Medical Officer (Ophthalmology)

Tohono O'odham Nation; Sells (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Tohono O’odham Nation Health Care in Arizona seeks a Medical Ophthalmologist to provide diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic ophthalmology services across inpatient, ambulatory, and emergency settings. The role may require travel to TON facilities and temporary relocation.

The physician will supervise clinic operations, collaborate with the Eye Program, ensure compliant medical records, and participate in quality improvement to advance patient outcomes.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of ophthalmology practice standards (Eye Program).
• Ability to interview, examine, and manage patients.
• Understand privacy and patient confidentiality requirements (HIPAA).

Responsibilities

• Provide care in inpatient, ambulatory, and emergency settings.
• Perform examinations, tests, and treatments; refer as needed.
• Prepare medical records and participate in quality improvement.
• Collaborate with Eye Program leadership and other staff.

Skills

Ophthalmology knowledge

Clinical examination skills

Interpersonal communication

HIPAA compliance

Medical documentation

Education

MD/DO from US/Canada or equivalent with ECFMG

Job description

PLEASE NOTE - This position may require temporarily relocation to other TONHC Facilities: Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center.

Position Summary

The incumbent is responsible for diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic services to patients in the specialty field of Ophthalmology.

Scope Of Work

The position is located in the Division of Clinical Services of Tohono O'odham Nation Health Care and may require 50% travel to TON San Xavier Health Center or TON Sells Hospital. The incumbent serves as a Medical Officer in the field of Ophthalmology at TONHC. Incumbent works under the general supervision of the Clinical Director, who provides administrative oversight. Incumbent works with the Chief of Optometry in matters related to the Eye Program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(Depending on the area of assignment, an incumbent may not be required to perform some of the duties listed below):

• Provide care for patients in the following settings, inpatient, ambulatory care, and emergency room.
• Interviews and examines patients, reviews past medical history, and requests and performs diagnostic tests and examinations.
• Makes preliminary diagnosis, recognizing rare and difficult to identity symptoms or signs.
• Directs, prescribes, or provides a complete treatment regimen or arranges for specialized care or patient referral as necessary.
• Utilize Purchased and Referred Care system for referrals outside of TONHC as appropriate.
• Provides definitive management in all medical and surgical cases that do not require referral.
• Provide complete patient care, including prevention, health maintenance, early diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up services.
• Provide emergency care as appropriate.
• Conducts outpatient clinics providing care, diagnosis, and treatment plans to ambulatory patients.
• Review patient medications, diet, therapy course, adherence to the treatment management plan, and other observations as medically necessary.
• Instruct and counsel patients and their families.
• May serve as a consultant to TONHC, attending field clinics at these facilities as deemed appropriate.
• Assures preparation of appropriate medical records for Ophthalmology patients to ensure the accumulation and organization of all pertinent clinical data needed to provide comprehensive medical care.
• Disseminate clinical reports and correspondence concerning patients under their care to physicians, hospitals, and other individuals and facilities.
• Works closely with allied health professionals to provide effective interdisciplinary health care services and treatment.
• Is responsible for assisting with a comprehensive Quality Improvement Program that meets Joint Commission accreditation standards.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of the economic, educational, health, and social challenges faced by Native Americans in rural and urban settings.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Knowledge of legal regulations and confidentiality requirements, specifically to the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
• Knowledgeable of TONHC Medical-Staff By‑Laws, rules and regulations, and compliance with all appointment requirements to maintain status as an acting member of the medical staff.
• Knowledge of analytical and evaluative methods to conduct studies that measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of delivery of health care services.
• Knowledge of current standards of practice in Ophthalmology.
• Knowledge of health care policy, program evaluation, and emerging concepts of the assessment and management of medical practice.
• Skill in respectful and compassionate intercultural communication.
• Skill in providing superior customer service to external and internal customers.
• Ability to carry out a professional practice fully respectful of Tohono O'odham culture, customs and traditions.
• Ability to interact professionally and competently with patients and caretakers to obtain sensitive information and promote behaviors that will improve their health.
• Ability to work in stressful conditions and handle high volume patient loads and demands from patients and medical professionals.
• Ability to set and follow priorities.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to work independently with a wide latitude to determine and pursue a course of treatment for patients.
• Ability to travel within and outside of the Nation's boundaries as necessary to carry out duties and responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy from the United States or Canadian medical school approved by a recognized accrediting body in the year of applicant's graduation. Or, a Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree from a medical school not of the USA or Canada that provided education and medical knowledge substantially equivalent to accredited schools in the United States, as demonstrated by permanent certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), or a Fifth Pathway Certificate.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements

• Board Certified (or board eligible) by the American Board of Ophthalmology
• Must have a permanent, complete, and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a State, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the United States territory.
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and a National FBI fingerprint check are required to determine suitability for employment, including a 39‑month driving record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham language and English as a condition of employment.