Podiatrist

Position Summary

•    The Podiatrist is responsible for the provision of podiatry services to outpatients and inpatients UHS.
•    To work as part of a multidisciplinary team in the provision of a client focused Podiatry service. The position holder will work closely with the endocrinology team, other allied health, medical team and nursing staff to provide a high-quality service.
•    The practice of podiatry shall not include treating any part of the human body other than the foot.

Summary of Main Duties

•    The Podiatrist is responsible for the provision of podiatry services to outpatients and inpatients UHS.
•    To work as part of a multidisciplinary team in the provision of a client focused Podiatry service. The position holder will work closely with the endocrinology team, other allied health, medical team and nursing staff to provide a high-quality service.
•    The practice of podiatry shall not include treating any part of the human body other than the foot.

•    Actively participates in upholding and promoting the vision and culture of University Hospital Sharjah (UHS)
•    Complies with all UHS policies, procedures and safety regulations 
•    Participates in all aspects of the International Accreditation program to assist UHS to attain and maintain international accreditation standards
•    Performs Podiatrist practice in line with the facility, MOH and JCI policies, procedures and standards.
•    Making patient centered care the main priority and treat every patient compassionately  
•    Develop and implement a robust podiatry service to assist patients to regain functional capacity with mobility and transfers using contemporary and best practice techniques that include health promotion, education in self-management, and the provision of podiatry services to UHS patients. 
•    Poses in-depth clinical skills in assessment and screening of diabetic foot (neuropathies, vascular. Skin) and clearly communicates to the patient what is involved in the assessment and management of the condition. 
•    Undertake Doppler assessments and Ankle Brachial Pressure Index calculations and documentation.
•    Assess and diagnose the condition of a patient’s feet and ankles
•    Clinical assessment and treatment of core foot health conditions, including callus & Hyperkeratosis debridement, corn enucleations, Skin and nail ailments: ingrown nail, fungus infection, treatment of wart & pathological nails treatment.
•    Conduct weight Biomechanics and Gait assessment, advice, guidance and prescription on footwear.
•    Prescribe orthotics and Manufactured custom-made insoles.
•    Diagnose and treat   foot and toe deformity 
•    Offloading wounds through Total Contact Casts and other methods
•    Diagnose, Treatment and management of patients with complex foot deformity 
•    Diabetic’s care: Screening, education and prevention of Diabetic foot ulcer. 
•    Manage and treat diabetic foot ulcer Grade 0 and 1 stage A
•    Refer patients with higher grades diabetic foot ulcer to other specialists if such as vascular surgery, General surgery and Wound care.

Responsibilities

•    Maintain statistics and analyze data and provide reports on activities and programs as required. 
•    Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures for podiatry services as required. 
•    Develop collaborative relationships with other departments, services, and community health care agencies to facilitate and support high standards of podiatry care. 
•    Develops, monitor and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) sensitive to podiatry services. 
•    Collects and analyses data for the agreed KPIs, providing action plans based upon the findings. 
•    Develop and implement required educational resources for both staff and patients/families. 
•    Participates in the provision of a safe and positive workplace by enhancing occupational health and safety requirements, as well as monitoring the operations and continuous improvement of the safety management system.
•    Attends assigned committees and reports back to the HOD/Director.
•    Effective prioritization of projects and meeting of timelines. 
•    Documents the podiatry care and education of each patient in the approved patient medical record, in accordance with the facility approved medical record and documentation policy.
•    Ensures patient environment is safe for patients and staff by utilizing infection control practices, adhering to International patient safety goals and following facility health and safety policies.
•    Collaborates with the Multi-disciplinary team and acts as patient advocate to ensure quality care is delivered. 
•    Adhere to the safe administration of medication policy within the facility, administering prescribed medications, including narcotics as per scope of practice.
•    Demonstrates sensitivity to patients’ comfort and privacy and expresses interest in their progress.
•    Utilizes and ensures maintenance of equipment and instruments, reporting any damages, equipment malfunctioning to the Bio – Medical department and nurse in charge immediately.
•    Ensures all administrative billing documentation, appointment scheduling and insurance approval is complete as per facility policy and billing details have been communicated with patient and family.
•    Initiates emergency, safety practices and fire safety measures as necessary.
•    Reports all incidents through agreed channels and chain of command, ensuring Incident report is completed, submitted to nurse in charge and any immediate action required taken.
•    Maintains and adheres to patient confidentiality policy at all times.
•    Responsible for attendance to yearly mandatory training as scheduled on mandatory training calendar.
•    Responsible for professional clinical practice and is actively involved in updating knowledge through educational activities.
•    Performs other job-related duties as assigned (within scope of practice)
•    The employment terms and conditions for this position are specified in the individuals Employment Contract.

Position Requirements/Qualifications

Required
•    Bachelor of Podiatry from an accredited education institution, college or university.
•    Minimum 3 years post-graduation experience in podiatry services.

Desirable 
•    MSC of Podiatry from an accredited education institution, college or university.
•    BLS certificate

Licenses/Registration
Required 
•    Current license in country of origin
•    UAE Sharjah Health Authority License 

Within three months of employment 
•    BLS certificate

Position criteria Other Skills/Abilities

Position criteria     

•    3 years post graduate experience  
•    Computer literate familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel 
•    Must be fluent in written and spoken English, spoken Arabic an advantage 

Advantage: 
•    Previous UAE experience 
•    experience in a commissioning environment 
•    experience of working in International accredited hospital (JCIA)
•    Participated in Preceptors/Education programs

Other Skills/Abilities 
•    Have knowledge current evidence-based practice.
•    Demonstrate proven success in collaborating with peers & colleagues and able to work in, a diverse multi-cultural environment 
•    Management, administrative and leadership skills required to effectively organize and direct staff and services 
•    Basic data management & analytical skills