OBSTETRICIAN/GYNAECOLOGIST

WHAT IS MSF ?

Médecins Sans Frontières/أطباء بلا حدود  بلا أطباء (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people in 70 countries who are affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare. MSF offers assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation and our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of neutrality and impartiality.

We offer basic healthcare, perform surgery, fight epidemics, rehabilitate and run hospitals and clinics, carry out vaccination campaigns, operate nutrition centers, and provide mental healthcare. Our activities include the treatment of injuries and disease, maternal care and the provision of humanitarian aid. Where necessary, we set up sanitation systems, supply safe drinking water, and distribute relief to assist survival.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE PROJECT

The project started in Sept. 2013 in Shatila, where MSF currently manages an outpatient center for chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), vaccination services with transversely integrated mental health services and health promotion, and referrals for patients who require services beyond the scope of MSF activities. Additionally MSF opened a women’s health center with sexual and reproductive health care.
During 2018, low risk deliveries were relocated from Shatila to Rafik Hariri University Hospital compound, where MSF runs a Birth Centre. MSF took this as an opportunity to work together with external partners as catalyst for change around midwifery model of care and demedicalization of deliveries. The antenatal care services remains in the camps, to serve the most vulnerable women.
In Bourj el Barajneh camp, besides the above mentioned activities, MSF provides in addition home based care for those patients who are housebound or bedridden often due to an advanced NCD disease.

MSF BIRTH CENTER (BC)

The MSF Birth Center is unique in Lebanon, in its objective to develop a midwife led model of care. The midwives are responsible  for all of the deliveries and are only required to consult the obstetrician in case of complications. The model focuses on low risk pregnancies. There is an assesment room for all patients being followed in ANC, including the higher risk cases and they may attend at any time to be assessed. The most important role of the obstetrician is to manage any complicated cases either in BC or prior to referral to another hospital, and to be active in teaching, coaching and empowering of the midwives and nurses to help develop the midwife led model of care.

This position will primarily be located in the MSF Birth Centre located in the ground of RHUH, whilst maintaining its independence, the BC will collaborate closely with RHUH. The obstetrician work only in 12 hour shifts. Gap filling in the Family Center in Bour El Barajne (OPD) might also be requried happen after induction.

Here is a short video about BC

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Implement gynecological and obstetrician procedures, performing any other prior treatment required, during or immediately after a woman has given birth in order to improve women’s reproductive health and to reduce pregnancy, delivery and neonatology risks. This will be done in accordance with MSF policies, protocols and universal hygiene standards and in multidisciplinary collaboration with other medical doctors and midwife services.

This position requires mainly shift duties ( 173 hours per month, 7 am to 7 pm // 7 pm to 7 am, any day of the week including weekends)

DETAILED ACCOUNTABILITIES

Offer a patient centered service that encourages communication, shared decision making and empowerment of the patients. Ensure male partners are included at all steps of the patient journey. 

Respect patient’s privacy; treat them with care and respect, observing medical ethics. 

Provide health care related to gynecology and obstetrics to patients, including prevention, diagnosis and treatment. 

Do rounds on every shift with the midwife or midwife supervisor, to be updated on the current condition of patients in BC, management plan should be properly and clearly documented. 

Depending on the patients presenting complaint and in collaboration with the midwife, examine the patient and document each finding on patient’s files with the management plan. Ensure the team is aware of and understand the plan. 

Perform ultrasound as needed and as per MSF protocol, documents result in the patient file. 

Attend all complicated deliveries and document clearly the events and any examinations/ procedures done. 

Assist when consulted by the team in the care for the newborn after delivery. 

Perform MVA for 1st trimester missed or incomplete abortions according to MSF protocol. Including given proper counseling regarding family planning according to MSF protocol. 

Responsible for explaining to the patients and family regarding the complications in all cases that occurs and documenting the discussion. 

Make the final decision of referral based on MSF protocols, referral criteria and clinical judgment – clear documentation of reason and plan. 

Responsible for accurate documentation on medical report referral form and phone call handover of urgent cases to the referral doctor/ hospital. 

Ensure the implementation of MSF clinical policies, tools, guidelines and protocols related to gynecology and obstetrics in order to minimize clinical risk and to extend best reproductive practices. All management plans should be strictly based on MSF protocols. Other recommendations/guidelines provided in the department should be followed as well. No treatment beyond MSF standards. 

Observe hygiene and aseptic technique in all procedures. Follow the MSF IPC policies. 

In collaboration with other medical colleagues, carry out the collection of quantitative gynecological data and ensure exhaustive use of management tools in order to improve gynecological results and to share knowledge among other field specialists. 

Give a complete handover to the obstetrician on the next shift. 

Be aware of your own, the teams and the center’s limitation, abilities and knowledge and ask for assistance as required.

ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Teaching, coaching and empowering of the midwives and nurses in the department regarding clinical skills and management of cases to ensure proper development of the midwife led model of care. 

Assist midwife with care of the mother when needed - both clinical and documentation of all exams/procedures. 

Assist midwife/nurse with care of the baby when needing resuscitation and other complications. 

Assist the ObGyn Team Leader in identifying trainings needs and in the preparation and delivery of these trainings. Participate in case discussions, SEAs and evidence based practices to improve the quality of care and consultation. 

Assist in developing/reviewing protocols. 

Inform supervisors of any problems encountered – either related to patients, materials, protocols or colleagues. 

Assist in preparing the roster. 

Refer to Mental health or Social worker for support if needed for any patients.

REQUIREMENTS

Education: Essential, Gynecology specialist diploma, and registration with Lebanese Order of Physicians

Experience: Essential previous working experience of at least two years in relevant jobs.
                   Desirable experience in MSF or other NGOs.

IT skills: Essential computer literacy (word, excel)

Soft Skills: Results,  Teamwork,  Flexibility,  Commitment,  Stress management