Amarillo Health Care System
Lubbock, Texas
Cardiologist Functional Statement

The staff cardiologist has the following responsibilities:
ExaminationsEvaluates patients by examining thoroughly. Appropriate clinical, laboratory and other pertinent data is obtained to determine care the patient is provided.
Diagnosis-Interprets and evaluates clinical data for the purpose of determining diagnosis and clinical status. Performs and/or interprets EKGs, Echocardiograms, Nuclear stress testing, Exercise Treadmill Testing, etc as required.
Therapeutic Ability-Prescribes appropriate and timely treatment; applies indicated therapeutic procedures; recognizes and assesses changes in behavior, symptoms, signs, and other pertinent facts about the patient and modifies plan of treatment when indicated. Recognizes own capabilities and limitations.
Effectiveness in Emergencies-The incumbent is readily available; and quick in recognizing emergency situations and taking timely necessary action. Maintains BLS/ACLS certifications, moderate sedation, and OOORAM certification as applicable with facility Bylaws.
Patient Management-Develops and maintains rapport and gains the confidence of patients and relatives through competence and interpersonal skills to the end that patients and others are informed participants in the treatment effort.
Consultations and Specialty Skills-Recognizes the need for consultation and utilizing facility or clinic specialty skills in diagnosis and treatment.
Record keeping-Physical and other examinations and changes in patient's status are promptly and completely recorded. Unusual incidents are promptly reported to the appropriate official. Clear, accurate, and adequate clinical records are kept current and completed at time of discharge. The treatment plan is clearly stated. The physician is fully knowledgeable of and utilizes the Computerized Patient Record System. All progress notes, orders are to be completed and signed daily.
Encounters - All encounters to be completed daily by physician as this affects hospital funding.
Consults Closure: Consults are required to be completed by the provider at the time patient has been seen.
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Educational responsibilities usually involve either "teaching" or ''coordination.'' Some
positions may involve both or cut across the elements or functions.
Teaching and Monitoring-Covers both the individual and group learning experiences where one serves as the learning facilitator in the role of a mentor or teacher for residents, trainees, or employees. As a mentor, plans and guides educational activities
to meet the individual needs of the learner within the resources available. Counsels learner on professional/occupational goals as they relate to education activities.
Encourages active participation on the part of the student. Actively solicits evaluation from students of teaching and educational experiences. Assures that content is based upon student and patient care needs, up-to-date and at the appropriate level for the audience. Develops courses, lectures or programs based on preestablished objectives. Employs learning resources and media (library, film, slides, etc.) in an appropriate manner.
Coordination of Educational Programs- Assesses educational needs for both continuing and basic education programs, using audits, self-assessment surveys, morbidity and mortality data, and new developments in health care. Establishes and maintains procedures for professionals to self-assess and partake in needs assessment procedures. Selects needs for which education/training is the most cost-effective intervention.
Establishes educational objectives consistent with both the educational needs and available educational resources and identifies appropriate learners.
Mandatory Training - completes all mandatory required training yearly.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Emotional Stability-Retains self-control and responds consistently to the requirements of the work situation despite external pressures or inner tensions.
Dependability-Adheres to personal and professional/administrative obligations and responsibilities. Reliable in carrying out assignments. Keeps appointments, shows initiative, assumes appropriate responsibility. Maintains discretion on confidential matters.
Relations With Staff and Community-Works harmoniously and effectively with other staff members. Maintains morale by enlisting ideas, motivation, and assistance of associates regardless of position. Listens and accepts views of others. Accepts constructive counseling. Recognizes and acknowledges the contributions and needs of other elements of the medical program. Deals effectively with non-VA persons and groups.
Eliciting Cooperation-Secures the active cooperation of professional, administrative, and technical associates. Stimulates and participates in the team approach to problems. Gains the confidence and respect of others.
Handling Groups-Effective in conducting meetings. Defines problems, creates and maintains interest, stimulates discussion, and maintains direction toward an appropriate conclusion.
Adherence to Ethical Standards-Practices by, and cooperates in maintenance of, ethical standards of the profession as an individual, a colleague, and a member of the larger community.
Responsibilities/Duties:
Provide treatment to patients suffering from heart problems
Should be updated on the latest heart procedures and studies as new breakthroughs are made in this field on a daily basis as it is one most researched human organ
Design a healthy diet chart for the patient as diet affects the heart the most
Design and educate patients on a good exercise regimen to help in quick recovery
Keep up to date with latest CME and other continuing education, certifications
Maintain detailed reports on each patient and also a report on their progress
Coordinate with any other specialist the patient might be seeing
Complete medication reconciliation with each patient encounter
Advise patients on any alternative treatment they might be seeking
Help the patient to fully recover from acute illnesses with properly scheduled follow up intervals.
Essential Skills
Professionalism. Successful cardiologist must be able to conduct themselves in a professional manner. This means remaining friendly and approachable, staying composed when dealing with sensitive situations or information, and being organized and always prepared.
Communication. Excellent communication skills are needed to clearly discuss conditions and treatments with patents in a way that they fully understand. Cardiologist must be able to communicate and work collaboratively with other healthcare associates to aid in diagnosing, administering treatment, and evaluating patient outcomes accurately.
Knowledgeable. It is vital that a Cardiologist be knowledgeable in their area of expertise. They must possess analytical skills, have attention to detail, and an extensive understanding of medicine.
Self-Motivation and Compassion. Being self-motivated and having a genuine desire to help people is important. A cardiologist must be able to treat patients and their families with compassion and understanding.
Learning Continuation. Staying up to date with the latest cardiology and medical advances is critical. One must be able to work and study in order to learn new information that may affect a diagnosis or treatment.
Attend Morning Report daily from 0800-0900 Cardiology inpatient daily rounds with resident trainee or student.
Outpatient cardiology clinics, nuclear/exercise stress clinic, pacemaker procedure clinics, etc.
Committee Appointments- Will participate in meetings as assigned.
Coordinate the patient care by effective communication with PCP, Inpatient, ED and outside services.
Provide medical expert opinions for Tort Claims as requested. Peer review committee as needed.
Other duties as assigned by CBOC Medical Director.