MEDICAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR 42231

07/01/94 A

This class is the first management level in the Public Health Physician Administrator series. Positions in this class function within the Health Care Services area and are responsible for directing a major individual health program having statewide scope such as Maternal and Child Health, Health Hazards Control, and Communicable Disease Control. This class is distinguished from the Public Health Physician Specialist by the latter's focus on direct patient care in a Children's Specialty Services clinic. It is distinguished from the State Health Assistant Commissioner class by the latter's responsibility for multiple statewide programs, and by receiving direct supervision from that class.

Complexity of Work: Performs tasks of moderate difficulty in directing a major medical program in the agency's central office. Program direction requires extensive coordination of manpower and resources in order to accomplish the mission.

Supervision Given: Positions typically supervise a large group of medical and administrative staff performing complex work in the medical programs within their purview.

Supervision Received: Under general directions, positions in this class plan and carry out assignments with minimal supervision from the State Health Assistant Commissioner.

Scope: The class has statewide scope of responsibility which extends to all citizens of the Commonwealth.

Impact of Actions: There is serious impact of actions in that decisions made potentially affect large numbers of people throughout the state, and the effectiveness of a major medical program.

Personal Contacts: There are frequent internal and external contacts with private physicians, the Centers for Disease Control, the media, grantors and contractors, legislators, and other professional medical organizations regarding all issues relating to the specific program of assignment.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of medical practices including evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of patients in a medical specialty such as pediatrics, obstetrics, infectious diseases, internal medicine. Working 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 communicate effectively. Ability to manage and assess public health programs.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: Licensed or eligible to be licensed to practice medicine in Virginia. Board certification in appropriate specialty(ies) preferred.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited medical school. Satisfactory completion of approved postgraduate training according to the Code of Virginia, Section 54-274. Master's degree in Public Health or Preventive Medicine or equivalent.

Level and Type of Experience: Significant supervisory experience in public health or related programs preferred.

Revision of existing class.