Anaesthetists are required for the increasing number of surgical projects that Médecins Sans Frontières manages around the world. To work with us in this capacity, you need the flexibility to work with limited resources and face a variety of challenges that may range from trauma patients to women requiring emergency caesarian sections.
In addition to in-theatre work, your responsibilities will include pre-operative assessment and resuscitation, and post-operative care (including pain management). You will also be involved in the supervision of national staff working in recovery room and the wards.
Be prepared for the fact that diagnostic equipment and facilities in the operating theatre will be limited – there may not even be an X-ray machine.
REQUIREMENTS
- Compliance with essential criteria for all potential Field Workers
- Certified anaesthetist / Fellow of Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (or equivalent)
- Experience in paediatrics, obstetrics, and trauma anaesthesia
- Ability to work autonomously with limited materials and resources
- Willingness to abide by Médecins Sans Frontières anaesthetic protocols
- Available to work in the field for 6-8 weeks (effective in the field) to 4 months
- People with a medical background must display no recent gap in clinical experience greater than two years
ASSETS
- Available at short notice (in emergencies we may need anaesthetists to leave within 24 to 48 hours)
- Medical experience outside anaesthetics (e.g. ICU, emergency, pain specialization, paediatrics, and internal medicine)
AVAILABILITY & NOTICE PERIODS
Due to the emergency nature of many of our projects, anaesthetists are often needed at very short notice. However for some longer-term projects it may be possible to confirm a placement well in advance. If you are genuinely interested to work with us but have concerns regarding the period of notice you may require, we encourage you to apply. Your individual circumstances can be discussed as part of the interview process.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information on our surgical projects, policies and resources, visit our site dedicated to anaesthesia in relation to overseas surgery.
- To learn about living allowances for project workers, visit salary, benefits and opportunities.
- All Australian and New Zealand field worker applications are processed through our Sydney office.
