PUBLIC HEALTH PHYSICIAN 42212

07/01/94 B

This class is the first level in the Public Health Physician series. Positions in this class provide direct patient care in one or more primary care areas including preventive services. Responsibilities include examination, diagnosis and treatment, and referral of patients. This class is distinguished from the Public Health Physician Supervisor by the latter's responsibility to supervise subordinate Public Health Physicians. It is distinguished from the Public Health Physician Specialist who directs specialty child care services and handles all clinic activities or serves as the district-wide specialist having administrative and/or supervisory responsibility in a particular field of medicine.

Complexity of Work: Performs work associated with providing direct medical care on a routine basis to patients in clinics. Positions in this class may specialize in one area (e.g., obstetrics, pediatrics, family medicine, primary care, internal medicine, etc.) or provide services in a combination of these and other medical specialties. Positions in this class examine, diagnose, treat, counsel, and prescribe treatment to patients or make referrals to specialists. They maintain documentation through the use of clinical records and participate in quality assurance activities. May provide education and training to staff and patients.

Supervision Given: Supervision is not typically a factor; however, positions in this class may supervise lower level medical and other support staff, including Certified Nurse Practitioners.

Supervision Received: Typically receives general supervision from the Public Health Physician Supervisor, Public Health District Director or higher level medical professional. May receive leadership from a Public Health Physician Specialist in a medical specialty area.

Scope: Provides direct patient care in one or more clinical program areas within a health district or specialty program.

Impact of Actions: Performs work affecting the health of patients. May prevent disease or intervene to control the advancement of disease or other adverse medical outcomes.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contacts with other health professionals (physicians, nurses, allied health professionals), patients, and the public are required in order to carry out daily activities.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of medical principles and practices including evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients. General knowledge of socio-economic aspects of health and disease prevention.

Skills: Working skill in the use of all medical instruments and equipment necessary to provide quality care.

Abilities: Ability to examine, diagnose, and effectively treat, a variety of patients; ability to coordinate work with professional and non-professional medical and administrative staff; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: Licensed or eligible to be licensed to practice medicine in Virginia.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited medical school. Satisfactory completion of approved postgraduate training according to the Code of Virginia, Section 54-274.

Level and Type of Experience:

Revision of the class formerly titled Public Health Clinician A.