Gastrointestinal Surgeon and Endoscopist

Job Description

Job Summary :

The Gastrointestinal Surgeon and Endoscopist is a highly skilled specialist responsible for the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and endoscopic management of a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including those affecting the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, pancreas, and biliary system.

This role combines expertise in both endoscopic procedures and complex surgical interventions to provide comprehensive care for patients with GI conditions, such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and gastrointestinal motility disorders.

The Gastrointestinal Surgeon and Endoscopist plays a key role in the early detection and management of GI cancers and other complex digestive diseases, employing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to optimize patient outcomes.

Core Responsibilities :

Leadership: 

• Lead a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, gastroenterologists, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff, to deliver comprehensive and coordinated care.

• Participate in regular multidisciplinary tumour board to including an Oncologist, Radiologist, Pathologist and Surgeon to review GI tumour cases and decide on an evidence based treatment method.

• Mentor and provide education to junior doctors, surgical trainees, and medical students in both surgical and endoscopic techniques.

• Serve as a clinical expert, contributing to the development and implementation of protocols, guidelines, and best practices for gastrointestinal surgery and endoscopy.

• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and patient-centered care within the department, ensuring adherence to ethical and clinical standards.

Strategic Development 

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the GI surgical and endoscopic services, expanding the range of procedures offered and optimizing patient pathways.

• Collaborate with hospital leadership to align the GI services with organizational goals and to identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and service improvement.

• Participate in clinical research and innovation to advance surgical and endoscopic techniques, contributing to the body of knowledge in gastrointestinal care.

• Engage in strategic planning initiatives to improve patient outcomes, reduce wait times, and increase service efficiency.

Governance 

• Ensure compliance with all relevant clinical guidelines, regulations, and accreditation standards for gastrointestinal surgery and endoscopy.

• Lead audits, quality improvement initiatives, and peer reviews to monitor performance, patient outcomes, and safety within the department.

• Participate in governance meetings, providing expertise on GI surgical and endoscopic practices and advising on risk management strategies.

• Develop and oversee clinical governance frameworks, ensuring all surgical and endoscopic procedures adhere to the highest standards of care.

Other Responsibilities 

• Conduct pre-operative assessments, surgical planning, and post-operative care, ensuring comprehensive patient management throughout the treatment journey.

• Stay up to date with the latest advancements in gastrointestinal surgery and endoscopy, incorporating new techniques and technologies into practice.

• Provide expert consultation on complex GI cases for all AMCE Clinical Directorate patients. 

Equality and Diversity

• Act as lead for Equality & Diversity in the Estates and Facilities department to ensure the development and effective implementation of a strategy, set of policies, procedures and monitoring and control systems are in place.

Personal and Staff Development

• Work with HR to undertake recruitment, retention, performance management and development of staff in the team. 

• Work with the Recruitment Manager to establish connections with appropriate local, international and online communities to nurture a pipeline of talent to support the growth of the company.

• Responsible for development of high potential employees, providing a structured approach to mentoring and developing critical talent at all levels of management.

Communications And Working Relationships

• Establish and maintain effective communication with patients and their families, providing clear explanations, guidance, and support throughout their care.

• Collaborate with other specialists, including oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and dietitians, to ensure a coordinated approach to patient care.

• Actively participate in departmental and multidisciplinary meetings, contributing to case discussions, strategy sessions, and service development.

• Engage with external organizations, professional bodies, and healthcare networks to promote the hospital's GI services and best practices.

Line Management

• Provide supervision, mentorship, and performance management to junior surgical staff, endoscopy nurses, and allied health professionals within the department.

• Oversee the recruitment, training, and development of staff, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and professional growth.

• Ensure efficient use of departmental resources, including personnel, equipment, and facilities, to maintain high standards of patient care.

• Manage the workload and scheduling of surgical and endoscopic sessions, ensuring adequate staffing levels and operational efficiency.

Organizational Responsibilities :

• Report directly to the Clinical Director of General Medical & Surgical Services, contributing to departmental and organizational goals.

• Represent the department in hospital-wide committees, strategic initiatives, and quality improvement projects.

• Promote a culture of excellence, safety, and patient-centered care across the organization, advocating for the needs of the GI surgical and endoscopic services.

• Participate in external conferences, professional networks, and forums to represent the hospital and contribute to the advancement of gastrointestinal surgery and endoscopy.

Qualifications

Qualifications :

• Medical degree (MBBS, MD, DO, or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
• Completion of a residency/fellowship program in Surgery (General Surgery or relevant surgical specialty) from a busy accredited institution
• Board certification or eligibility in Surgery (General or specific specialty) from a recognized certifying body.
• Valid medical license to practice surgery in the home country.
• Meet all requirement for registration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

Experience :

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a consultant surgeon, including performing a range of surgical procedures independently.
• Experience in a hospital or clinical setting, in a high-volume or specialized surgical department.
• Proven track record of clinical excellence, patient safety, and adherence to evidence-based surgical practices.
• Experience in leading or participating in multidisciplinary teams, clinical research, or quality improvement initiatives.

Management and Leadership :

• Inspirational and visible leader, with first class communication skills, capable of engaging audiences at all levels
• Ability to think and act strategically, developing practical, innovative and creative solutions to the management of issues and complex problems related to the department
• Ability to identify opportunities to improve business outcomes through partnership at all levels
• Well-developed management skills, with the ability to build and lead large teams 
• Highly effective influencing and negotiating skills, with the ability to develop partnerships and alliances across a diverse range of stakeholders
• Politically astute and resilient, with the ability to manage conflict and ambiguity
• Outcome focused, with the capability and tenacity to drive the agenda forward
• Financially literate and commercially astute, with a sophisticated understanding of commercially orientated performance and financial management including contract management
• Shares the AMCE’s vision and values
• Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care

Personal Attributes :

• Professional attitude towards work
• Shares the AMCE’s vision 
• Proactive and organised
• Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care
• Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of colleagues peers  
• Is supportive and approachable and capable of inspiring confidence in staff members
• Commitment to caring for others
• Ability to adapt to living in a new country and new culture accordingly
• High levels of honesty and integrity

Additional Information

African Medical Centre of Excellence, Abuja (AMCE Abuja) aims to be an Employer of Choice, providing equal opportunity for everyone regardless of their background, gender, race and other protected characteristics.