Assistant Professor, Clinical Faculty Appointment (CFA) - Head & Neck Surgery

FUNCTION

The Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Head and Neck Surgery at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center seeks candidates for an assistant professor position in the clinical faculty track with a focus in cornea, anterior surface disorders and dry eye. Candidates must be board eligible or board certified in ophthalmology, and must have completed a fellowship in cornea,  and/or have equivalent experience.  Candidates must be eligible for licensure in the State of Texas.  

Patients with ophthalmic and systemic malignancies will form the core of this patient population  There will be ample opportunities for clinical research in a multi-disciplinary environment.  Responsibilities will also include teaching of residents and fellows.  

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent qualifications in education, clinical care and research.

KEY FUNCTIONS                        

1.     Patient Care                                                                                                    

      Practices ophthalmology in an exemplary manner upholding standards set forth by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, properly balanced with other academic activities.  Must be able to identify and solve problems related to job responsibilities utilizing knowledge and experience.  Must also communicate (verbal and written) and relate well to others at the medical, professional, technical, and administrative levels.

     1.   Develops and maintains a clinical ophthalmology practice for patients referred to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

a.     Provides physician staffing for the outpatient ophthalmology clinic and the inpatient service at a level commensurate with what would be provided by other ophthalmologists with the same level of training and experience. 

b.     Must also be able to review, evaluate, and correctly interpret medical records and patient data based on previous training, experience, and knowledge.

c.     Fills out proper ICD and CPT coding on the clinic charge cards within 24 hours.

d.     Completes patient documentation for medical records using standards set forth and within time frames provided by institutional policy. This will require dictating in a clear and concise manner, and review of documents.

e.     Corresponds as appropriate in writing or in telephone conversations with referring physicians or with other physicians involved with the management of the patient's disease regarding patient care and treatment.

f.      Keeps abreast of current approaches in the management of patients through attendance at continuing education conferences in the specialty. This will require listening to and assimilating information from the conferences.

g.     Requests appropriate medical consultations for patients by phone conversations or in writing to other physicians

2. Provides a role model in ophthalmology, as a practitioner for faculty, fellows, residents, and other trainees rotating on the service.

      3.   Provides medical direction of non-physician personnel (Ophthalmic Technician, Patient Coordinators, and Registered Nurses)

a.     An ophthalmologist is responsible to each patient for all aspects of ophthalmologic care.

b.     While optimal ophthalmologic care involves a one-to-one relationship between ophthalmologist and patient, it may be necessary to utilize non-physician personnel to perform technical functions relating to the care of the patient under the personal direction of the physician.

c.     Delegation of functions to non-physician personnel is based on specific criteria (i.e., the individual's education, training, and demonstrated skills). 

2. Education/Teaching                                                                                                

    Contributes to a balanced and integrated educational program in ophthalmology for fellows, residents, and other trainees who rotate through the Ophthalmology Section.

1.       Completes the evaluation forms for rotating residents in a timely fashion.

2.       Participates in, develops, and implements specific continuing education programs pertaining to ophthalmology.  Analyzes continuing education needs and, using a dictating machine or a computer and keyboard, develops continuing education programs.

3.  Attends and participates in Division/Department teaching and continuing  conferences which requires verbal interaction with colleagues and walking to and from meeting locations throughout the campus.  Must be able to present lectures using visual aids.

3.  Research                                                                                              

Actively engages in clinical translational research and scholarly activity to enhance the academic environment of the Department and the institution.                                                                                                          

1.    Develops programs of clinical or translational research and scholarly activities in keeping with the goals of the Department.  Requires the ability to synthesize a myriad of information pertaining to the area of research.  May necessitate (verbally or in writing) the instruction of research support personnel in protocol implementation.

2.   Seeks appropriate funding mechanisms to support his/her research.  May require completion of grant application forms through verbal dictation or use of a computer and keyboard.  Also will require budget development and analysis.

     3.    Publishes or presents results in a timely fashion.  This may necessitate the use of a dictation machine or a computer and keyboard.

4.     Administration                                                                                          

1.       Serves on institutional and hospital committees as requested by attending appropriate meetings, which may include walking to each meeting site.  Listens to deliberations and provides verbal feedback as necessary.  Visually reviews all documents pertaining to committee functions.

2.       Assumes administrative duties as assigned by the Department Chairman or his/her designee.

5. Service

1.       Represents the department in local, regional, state, and national meetings.  Will require traveling to sites outside of the Houston area and, upon return, disseminating the information obtained or learned by verbally or in writing, sharing it with colleagues.

In addition to the above, shall be responsible for executing all policies and standards for the Assistant Professor appointment as set forth in the Handbook of Operating Procedures (Volume II) published by the Office of the Vice President for Faculty Academic Affairs and made available on The University of Texas M. D. Anderson website (http://utm-notes-db1/policy/vol2.nsf) as well as the contractual agreement of the Physicians Referral Service Appointment Agreement.