Nephrologist

                                                                                                      Health Care System
                                                                                                        Amarillo, Texas
                                                                                          Nephrologist Functional Statement

The staff nephrologist the following responsibilities:
Examinations—Evaluates 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.
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.
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
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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.
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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:
Diagnoses kidney-related medical problems. Studies normal kidney function, kidney problems, the treatment of kidney problems and renal replacement therapy (dialysis and kidney transplantation).
Nephrologist’s diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the kidneys. Focus on non-surgical treatment and management of renal disorders. A Nephrologist focuses on kidneys and the entire renal system of the body.
Nephrologist specializes in the management of patients with a wide range of renal disorders which include glomerulonephritis, renal cancer, hydronephrosis, etc. Nephrologists may also perform pre-transplant assessments in some patients or assist in referral for consideration of transplant surgery.
Nephrologist to diagnose, treat and manage any condition or disease which affects the kidney functions. This need not necessarily mean only the management of disorders of the kidney, but also the management of a wide range of systemic disorders, which may be responsible for malfunctioning of the kidneys which include high blood pressure, cancers or diabetes.
Essential Skills
Professionalism. Successful nephrologist 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 prepared at all times.
Communication. Excellent communication skills are needed to clearly discuss conditions and treatments with patents in a way that they fully understand. Nephrologist must be able to communicate and work collaboratively with other medical technicians to aid in diagnosing, administering treatment, and evaluating patient outcomes accurately.
Knowledgeable, It is vital that a Nephrologist 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 nephrologist must be able to treat patients and their families with compassion and understanding.
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Learning Continuation. Staying up to date with the latest updates/academia 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 on a daily basis from 0800-0900
Nephrologist inpatient/outpatient consultations and daily inpatient rounding.
Outpatient nephrology clinics
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 Chief of Medicine.

Paid Time Off:

• 26 Days paid annual (vacation/personal) leave
• 13 Days paid sick leave each year with no limit on accumulation
• 11 paid Federal holidays per year
• 5 Days paid absence to attend approved CME courses

Insurance:

• Health Insurance: VA employees have an outstanding number of health insurance plans from which to choose (premiums are partially paid by VA) Lifetime Healthcare Insurance options available
• Dental & Vision: Our insurance options also include exceptional vision and dental plans (premiums are partially paid by VA)
• VA employees have the option to use Flexible Spending Accounts, which allow you to use tax-free dollars to pay for medical, dental, and vision care expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance plan
• Term life insurance, family, and additional coverage options are available with the cost shared by the Federal Government
• Long-term care insurance is available as an option

Federal Retirement Plan:

• VA employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-tiered retirement plan composed of 1) Social Security benefits, 2) FERS-RAE basic benefits (pension), and 3) Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) which is a 401K-type plan
• How is the pension funded? VA employees automatically contribute 4.4% of their salary each pay period and the VA contributes 12.2% of the employee’s salary each pay period for a total annual contribution percentage equal to 16.6% of the employee’s salary
• Similar to the 401(k) savings plans widely available in the private sector, the TSP allows employees to tax defer a portion of their income each year, subject to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. For calendar year 2020, employees under the age of 50 may contribute up to $19,500, while those over age 50 are eligible to make catch-up contributions that allow them to defer up to $25,500.
• The Federal Government also provides an automatic basic contribution (1% of salary) and up to 4% of salary in matching contributions, depending on the amount of the employee contribution
• For retired military personnel, these benefits are in addition to full monthly retirement pay or pension
• In addition to FERS, VA provides health care insurance coverage for retired personnel
• Disability Retirement
• Employees are vested in a federal pension after only 5 years service

The Amarillo VA Health Care System, a division of the VA Health Care Network (VISN 17), provides primary specialty, and extended care of the highest quality to veterans throughout the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, eastern New Mexico, and southern Kansas. Approximately 25,000 patients are treated annually. The health care system maintains 55 acute care inpatient beds for general medical, surgical, and intensive care. Geriatric and extended care is provided in the 120-bed skilled nursing home care unit. A modern ambulatory care center and medical arts building facilitates the delivery of primary care, specialty care and preventive health services. The Amarillo VA Health Care System also ensures health care is accessible to those veterans residing in rural areas through three community-based outpatient clinics located in Lubbock, Childress, and Dalhart, Texas, as well as Clovis, New Mexico.

Mission:

The mission of the Amarillo VA Health Care System is to provide timely, efficient, ethical, safe, compassionate, and quality health care to veteran patients.

Vision:

The Vision of the AVAHCS is to become:

• The recognized leader of health care in our community / region
• The provider of choice
• The employer of choice

Core Values:

• Integrity: Act with high moral principle. Adhere to the highest professional standards. Maintain the trust and confidence of all with whom I engage.
• Commitment: Work diligently to serve Veterans and other beneficiaries. Be driven by an earnest belief in VA’s mission. Fulfill my individual responsibilities and organizational responsibilities.
• Advocacy: Be truly Veteran-centric by identifying, fully considering, and appropriately advancing the interests of Veterans and other beneficiaries.
• Respect: Treat all those I serve and with whom I work with dignity and respect. Show respect to earn it.
• Excellence: Strive for the highest quality and continuous improvement. Be thoughtful and decisive in leadership, accountable for my actions, willing to admit mistakes, and rigorous in correcting them.

Facility Facts and Specifics

The Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center located in Amarillo, Texas is the main facility for the Amarillo VA Health Care System (VAHCS) which serves approximately 65,600 veterans in a primary service area to include 59 counties in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, eastern New Mexico, and southeast Kansas. It was constructed in 1939 and dedicated on May 12, 1940.

A division of the VA Health Care Network (VISN 17), the Amarillo VAHCS provides primary, specialty, and extended care of the highest quality to veterans, maintaining three community based outpatient clinics located in Lubbock, TX, Childress, TX, and Clovis, NM.

Approximately 25,000 patients are treated annually. The health care system maintains 55 acute care inpatient beds for general medical, surgical, and intensive care. Geriatric and extended care is provided in the 120-bed skilled nursing home care unit. A modern ambulatory care center and medical arts building facilitates the delivery of primary care, specialty care and preventive health services.

Specialized Programs include support of the CCHT Program through Telehealth Care Coordination, a home portable sleep study program, Outpatient Substance Abuse program and a VIST program. The VIST program manages services to blind veterans living in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

The Amarillo VAHCS has dedicated Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom staff working in a coordinated effort to reach military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and help to make a seamless transition to veterans’ health care.

The Amarillo VAHCS provides an active teaching environment for medical students and residents through a formal affiliation with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. The rotation includes approximately 40 residents in Internal Medicine, Family Practice, and Specialty Care. Other affiliations with Texas Tech University School of Pharmacy, Northeastern State University of Optometry, West Texas A&M University and Amarillo College provide a variety of educational opportunities in pharmacy, optometry, nursing and various allied health programs.