06/02/1998 34461

PUBLIC HEALTH PHYSICIAN

DEFINITION: This is professional medical work in the field of public health.

An employee in this class in central office or a field location provides medical consultation to health and medical professionals, other state and federal agency personnel, professional and lay groups, and the general public concerning the medical issues associated with HIV/AIDS, infectious, chronic, and vaccine preventable diseases; maternal and child health conditions; and environmental hazards affecting individuals and communities within the Commonwealth. Work includes providing medical interpretations and recommendations based on review and analysis of data contained in reports and other documents received from Department field offices, county health departments or other organizations. Employees deliver medical and/or epidemiological presentations or education programs to professional and lay groups and serve on professional committees related to the health and medical fields. Employees in central office design and conduct medical and/or epidemiological studies and write and prepare reports and articles for lay publications and medical journals. Employees in field locations serve as the medical director of a health district. Work is performed with considerable independence under general supervision of an administrative superior who reviews work through oral communications, reports and meetings for effectiveness in accomplishing established objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Provides epidemiological consultation to other department groups, district and county/municipal health departments, other state agencies, community groups, the private medical community, the news media and the legislature regarding infectious disease control and prevention.

Provides medical consultation to state and federal agencies during toxic and environmental emergencies concerning any medical precautions or clinical recommendations.

Provides medical consultation for maternal and child health issues such as teen pregnancy, lead poisoning prevention, adolescent and infant health, genetic disease and special health care needs.

Provides consultation, as the medical director of a health district, to department professional staff and the general public for community health issues such as vaccine preventable disease, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted diseases and maternal and child health.

Provides medical consultation to private industry and individuals requesting advice on the toxic and clinical effects of chemical and industrial hazards on humans.

Develops and administers a statewide program for surveillance and epidemiologic analysis of HIV/AIDS.

Provides epidemiological expertise to a state-wide disease surveillance network of state/municipal employees that investigate infectious disease cases and outbreaks.

Assesses, interprets and investigates health hazards related to the environment and the potential health effects on individuals.

Provides medical interpretations and recommendations as a member of medical and health related committees.

Insures the prompt reporting of all reportable diseases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Develops medical policies and procedures as a member of medical and health related committees.

Designs and conducts medical and epidemiological studies to develop preventive measures to identify disease trends.

Delivers medical or epidemiological presentations to selected audiences.

Writes and prepares articles for lay publications and medical journals.

Provides medical consultations to other physicians regarding the diagnosis, treatment of communicable disease.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of general medicine.

Knowledge of the collection and interpretation of health statistics.

Knowledge of the methods and practices employed in medical or epidemiological studies.

Knowledge of medical jurisprudence including public health laws and regulations.

Knowledge of the functions and resources of federal, state and local agencies in the field of public health.

Ability to provide medical recommendations on a case by case basis to health professionals and the general public concerning disease afflictions.

Ability to use judgement and discretion in the interpretation and application of technical and departmental policies and procedures; local, state, and federal laws, regulations and procedures.

Ability to examine data and draw inferences and conclusions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of local, state and federal agencies; health organizations and institutions; and the general public.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Graduation with a degree of doctor of medicine or osteopathy from a medical school approved or recognized by the Pennsylvania Medical Licensing Board or the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Licensing Board and completion of an approved U.S. residency training program; and two (2) years of professional medical experience, including one (1) year in a public health setting.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania issued by the State Medicine Board or Osteopathic Medicine Board; or eligibility for such licensure. Candidates must obtain the required license prior to beginning employment.

ALLOCATION TERM: Public Health

Public Health is defined as the provision of health care services, treatment, prevention and/or detection of disease for targeted population groups within a community at large, with a goal of optimal health for all. It does not involve provision of services on an isolated, individual basis.