Response to selection criteria
Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment and resolve issues independently, consistent with organisational objectives and delegations of authority.
I find that high levels of judgment are required in situations when information or evidence is lacking, where there is disagreement or in new situations with little precedent. Care is particularly required in sensitive or emotional situations that require confidentiality and discretion such as underperformance, errors or breach of rules.
Medical training has developed my ability to exercise judgement. A recent clinical example demonstrates my use of judgement. I was asked to give an opinion on the suitability of a patient for surgery that was necessary but not emergent. They were unwell for an unclear reason as well as having an incurable cancer. In this situation, I gathered information from numerous sources and identified where uncertainty lay. I considered the clinical situation of the patient, the patients wishes, the goals of surgery, the options available including different anaesthesia techniques and options for timing of surgery. After considering the risks and benefits of each management option, I recommended delaying surgery. When I followed up the results of my recommendation, I found that the patient had died within two days. Surgery and anaesthesia which could have accelerated their decline was avoided.
As a clinician in Australia, I must work to a high standard in a highly regulated environment considerate of laws and government regulations, indemnity insurer guidelines, hospital policies and procedures, the preferences of surgeons and needs of patients and their families. In private practice, the success of my small business depends on my ability to independently manage the delivery of medical care in this environment. In my public hospital appointment, I regularly act in the role of “duty anaesthetist”. The authority to resolve issues independently, consistent with organisational objectives, is delegated to the duty anaesthetist. For example, workforce issues are independently managed through reallocation of staff within a day to cover sick leave or extra acute procedures. Most issues are resolved independently but some can require collaborative solutions.
I also teach registrars, junior doctors and medical students. The objectives of training from colleges and universities guide my assessments and performance evaluations. For example, I regularly complete workplace based assessment of registrars in anaesthesia using the criteria established by the College of Anaesthetists.
Strong written communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
I am an experienced communicator with effective skills in interpersonal and written communication. Through my career I have developed, and continue to develop, my interpersonal skills. I routinely explain anaesthesia, pain management and complex issues such as risk to patients. I work hard to deliver information in a way that facilitates understanding. I regularly hear that patients find my explanation helpful, that it makes an anxious time better for them, and improves their experience. To assist me in developing these skills, I have read books and attended seminars and workshops on communication skills. I find that careful use of language and phrasing is particularly useful in managing anxiety in highly emotional patients undergoing anaesthesia. I believe that these skills will be useful when working with sensitive issues related to professional performance.
I am a past chair of the Research Interest Group in Anaesthesia at the RBWH. This role required the development of relationships with a variety of stakeholders. I oversaw the recruitment of two research nurses. This process involved negotiation with external stakeholders in finance, human resources and nursing administration as well as internal departmental stakeholders to ensure the staff recruited were well suited to the requirements.
The best examples of my written communication are my publications in peer-reviewed journals including letters, case reports, laboratory and clinical trials. I also completed a thesis as a university student. I begin writing documents and emails by defining my key messages. I adapt my style to the audience and structure the document to deliver the key messages logically. I prefer to use concise and simple language where appropriate. Proofreading documents and emails for message, syntax, grammar and spelling errors helps me avoid unprofessional errors.
Strong organisational skills including the ability to effectively prioritise and manage multiple tasks and deadlines whilst ensuring attention to detail.
Managing multiple tasks and deadlines is my routine. I manage a small business, work at multiple locations, prepare for patients whose surgery is coming up, follow up patients that have completed their surgery and also have a family. To assist me in managing my workload I keep a to-do list with realistic timeframes and deadlines for the tasks. I concentrate most effort on the high value tasks. While multitasking is sometimes necessary, I attempt to avoid it to ensure tasks get the appropriate attention in the time allocated.
I finish smaller tasks in one sitting. I start larger, heavier tasks that require more consideration early. This allows more time to use an iterative approach to make improvements. I can then maintain attention to detail, focus and energy by working in small chunks. The best example of these larger projects are the research projects and papers I have completed but also smaller tasks such as presentations to morbidity and mortality meetings.
Ability to work autonomously or collaboratively as part of a team.
I see myself as an initiator and problem solver. My career history demonstrates that I am able to work autonomously towards academic, research and professional goals.
When I work as part of a team, I ensure that build a relationship with each team member and understand their role. I find it important to obtain consensus about the goals and methods to complete a project. I communicate openly and ensure all team members know what tasks are being done. I respect co-workers’ expertise and don’t impose my work style of co-workers. Collaborative work requires that obstacles are resolved in a constructive manner. An example of my ability to work collaboratively as part of a team includes my voluntary role as secretary for a children’s kindergarten. This role required resolution of issues as a group according to organisational goals and policies to ensure smooth running of the kindergarten.
Qualifications enabling registration as a medical practitioner in Australia
I have held general registration since 1999 and specialist registration since 2009 with no restrictions.
Extensive experience and current practice in specialty area
I began training in anaesthesia in 2004 gaining experience in all areas of the specialty and in intensive care. I have worked as a specialist anaesthetist in both public and private practice since 2009. I also spent one year working internationally in Cambridge, UK. This broad experience positions me well discuss issues in all areas of anaesthesia.
Demonstrated computer literacy
I am regular user of popular computer software including email, web browsers, Microsoft Excel, Word and Powerpoint. I have some database experience. I am familiar with social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter but for professional and privacy reasons I have chosen to not be an active contributor. Finally, I have overseen development of some software applications that I use in my practice including a medical history application (https://www.periop.com.au) and a postoperative recovery survey (not visible to general public).
Regulatory experience and Medical administrative experience and/or fellowship (desirable)
I do not have regulatory or medical administration fellowship or experience. I would like to move in this direction at some stage in my career. I believe that this position will help me develop my skills in performance management and understanding of regulatory requirements to prepare me for future career changes.
Key stakeholders
I am aware of the key stakeholders and look forward to working with them in the role of Medical Clinical Advisor – Notifications.