SURGEON in Doctors Without Borders

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is the Belgium operation center in Ukraine.

SURGEON

Médecins Sans Frontières/ Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is an international humanitarian organization that provides assistance in more than 60 countries around the world to people in difficult situations, victims of natural disasters, man-made disasters and armed conflicts, regardless of their race, religion or political beliefs.

MSF is a civil society initiative that unites people who seek to provide assistance to other people in crisis situations. Thus, MSF is an association by choice.

Everyone who works with MSF does so out of conviction and is willing to support the organization's values and principles.

Main purpose:

Organize and conduct surgical operations, provide pre- and post-operative care in accordance with MSF policies, protocols and universal hygiene standards, in close cooperation with the medical staff of the emergency, intensive care and operating rooms, in order to improve the health of the beneficiaries.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the implementation of MSF clinical policies, tools, guidelines and protocols (antibiotic prophylaxis, postoperative analgesia, thrombosis prevention, blood transfusion, etc.) and recommendations (standard hygiene and sterilization rules, prevention of HIV, tuberculosis, syphilis and hepatitis B) in order to minimize clinical risks. 
• Conduct pre-operative consultations, assess surgical risks with the anesthesiologist and/or other medical personnel involved in the surgery, and obtain the beneficiary's signed informed consent for surgery.
• Perform emergency and elective surgical procedures in accordance with MSF protocols and policies, including accounting for gauze pads, ensuring proper use of surgical equipment and proper recording/documentation in the operating room log of all interventions performed in the operating room.
• Perform post-operative clinical care and ward rounds in collaboration with anesthetist, operating nurse and ward staff or other ward managers to ensure adherence to MSF protocols and rational use of medications. Visit the outpatient department and emergency room as needed.
• In collaboration with the anesthesiologist, collect and analyze quantitative data about surgical anesthesia, using post-operative observation sheets, collected routine data, patient cards, operating room register, etc. for quality control. Review data monthly, analyze clinical trends and comment on adverse events / poor clinical outcomes. Provide support in the bodyzation of the operating program and with the operating room staff, monitor the use of materials and equipment, make recommendations on instrument needs and coordinate the referral of beneficiaries.
• Implement the hospital emergency response plan with the anesthesiologist, physician and/or charge nurse and conduct practical simulations in the hospital to ensure continuity of service under all circumstances.
• Know and assist implement a policy on accidental contact with blood. 
• Plan, evaluate and monitor the training of staff (emergency and outpatient teams) in order to ensure the necessary level of knowledge and improve diagnostic, triage and early diagnostic capabilities.
• Provide support to other medical teams/departments (for example, midwives and obstetric teams in the maternity ward, etc.) as necessary. 

MSF context specific responsibilities:

• Work as a trauma team leader and provide hands-on medical care in the emergency department during emergencies and mass casualty (MCI) situations.
• Provide clinical training/mentoring for MSF and MOH staff to facilitate capacity building in accordance with MSF protocols.
• Participate in training at MOH facilities, in particular on mass casualty management (MCM).
• Conduct regular monitoring of the quality of medical care and the correct implementation of MSF protocols.
• Support the Medical Operations Manager in the collection and analysis of data on activities carried out in hospitals.
• Participate in the analysis of morbidity and mortality.
• Having skills in working with ultrasound - FAST protocol, chest and abdominal cavity - is an advantage, as is the ability to train staff.

The project is currently implemented in the Dnipropetrovsk region, and the activity is carried out in various hospitals in the east of Ukraine. Due to the dynamic situation, it is necessary to move to different locations according to the needs of the project, with overnight stays in accommodation provided by MSF.
It is important to consider that this is a stressful environment due to the proximity to an active front line.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• State recognized surgical degree required
• Preferred certifications in Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS), Primary Trauma Care (PTC), Advanced Trauma Care (ATLS), European Trauma Course (ETC), International Trauma Support Course (ITLS), Emergency Management mass casualty management (MCM) or equivalent courses.
• Instructor certificate preferred.
• B1-B2 English proficiency preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of surgical experience, with an emphasisfor war trauma surgery or general surgery covering war trauma
• Proven experience in leading and training team members in a collaborative environment
• Experience with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) or other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) preferred.

Knowledge languages: fluency in the Ukrainian language; knowledge of the English language is desirable.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Term contract, with the possibility of extension;
• Full time;
• Stable and guaranteed salary;
• Vacation - 2.5 days / month;
• Sick leave coverage;
• Medical insurance;
• Professional development (trainings, courses provided by the organization).

You will receive more detailed information during the interview.

Start date works: as soon as possible; the candidate selection process is ongoing.

We encourage diverse candidates to apply for this position, including people of any gender identity, age, sexual orientation, nationality, race, religion, creed, social and family status, people with different abilities and all other diverse characteristics, as well as methods of joint work.