Chief Pathologist at Nairobi Hospital

REF: TNH/HRD/CPG/07/21

Reporting to Director Medical Services the successful candidate will be responsible for providing leadership and management oversight in the pathology department and ensure delivery of quality and timely pathology services to patients in line with established protocols and the Hospital’s patient care objectives.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The Chief Pathologist will be expected to manage the Laboratory department to maintain timely and efficient patient flow in line with Hospital targets while ensuring staffing levels at all times.
2. Develop, review, and ensure compliance to pathology protocols and standards in consultation with other clinical departments in order to ensure quality pathology service delivery in the hospital.
3. Ensure delivery of patient centric pathology services in line with established protocols and to contribute to overall patience experience.
4. Review and develop strategies for early and effective response to the patients presented to pathology department.
5. Coordinate medical training including Continuous Medical Education programs for the clinical staff at pathology department.
6. Bear overall responsibility pathology clinical staff, supervise and mentor the pathologists in the management, stabilization, and treatment of all patients.
7. Champion the definition of processes, policies, and procedures for the pathology operations in line with the Hospital’s objectives and standards.
8. Continually review and assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the clinical services in pathology and identify improvement opportunities.
9. Keep abreast of local and global best practices, identify key learnings for the pathology operations and proffer recommendations to the Director, Medical Services.
10. Ensure proper coordination between clinical services at pathology with respect to talent sourcing and retention, service delivery and patients care.
11. Setting of annual plans in line with TNH Strategy 2019-2024
12. Design output measurements of the staff.
13. Responsible for setting, monitoring, and evaluating key performance indicators for the team.
14. In liaison with the Director, Medical Services & Research, prepare departmental annual plans that are aligned to the Hospital’s strategic plan.
15. Coordinate implementation of the Hospital’s quality programs in pathology department.
16. Coordinate the preparation and compilation of agreed periodic activities and performance reports for the attention of the Deputy Director Medical Services.
17. Provide clinical support during emergencies including resuscitation, admission, discharge or referral to the appropriate consultants and units.
18. Ensure high levels of patient confidentiality and work ethic in line with applicable code of conduct and hospital objectives.
19. Prepare the department budget and monitor its implementation upon approval.
20. Identify, deploy, and motivate the pathology team including performance appraisal, identification of training needs, mentorship and coaching as well as leave and absence management in line with the hospital’s people agenda; and
21. Be able to participate in the hospital general Laboratory rota.
22. Ability to work well in a multidisciplinary environment including attending and participating in multidisciplinary clinical meetings Tumor Board and Mortality meetings etc.
23. Play an active role in the management and organization of the laboratory department and participate in teaching, researching and audit.
24. Have the ability to lead when appropriate and work independently with no or little supervision and supervise others.
25. Show evidence of personal development through publications and research in the field of laboratory.
26. Any other responsibilities that may be assigned to the job holder by the supervisor from time to time.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Master of Medicine degree in Clinical Pathology from a recognized institution.
2. Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree from a recognized institution.
3. Must be registered with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Council and hold a valid practicing license.
4. Minimum of 10 years’ experience in clinical pathology with 5 years at management level.
5. Administration qualifications (MBA, HCM) will be an added advantage

Technical & Behavioural competencies

1. Ability to carry out bone marrow biopsies and postmortems
2. Ability to carry out blood transfusions
3. Knowledge of bacteria groups
4. Ability to interpret results
5. Knowledge of accurate parameters
6. Knowledge of quality control measures such standard deviation and interpretation of curves
7. Working knowledge of laboratory information systems
8. Patient care skills
9. Timely and Effective decision-making and judgement skills
10. Basic counselling skills
11. Ability to work for long hours under pressure with minimal supervision
12. Drive and openness to learning
13. Time management skills
14. Analytical skills
15. Research skills
16. Interpersonal skills
17. Attention to detail
18. Planning and organizing skills
19. Communication skills including presentation and facilitation skills
20. Team working skills
21. Accountability
22. Integrity
23. Confidentiality
24. Knowledge of strategy formulation, Implementation, and audit
25. Knowledge of setting key performance indicators