Sample Position Description—Critical Care Transport Medical Control Physician (also known as Medical Control or Command Officer)
Position Description
• Practices in accordance with philosophy, policies, procedures, and standards of the hospital and transport service; functions within the guidelines of the protocols for the transport program that are reviewed and agreed on by medical and nursing directors.
Adds online critical care expertise and direction to transport team members. Participates in knowledge and skill preparation of team members.• As senior medical consultant for each transport, functions to identify, plan, implement, and evaluate the stabilization and emergency care of acutely ill neonates, infants, children, and adolescents in collaboration with the referring and transport teams.
• Represents the hospital to health care professionals in referring hospitals.
• Maintains effective communication with transport team members and referral staff.
• Educates referral staff through informal teaching and planned educational conferences.
• May initiate and participate in educational, research, professional, and organizational activities that contribute to improving patient care, the transport program operation, and the individual’s own professional development.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to:
• Medical director of the transport program
Requirements
1. Board certified or eligible in pediatrics and specialty trained in a critical care specialty (intensive care medicine, emergency medicine, neonatology, cardiac intensive care medicine, or pediatric/trauma surgery) and additional formal training or certification in transport medicine
2. Current in Basic Life Support for the Health Care Provider, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Certification in NRP and ATLS as appropriate.
3. Holds active, unrestricted state medical license and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) certificate.
4. Is oriented to and knowledgeable regarding critical care transport.
5. Ideally has background that includes actual transport experience.
Responsibilities and Duties
I. Patient care activities
A. Supervises and directs transport-related patient care activities Availability within scope of team guidelines (immediate for most teams). Ensures optimal, consistent, correct advice and seamless transition from referring team to transport team to definitive care location. Documents involvement, information, and advice.
B. Formulates differential diagnosis and a plan for management of existing and potential problems in collaboration with the transport team.
C. Performs in accordance with standards of care, and accurately documents information, communication, and direction of care.
II. Education
A. Contributes to community outreach and education.
B. Assists in the assessment of staff developmental needs, and participates actively in plans to meet those needs.
C. Participates in teaching or coordination of in-service classes or workshops for the transport staff.
III. Transport capabilities
A. Understands and is literate with transport equipment and team and personnel capabilities.
B. Demonstrates knowledge of aircraft and ambulance limitations, standard operating procedures, and safety practices.
IV. Special assignments/project responsibilities
A. Participates in transport quality improvement activities:
1. Participates in, supports, and documents evidence of a systematic quality improvement program that includes effective mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the patient care provided by the transport service.
2. Helps to ensure appropriate and adequate response to findings from quality improvement activities.
3. Maximizes the efficient use of resources available to provide neonatal-pediatric transports.
4. Identifies opportunities to improve care.
V. Leadership
A. Initiates and participates in the implementation of change in transport policies, procedures, and/or practice to enhance the quality of patient care.
B. Participates with transport staff in problem identification, goal setting, and transport care delivery evaluation.
C. Uses clinical experience and knowledge to identify potential patient care problems related to transport.
D. Serves as a resource or consultant to nursing and medical staff regarding neonatal and pediatric transport.
VI. Professional Accountability
A. Demonstrates continued professional growth through continuing education and review of current literature pertaining to neonatal- pediatric transport and specific specialty.
B. Maintains licensure, certifications, and competency through required training and/or education.
C. Maintains professional relationships with community physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals.
D. Participates in peer review of the transport team members and case reviews with the medical director.
VII. Research
A. Identifies researchable patient care problems related to transport.
B. Uses evidence-based research findings in patient care.
C. Cooperates and/or collaborates with other health care team members in the conduct of research studies.
VIII. Specific Capabilities
A. Requires rapid phone or in-person availability when in role as MCP.
B. Requires knowledge and use of appropriate phone etiquette and terminology.
C. Flexible working hours required to provide 24 hour/day, 7 day/ week coverage, including rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and on call.