Dermatology at Department of Veteran Affairs

                                                                                 Health Care System
                                                                                     Amarillo, Texas
                                                                        Dermatologist Functional Statement

The staff dermatologist has 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. Has active certification in BLS, ACLS, or both as required
by 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. Responds to inpatient/outpatient consultations in a timely
manner, documents consultations according to procedure and is actively engaged with the primary team
or clinician in collaborating on the patient’s care and management.
Record keeping—records the History/Physical and other examinations and changes in patient's status
promptly. 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
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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 costeffective
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.
Duties:
The dermatologist will focus on researching, diagnosing and treating skin disorders and diseases.
They do patient examinations and may perform minor skin surgeries. Job duties also entail prescribing
topical medication for skin problems. Many dermatologists have their own private practices and must be
aware of business operations.
The dermatologist will focus on researching, diagnosing and treating skin disorders and diseases. They
do patient examinations and may perform minor skin surgeries. Job duties also entail prescribing topical
medication for skin problems.
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Will performs dermatological procedures as there are many factors influencing the choice of treatment:
1. Type of skin cancer or noncancerous or precancerous growth 2. Location, size, number, and
aggressiveness of the tumor 3. Patient’s general health 4. Side effects, possible complications, benefits,
and cure rate of a procedure 5. Dermatologist’s experience and familiarity with a particular procedure
Each case is different. Your dermatologist will decide the most appropriate treatment plan for you. During
the office visit, your dermatologist will discuss treatment with patients.
Essential Skills
Professionalism. Successful dermatologist 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. Dermatologist 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 dermatologist 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 dermatologist must be able to treat patients and their families with compassion and
understanding.
Learning Continuation. Staying up to date with the latest dermatology 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.
Outpatient Dermatology clinics and procedures associated with dermatology.
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.