Trauma Medical Director

Job Title: Trauma Medical Director

Position Summary:

The Trauma Medical Director is responsible for the ongoing development, growth, and oversight/authority of the Trauma Program. Must be able to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and an understanding of the interdependent roles of various allied health professions. The Trauma Medical Director is responsible for promoting high standards of practice through the development of trauma policies, protocols, and practice guidelines; participating in rigorous performance improvement monitoring; resident and staff education; and trauma research. Has the authority to act on all trauma performance improvement and administrative issues and critically review trauma deaths and complications that occur within the hospital. Decisions affecting the care of trauma patients will not be made without the knowledge, input, and approval of the Trauma Medical Director.

Administration:

• Participate in the research, development, and writing of trauma policies, protocols, and practice guidelines.
• Implement all trauma program policies and procedures as they pertain to patient care.
• Organize, direct, and integrate the trauma program with all other departments and services within the hospital.
• Promote a cooperative and collaborative working environment among the clinical disciplines involved in trauma care.
• Maintain an effective working relationship with the medical staff, trauma service staff, administration, and other departments.
• Provide advice and direction in recommending privileges for the trauma service.
• Participate in trauma program marketing activities.
• Establish a physician case management process that fosters cost-effective, high-quality patient care.
• Assesses need for equipment, supplies, and budget
• Assist the Trauma Program Coordinator in developing and meeting the trauma program budgetary goals.
• Oversee, participate in, and develop projects that ensure the cost-effectiveness of care provided by physicians and the hospital

Program Initiatives:

• Lead efforts to develop and maintain a trauma center.
• Collaborate with the Trauma Program Coordinator to establish trauma program goals and objectives consistent with those of the hospital and ensure that those of the trauma program are being met.
• Develop and provide input on the development and maintenance of practice guidelines, policies, and methodologies for medical/surgical trauma care.
• Participate in site review by regulatory agencies.
• Organize, direct, and implement departmental practices to assure continued compliance with applicable laws, including the guidelines established by the Statewide Trauma System and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals.
• Demonstrate positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, referral MDs, hospital personnel, and patients/families in order to achieve maximum operational effectiveness and customer satisfaction.
• Assure transfer agreements are in place and in good standing; maintain relationships with receiving facilities, foster collaborative relationships.
• Make appropriate referrals for specialty services and communicate regularly with the referring physician as appropriate.
• Assume clinical responsibility for all trauma patients.
• Ensure that adequate attending physician availability is provided to render care to trauma patients.
• Ensure establishment of physician/surgeon call schedules for all trauma care, excluding those who do not meet educational and credentialing requirements.
• Provide trauma care leadership and consultation for emergency, surgery, and intensive care unit departments.
• Participate in regional and statewide activities affecting the trauma program.
• Attend local and national meetings and conferences to remain current regarding issues relevant to the performance of duties.
• Demonstrate consistent, efficient, cost-effective, and quality trauma care at all times.
• Participate in trauma patient/family satisfaction projects as developed by the hospital.

Performance Improvement:

• Determine and implement PI activities appropriate to the trauma program.
• Oversee the trauma PI program and participate in other quality initiatives that deal with the care of injured patients.
• Review and investigate all trauma PI inquiries in collaboration with the Trauma Program Coordinator and refer to the appropriate committees.
• Monitor compliance with trauma treatment guidelines, policies, and protocols.
• Assure that the quality and appropriateness of patient care are monitored and evaluated, and that appropriate actions based on findings are taken on a consistent basis.
• Report quality of care issues promptly to appropriate individuals, including the Trauma Program Coordinator and hospital administration.
• Identify and correct deficiencies in trauma care policies, guidelines, and protocols.
• Consult with appropriate medical staff and administration regarding quality care issues and adverse outcomes; identify areas to improve patient care.
• Assure that continuum of care is maintained.
• Identify representatives from various disciplines appropriate to participate in PI activities.
• Coordinate, schedule, and facilitate the PI peer review process.
• Chair the Morbidity and Mortality Committee meeting and the Multidisciplinary Trauma Conference.
• Review all trauma-related peer review and initiate action as necessary.
• Assist the Trauma Program Coordinator in evaluating the effectiveness of corrective actions resulting from PI processes.
• Assume responsibility for the accuracy and validity of trauma statistics.

Clinical Education:

• Support the requirements for trauma CME by participating and assisting in the education and training of hospital personnel, physicians, and specialists.
• Provide education for hospital staff regarding trauma program policies and appropriate medical practices.

Education and Experience:

1. Board-certified in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, or General Surgery.

2. Member in good standing of the hospital medical staff.

3. Currently licensed to practice medicine in Maine.

4. Currently certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) or Comprehensive Advanced Life Support (CALS) + Benchmark Lab or Trauma Module.

5. Three years of clinical experience in emergency/trauma care.

6. Two years of administrative experience.

7. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

8. Ability to accept and implement change.

9. Ability to solve problems and make decisions.

10. Demonstrated history of positive collegial relations with colleagues, support staff, hospital-based providers, administrators, and patients

· Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

· Trauma Nurse Core Course Provider (TNCC-P)

· Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

· DEA License

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:

• Lead the hospital in program development.
• Oversee the clinical practice of medical staff.
• Analyze and interpret complicated information.
• Determines a course of action based on research, data, standards of care, and general guidelines/protocols.
• Communicate effectively with a wide variety of intra- and inter-facility staff and administration using both oral and written communication.
• Possess critical thinking, analytical, teaching/coaching, and research skills

Ability to engage patients and team members utilizing the CMH Experience Standards

i. I am creating a warm, caring, and non-judgmental environment

ii. I am actively listening and seeking information

iii. I am honest, truthful, and consistent

iv. I am respectful, treating all individuals with dignity and empathy

v. I am serving as a role model, taking both initiative and ownership when appropriate

vi. I am working collaboratively and demonstrating teamwork

vii. I am resilient and adapt to change in positive ways.