Pediatric HIV Volunteer, MD, Dominican Republic

• Type: Volunteer / Intern
• Location: La Romana, Dominican Republic
• Organisation: International Family AIDS Program
  The International Family AIDS Program (IFAP), aims to develop and support long term solutions to the international HIV/AIDS epidemic.
• Closing Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Description:
  GENERAL DESCRIPTION JOB SUMMARY: A physician trained in the care of children is sought to care for HIV-infected children in La Romana, Dominican Republic (DR). The International Family AIDS Program through its partner Clínica Familia MIR, provides direct care and treatment for over one thousand HIV-infected children, mothers and fathers in La Romana. With funding from Columbia University, MIR Charities, USAID and COPRESIDA (the Dominican Presidential AIDS Commission), the Clínica Familia MIR has become a Center of Excellence in the Dominican Republic, a model of AIDS care for the Caribbean. The Pediatric HIV Volunteer will be responsible for providing direct clinic-based care to HIV positive patients in the resource-low environment of La Romana. The Volunteer will be required to make key decisions on referral of patients to the Provincial hospital and will be responsible for the regular follow up of patients within the Clínica Familia MIR. In addition, the Volunteer will collaborate with other staff for ongoing outreach projects and overall improvement of care in the Clínica Familia MIR, La Romana facility. COMMUNITY FEATURES: The opportunity is located in La Romana, Dominican Republic, one hour east of Santo Domingo. La Romana is a medium-size urban city on the coast. The economy is based on tourism and the sugar cane industry. There are a variety of restaurants, a high quality supermarket, a local running trail, and a gym available in the city. Most key locations are within walking distance of the clinic, but public transportation is readily available. CLÍNICA DE FAMILIA MIR: This family AIDS clinic is a collaborative program of the Fundación MIR, a charity in La Romana that seeks to rescue children from poverty through education and health care, and the Columbia University International Family AIDS Program. It grew out of a close collaboration with the Adoratrices nuns, a Roman Catholic community from Spain, who started Complejo Micaeliano in 1988. Clínica Familia MIR was the first program in the Dominican Republic to offer antiretroviral therapy to pregnant women to prevent vertical HIV transmission (1999) and was one of the first sites to begin treating children and adults with long-term antiretroviral therapy (2004). Clínica Familia MIR ranks second in the number of children and the number of adults on AIDS therapy in the country. BENEFITS: Housing and a small stipend for travel and living expenses is available for those who require it. JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES: - Provide developmentally and age-appropriate family centered care for HIV-infected children and adolescents as well as HIV-exposed newborns - Take personal histories and provide physical exams - Participate in support groups - Counsel families on preventive and health management strategies - Candidate will see 15-20 patients a day TRAINING: - Act as primary preceptor for rotating medical students and residents - Coordinate with the clinical team in teaching classroom sessions as needed - Coordinate with clinical team in developing collaboration with other programs as required
• Applicant Requirements:
  EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: - Completed residency in pediatrics, medicine-pediatrics, or family medicine - Fluent in English and Spanish EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: - Medical doctor with pediatrics or family practice experience DESIRED QUALITIES: - Previous tropical medicine work experience in a resource-low community - Experience working with HIV/AIDS patients and families - Creole language skills - Ability to work well in a team - Professional character - Excellent communication skills, verbal and written - Excellent time management skills, patience - Diplomacy - Critical thinking and analytical skills - Computer literate
• Application instructions:
  Applications and complete CV/resume must be submitted to Sabrina Hermosilla, Program Coordinator at ifap@columbia.edu. To learn more about IFAP and how you can play a role in this exciting organization, please visit: http://www.familyaids.org/FamilyAIDS.htm
• Contact Person: Sabrina Hermosilla info@familyaids.org
• More information about this Volunteer / Intern...

Dev-Zone Opportunity ID No. 11006     Hits: 9