Job Purpose
Outpatient Physiologist (Cardiology) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular conditions. They perform a range of diagnostic tests, interpret results, and provide patient education and support.
Core Responsibilities
Patient Assessment and Management:
- Conduct comprehensive cardiovascular assessments, including medical history, physical examination, and review of medical records.
- Identify cardiovascular risk factors and assess functional capacity.
- Develop and implement individualized exercise programs for cardiac rehabilitation patients.
- Monitor patients during exercise sessions and adjust exercise intensity as needed.
- Educate patients on lifestyle modifications, risk factor reduction, and self-management techniques.
Diagnostic Testing and Interpretation:
- Perform and interpret exercise stress tests (treadmill, bike, or pharmacological) to evaluate cardiac function and identify coronary artery disease.
- Analyze exercise test data to determine exercise capacity, heart rate response, and blood pressure changes.
- Perform and interpret resting ECGs to identify arrhythmias, ischemia, and other cardiac abnormalities.
- Conduct ambulatory ECG monitoring (Holter monitoring) to assess cardiac rhythm over extended periods.
- Perform vascular studies, such as Doppler ultrasound of carotid arteries and peripheral vessels, to assess blood flow and identify vascular disease.
Data Management and Reporting:
- Analyze test results and generate comprehensive reports.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records.
- Collaborate with cardiologists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences.
Quality Assurance and Improvement:
- Implement quality assurance measures to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation programs.
- Identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes to enhance patient care.
Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead and mentor a team of physiotherapists and technicians.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the cardiac rehabilitation program.
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
Professional Development:
- Attend conferences and workshops to stay updated on the latest advancements in cardiology and exercise physiology.
- Maintain professional certifications and licenses.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Physiology or a related field.
Professional Requirements
- Certification in Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation from a recognized professional organization
- Registration with relevant professional bodies.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum of 6 years of experience in a clinical setting, such as a hospital or outpatient clinic, is required. This experience should include exposure to cardiovascular diagnostic procedures and patient care.
- Experience in performing and interpreting various cardiac tests, including ECGs, stress tests, and ambulatory monitoring.
- Experience in interacting with patients, explaining procedures, and addressing their concerns.
- Experience in developing and implementing exercise programs for cardiac rehabilitation patients.
- Experience in performing vascular studies, such as Doppler ultrasound of carotid arteries and peripheral vessels.
- Experience in participating in clinical research studies or quality improvement initiatives.
- Experience in supervising and mentoring junior staff.
Knowledge Requirements
- In-depth understanding of the structure and function of the heart and circulatory system.
- Ability to interpret ECGs, identify arrhythmias, and assess myocardial ischemia.
- Knowledge of various non-invasive cardiac tests, such as stress testing, and vascular studies.
- Ability to educate patients on cardiovascular health, risk factors, and lifestyle modifications.
- Knowledge of current clinical guidelines and best practices in cardiology.
Skill Requirements
- Proficiency in operating ultrasound equipment, including advanced echocardiography systems.
- Skill in acquiring high-quality images, optimizing image settings, and adjusting transducer positions.
- Ability to interpret echocardiograms, including identifying abnormalities, measuring cardiac dimensions, and assessing cardiac function
Personal Abilities
- Effective communication skills to interact with patients, healthcare professionals, and other team members.
- Empathy and compassion for patients, especially those undergoing stressful procedures.
- Ability to explain complex medical information to patients in a clear and understandable manner.
- Ability to troubleshoot technical issues, adapt to changing circumstances, and find solutions to challenges.
- Attention to Detail
- Effective time management to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
- Adherence to ethical standards, maintaining patient confidentiality, and demonstrating a positive attitude.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, nurses, and other allied health professionals.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing work environments and new technologies
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.
