical areas, medical record management protocols, and regulatory compliance. Ensures compliance with current practice and Hospital policies and procedures to ensure excellent patient care.
• Works as a team to provide on-call coverage for other general surgeons.
• Keeps up-to-date technically and apply new knowledge for best practice in the department.
• Participates in teaching and mentorship if asked by administration.
• Stays abreast of external and internal environment trends and forecasts (healthcare and economic related) and market conditions to optimize practice performance.
• Provides community education.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Secondary functions:

• Efficiently uses group practice and healthcare resources.
• Contributes to quality improvement activities by actively participating in the medical staff activities, serving on various committees, and suggesting and supporting process improvements.
• Advises the Chief of Surgery and/or Chief Medical Officer of any problems that can affect the efficiency of the organization.

Organizational Expectations:

· Attendance: Attendance is an essential job function; employee comes to work daily, on time, and completes scheduled shift

· HIPAA: facilitates to maintain patient confidentiality

· Internal communication: contributes to positive team performance and a culture of service excellence through effective communication, active listening, and respect

· Interpersonal relationships: maintains appropriate interpersonal relationships with staff, patients, and visitors at all times. Works as a team member with other departments.

· Safety: Practices workplace safety daily

Employee Engagement:

· Actively participates in all hospital Service Excellence initiatives and trainings

· Attends and participates in a minimum of 50% department staff meetings and signs off on review of 100% department staff meeting minutes

· Completes all required annual education on or before the due date

Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Individuals must possess these knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that they can perform the primary functions of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation, using some combination of skills and abilities and possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without a reasonable accommodation, to safely perform the essential functions of the job.

· Minimal physical effort required with occasional light lifting to a maximum of 25 pounds; stooping; and pick, pinch, type, or otherwise work primarily with fingers

· Ability to effectively manage considerable mental stress

· Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word

· Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication

· Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and convey information in a clear, concise and accurate manner

· Familiarity with computer and other business machines

Qualifications:

Medical degree from an accredited medical school

Three years of experience preferred

BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required

Licensed to practice medicine in the State of New Hampshire

Board Certified or Board Eligible by the American Board of Surgery

Degree of MD or DO with ABIM-recognized surgical residency (five years