Pediatric Critical Care Intensivist at Tenwek Hospital

Job Purpose

• To deliver specialized pediatric critical care services with a focus on both cardiac and non-cardiac conditions, ensuring that patients receive high-quality, compassionate care in alignment with the Christian mission of the hospital.

Key Responsibilities/ Duties / Tasks

• Lead the management of critically ill pediatric patients, especially those with congenital or acquired cardiac conditions, pre- and post-cardiothoracic surgery.
• Apply comprehensive knowledge of ICU pathology to prescribe appropriate diagnostics and treatments.
• Understand congenital heart disease and the physiological changes resulting from various interventions.
• Manage and interpret interventions related to pediatric cardiac surgeries such as ASD/VSD closure, PDA ligation, AV canal repairs, Tetralogy of Fallot, DORV, and single ventricle lesions.
• Identify and manage acute rhythm disturbances and offer timely interventions.
• Manage hemodynamic instability using inotropes, vasopressors, and other advanced techniques.
• Diagnose and treat extra-cardiac conditions like seizures, sepsis, respiratory failure, renal injury, etc., common in ICU patients.
• Interpret laboratory and imaging results to support clinical decisions.
• Perform ICU procedures including intubation, umbilical line placement, chest tube insertion, thoracentesis, and paracentesis.
• Lead and supervise cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts.
• Collaborate closely with CT surgery, general cardiology, and interventional cardiology teams during patient rounds and consultations.
• Provide guidance and care for patients requiring long-term or palliative cardiac support.
• Mentor junior clinicians and healthcare professionals within the critical care unit.
• Participate in BLS/ACLS instruction and certification training where applicable.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient and institutional information.
• Engage in and promote ICU and cardiothoracic research initiatives; identify areas of interest and conduct relevant studies.
• Undertake any other duties as may be assigned in line with departmental needs.

Job Dimensions

• Analytical Decisions: Interpret and evaluate clinical data to guide patient management.
• Operational Decisions: Oversee daily clinical operations within the pediatric CICU.

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Experience, and Attributes)

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBChB or equivalent)
• Master’s or Fellowship in Pediatrics and/or Pediatric Cardiology from a recognized institution
• Professional Certification and Membership
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Must be registered and in good standing with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC)

Work Experience

• Minimum of 2 years post-specialization experience in a high-acuity pediatric or cardiac ICU environment

Functional Skills and Behavioral Competencies

• Demonstrated clinical leadership and sound decision-making skills
• Strong analytical and diagnostic abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate, empathetic, and respectful demeanor
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• High levels of integrity, discretion, and ethical conduct
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic medical records systems
• Ability to multitask and perform under pressure
• Willingness to serve within a Christian mission hospital context, upholding its core values
• Team player with a collaborative mindset
• Passion for pediatric healthcare and advancing critical care practices