Division Chief / Division Head - Clinical Biochemistry

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chair - Pathology, the Division Chief / Division Head - Clinical Biochemistry provides clinical, education, research and executive management leadership In Clinical Biochemistry.  The Division Chief / Division Head -is a clinical and managerial leader working with the Sidra executive team to develop and deliver strategy and business plans and is accountable for resources and performance in Clinical Biochemistry division and integrates research and education priorities into a program of excellent clinical service delivery. Specialized investigation and diagnosis of pediatric and/or maternal disease in the fields of clinical chemistry, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for routine, complex and complicated biochemical tests for pediatric patients, consultations and case management (where appropriate), and other associated clinical and academic activities are managed in this Division.

KEY ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Identifies and articulates the vision, strategic direction, and growth of the Division of Clinical Biochemistry and collaborates on the implementation of strategies to achieve them.

• Leads diagnostic service planning, service development and capacity planning for the clinical activities of Clinical Biochemistry services.

• Recommends clinical privileges, appointment, reappointment and corrective action for each member of the Division of Clinical Biochemistry as well as promoting mentorship and academic career development for these staff members.

• Implements the clinical service strategies and business plan for the Clinical Biochemistry Division.

• Strategic/directional decisions with significant business impact.

   

General

• Promotes leadership and direction for the development of strategies to promote the recruitment, retention, and direct mission of excellence for the medical staff, and collaborates with the other Division Chiefs to execute the strategies.

• Ensures that the staff of the Clinical Biochemistry Division provide services that are in compliance with all applicable standards and requirements of the Joint Commission International, Qatar Supreme Council of Health, and all other applicable regulatory bodies.

• Works with the Chair - Pathology to establish and update the work week standards for all physicians on staff and assures that there is appropriate clinical coverage for all patients requiring medical care from the Clinical Biochemistry Division (including on call services).

• Works collaboratively with other service chiefs, chief officers, and executive directors to achieve broad Sidra objectives.

• Conducts other duties as may be directed by the Chief Medical Officer and/or Chief Executive Officer through the Chair of Pathology.

• Supports the development of Sidra as a world class regional center.

Clinical and Technical

• Sets and achieves targets to drive continuous assessment and improvement of the quality of care and services provided and initiates actions for necessary improvements according to Sidra Board initiatives.

• Sets and achieves targets for programs and procedures for confidentiality of all patient information in accordance with hospital policy and the privacy laws of the State of Qatar.

• In conjunction with the Chair of Pathology, ensures the implementation of robust clinical governance structures and processes to ensure patient safety.

• Ensures effective communication with and involvement of all staff within the Clinical Biochemistry Division in regards to key decisions and initiatives.

• Initiates, implements and oversees programs designed to foster positive relations between staff of Clinical Biochemistry, physicians and the hospital operations and administration.

• Promotes and evaluates pathology community outreach programs as appropriate.

• Develops, manages and supports pathology and community relationships, coordinating and disseminating information to all stakeholders to solicit ongoing support from the State of Qatar for Clinical Biochemistry.

• Promotes outreach and communications with non-Sidra providers of Clinical Biochemistry services to help Sidra function as the premier regional Clinical Biochemistry research center of the Gulf Region.

Educational

• Continues surveillance of the professional performance of all individuals in the Clinical Biochemistry Division who have delineated clinical privileges, including performance, and ongoing and focused professional practice evaluations (OPPE and FPPE).

• Continues surveillance of diagnostic patient care and the professional performance of all individuals in the Clinical Biochemistry Division who have defined clinical privileges.

• In conjunction with the Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College – Qatar ensures there is an active and continuous program of undergraduate teaching within the Clinical Biochemistry Division to ensure an effective learning environment for students, residents, and medical staff.

• Initiation and implementation of continuing education programs for laboratory technologists within the Division of Clinical Biochemistry (e.g. invited seminars, symposia, teleconferences).

Research and Diagnostic Test Development

• Makes recommendations for the purchase of capital and other equipment and participates in the evaluation of products for use by different members of the Clinical Biochemistry Division to ensure their safety and efficacy.

• In conjunction with the Chief Research officer and division heads of research, ensures a program of basic, clinical or translational research is developed and promoted and delivered within the Clinical Biochemistry Division.

• Is actively involved in research, graduate teaching, and publication in established and recognized refereed journals, and in advising of students and in participation in academic activities.

Administrative and Financial

• Responsible for all administrative related activities of the Clinical Biochemistry Division unless otherwise provided for by the hospital, and serves on all requested committees including medical executive committee, and appointing such committees as necessary to conduct the function of the department.

• Develops and implements policies and procedures that guide and support provision of services to the Clinical Biochemistry (and subspecialty) services to support Sidra’s vision as a Center of Excellence.

• Accountable to the Chair for the financial performance and management of all budgets within the Clinical Biochemistry Division.

• Ensures all members of the Clinical Biochemistry Division optimize the use of electronic medical records.

• Assists with marketing strategies to inform physicians and their staff of Sidra’s clinical diagnostic procedures, services and resources.

• Identifies and coordinates resolution of problems to improve physician utilization and patient satisfaction.

• Develops and maintains appropriate systems of communication between Sidra and other providers of primary and advanced Clinical Biochemistry in Qatar for the purpose of individual patient care and systemic safety and quality improvement.

• Scope of clinical responsibilities for Division Chief - Clinical Biochemistry:

  • Manages and monitors, specialized investigation and diagnosis of pediatric and/or maternal disease in the fields of Clinical Biochemistry.

  • Identification of specialized testing appropriate for specific scenarios, and triaging and/or coordination of these cases where more than one pathology division is involved.

  • Consultation and advice regarding the appropriate management of patients and samples requiring Clinical Biochemistry expertise, including the involvement of other pathology divisions and other hospital departments.

  • Manages appropriate referrals and transfers under standard and emergency situations.

  • Participates in mandatory training and actively practices continual professional development in alignment with Sidra’s professional development programs to ensure maintenance of professional licensure/accreditation.

  • Develops and/or delivers training programs to new employees on equipment and procedures in the area of operations in alignment with the department’s and Sidra’s training objectives and plans.

  • Is an educational resource for the Division and contributes to the education of patients, staff and physicians and other stakeholders as required.

  • Provides support and relief for other Clinical Chemists as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education

• For Division Chief
  • MD, MBBS or equivalent
  • Board certification

  • Fellowship/training in Clinical Biochemistry

     

• For Division Head

  • PhD + FRCPath (or equivalent)

  • Post-doctoral training in Specialty area (or equivalent training)

  • Certification in Clinical Biochemistry (ABCC or CACB/CSCC, FRCPath or equivalent)

Experience

10+ years Clinical Biochemistry / pathology experience including 5+ years in clinical and/or academic leadership in Clinical Biochemistry