Head of Podiatry

Key Accountabilities & Activities:

• Act as the head of discipline with the responsibility of ensuring that the highest level of Podiatry service is available in line with the Mission and Vision of the hospital.
• Provide operational leadership to service delivery of Sports Podiatry. Oversees strategic development of the Podiatry Orthotic Laboratory. Oversee the assessment, implementation and integration of technology into the Podiatry service.
• Work in collaboration with Directors and Head of Services to integrate Sports Podiatry into an overall multi-disciplinary Sports performance and injury management service.
• Evaluate, plan and implement Podiatry services for athletes and patients within the Scope of Service.
• Implement and evaluate podiatric treatment and intervention for individual patients/athletes. Advises patients/athletes concerning continued management of disorders and proper foot care to prevent recurrence. Tracks their progress and adjusts their programs when necessary.
• Diagnose foot and/or lower limb pathologies via clinical assessment and using aids such as diagnostic imaging.
• Treat foot and/or lower limb Musculo-skeletal pathologies through exercise prescription and physical and mechanical modalities such as massage, mobilization and manipulation.
• Prescribe and, where necessary, manufactures corrective foot orthoses. Performs evaluations with such resources as Video and/or Pressure based gait analysis systems.
• Treats dermatological conditions which will include corns, calluses, in-grown toenails by minor surgical methods including administration of local anesthetics within the hospital scope of service.
• Ensure that the treatment / intervention programme is carried out in accordance with the patient’s / athlete’s total care plan with the highest professional and service standards. Keep accurate and up to date records of each patient’s/ athlete’s assessment, treatment and progress.
• Work closely with all other members of the Sports Medicine and Sports Science team to treat each athlete/ patient in a holistic fashion.  In addition, works closely with the Centre’s medical staff members in areas where patients may present with complex/ complicated foot problems or whereby symptoms are observed that may indicate systemic disorders.
• Responsible for regular equipment calibration in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, plus first-line cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
• Support and improve the clinical and operational workflows for the entire Sports Science and Medicine process of assessment, programme planning, intervention and evaluation of programme outcome.
• Serve as a resource person for specialized skills in Podiatry, providing support, consultation and counselling to all levels of staff.
• Conduct regular multi-disciplinary case conference/ meetings to discuss the patient’s/ athlete’s requirements/ needs and other related issues/ problems for the improvement of his/ her care.
• Oversee the development of professional skills and knowledge, in line with existing and new services, through continuing education and training programs.
• Participate in professional development programme including talks, workshops, seminars, education and research projects as well undertaking self-directed learning in line with SCH licensing requirements.
• Support research projects both internal and external to the Podiatry unit in-line with the development of the clinical service.
• Manages timetable and schedule of clinic and staff to ensure maximal efficiency and effectiveness. Responsible for maintenance of budgetary considerations and reporting of the Podiatry unit. Responsible for management of stock and capital equipment requisitions. Conduct scheduling, directing, developing, and performance management activities for direct reports.
• Provide guidance and direct input to the development plans and performance management of direct reports to meet the organizational mission and objectives.
• Assume or accept any other responsibilities as assigned by the direct supervisor within the position role and responsibility.
• Patient Safety-Attend and successfully complete competencies which focus on patient safety initiatives implemented within Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital. Patient Safety Training is an annual requirement, to include all organizational leaders, staff, service, and contracted providers.

Necessary knowledge and Experience to be able to do the job:

• Minimum experience of 9-11 years in which 3-6 years should be in a similar position / responsibility, preferably in a similar Industry.
• Demonstrated experience in clinical podiatry and research, Sports podiatry/biomechanics in a multidisciplinary setting and direct Orthotic manufacture or modification or Orthotic Laboratory management.

Education and Certification requirements:

• Bachelor or higher degree in Podiatry. Masters will be ideal.
• Professional certifications in Sports Science / Sports Medicine will be advantageous. 
• Fulfil all the licensing requirements.

Job specific technical Skills

• High level of manual dexterity, hand/eye co-ordination and sensory skills (scalpel work, minor surgical procedures, debridement).
• An interest in research and education would be advantageous.
• Professionally groomed to project a positive image. 
• Desire to embrace a culture of excellence, collaboration, and communication. 
• High proficiency in English language is mandatory. Arabic will be a definitive advantage.