Lao People's Democratic Republic (the): Supervising Pediatrician

Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC) is an acute pediatric teaching hospital situated in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR. It is operated by the New York based non-profit organization Friends Without A Border that is dedicated to providing high-quality and compassionate healthcare to the children in remote areas of Southeast Asia. In 2015 the hospital was opened on the same campus as the Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital and it has been developing its services since then. Average daily census now exceeds 40 patients in the inpatient wards and over 120 outpatients per day.

LFHC is a teaching hospital offering emergency, inpatient, outpatient, and surgical services to babies and children throughout Northern Lao. Limited on-site radiology, laboratory, and pharmacy services, together with a homecare program complement these clinical activities. A major goal of this hospital is to promote the clinical learning and professional development of the local staff such that key positions within the hospital are progressively filled by a well-trained and dedicated local workforce.

Position Summary:

Given the high volumes and fascinating pathology seen at LFHC, we are seeking a Supervising Pediatrician for a long-term posting (minimum 12 months). The position will include a mix of clinical shifts in the outpatient department, emergency department, inpatient department, neonatal unit, and night shifts under the supervision of Executive Director. Direct clinical work is performed by our excellent staff of Lao doctors and a major responsibility of the role will also be to provide bedside education, mentoring, and guidance. It is anticipated that after a few successful weeks in the role, you will also be able to share back-up (day and night) call with the hospital’s Executive Doctors (Executive Director, Medical Director, Medical Education Director), providing guidance to visiting volunteer doctors. Opportunities to contribute to clinical practice guidelines, quality improvement projects, pediatric education, and research projects will also be available, depending on interest.

Qualifications and Attributes:

Essential:

1. A Medical Degree from an internationally recognized medical school
2. Registration to practice clinical medicine in the applicant’s home country
3. A higher qualification and at least 2 years independent practice in Pediatrics
4. Commitment to providing compassionate and nurturing care to patients
5. A high degree of humility, patience, and cultural awareness

Highly desirable:

1. Additional training or experience in acute pediatrics and tropical medicine
2. Experience working in a developing country
3. Teaching experience

Specific Duties Include:

1. Providing education, close supervision, and assistance with clinical care to Lao medical staff throughout the hospital.
2. Close collaboration with LFHC Executive Doctors on all aspects of clinical supervision and staff education.
3. Sharing back-up call (day and night) with Executive Doctors.
4. Lead by example in demonstrating excellent care on a daily basis.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a funded role with health benefits and four weeks of leave will be given each year.

Please email a cover letter, CV, and three references from past employers to hr@fwablaos.org with the subject line “Supervising Pediatrician”.
Questions about the position may be sent to executivedirector@fwablaos.org.
Visit www.fwab.org/laos for further information.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviewing.