PUBLIC HEALTH PHYSICIAN SPECIALIST 42213

07/01/94 B

This class is the second level in the Public Health Physician series. Positions in this class are responsible for providing specialty child care services in a Children's Specialty Services clinic or independent site. These positions are also responsible for directing all clinic activities and coordinating patient care with public and private health care providers, including medical as well as psychological care. This class may also provide leadership to a Public Health Physician or serve as the district-wide specialist in a particular field of medicine (such as obstetrics, pediatrics, family medicine, primary care, internal medicine, etc.).

This class is distinguished from a Public Health Physician by the latter's focus upon direct patient care. It is distinguished from the Public Health Physician Supervisor which exercises formal supervision over multiple Public Health Physicians, contract physicians, or professional level staff. Typically, these positions are Board certified.

Complexity of Work: Performs tasks of moderate complexity such as: plans and implements diagnostic and treatment programs; evaluates medical histories of patients; examines, diagnoses, and treats patients in conjunction with other medical specialists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Counsels families, guardians, or other appropriate persons about patient's overall condition and elements of treatment in order to assure a clear understanding of the patient's needs and action recommended to meet those needs. Directs all clinical activities performed by the support staff including nurses and physicians orders and evaluates laboratory tests. Consults with other public and private health care providers in order to obtain services for clinic patients. Prepares necessary patient and clinical administrative records and orients clinic staff to existing and new procedures and policies.

Supervision Given: The positions typically exercise staff authority in carrying out clinical services; however, they may formally supervise professional staff such as a Public Health Physician, Clinician Social Workers, Psychologists, Public Health Nurses, Certified Nurse Practitioners, or office support staff.

Supervision Received: Positions providing specialty child care services receive direction from a Human Services Program Director or higher level medical professional on policy and legal issues. Positions which function as a district-wide specialist in a particular field of medicine receive direction from a Public Health District Director.

Scope: This class is found in clinics which are operated by Children's Specialty Services, Child Development Clinics, or having administrative authority at other independent sites. The Public Health Physician Specialist directs all activities within the clinic.

Impact of Actions: Actions and decisions affect the quality of patient care and the efficiency of clinic operations.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contact with health professionals, patients, and public and private health care providers.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of medical practices including evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients in a medical specialty such as pediatrics or neurology. Some knowledge of administrative and supervisory principles.

Skills: Working skill in the use of medical instruments, equipment, and direct patient care.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to examine, diagnose, and treat patients, as well as to communicate effectively with a variety of clients from various socio-economic backgrounds.

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: Experience in leadership or supervision preferred.

Revision of the class formerly titled Public Health Clinician B.