Surgeon

Agnes Varraine-Leca/MSF

MSF is an independent international medical relief organisation, with 28 offices worldwide. When large-scale epidemics occur, when areas in crisis are too dangerous for many other organisations, then our medical teams are there to assist the affected population. We organise basic medical care, treat the injured, carry out vaccination campaigns, train local staff and build up medical infrastructure. In long-term aid projects our teams fight diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, sleeping sickness, and HIV/AIDS.

Surgeon

tasks and responsibilities

For an MSF deployment you need a diverse range of professional experience, and you should be creative and flexible.

To work with us as a surgeon, you will need a wide range of practical experience. In the projects you will often have to work under difficult conditions with the simplest technical means. You should expect to be deployed in war zones or crisis areas where you will treat bullet, stab and mine wounds, perform common emergency operations and carry out amputations. Your field of responsibility will be even wider, ranging from trauma surgery and triage to general surgery and caesarean sections. You will also supervise and coordinate all surgery.

You will be responsible for the quality of surgical work in the emergency room, outpatient department, operating theatre, dressing room and inpatient department. In doing so, you ensure that the patients receive the best possible surgical care. To do this, you will be working closely with the other team members, including anesthetists, the operating theater and ward nursing staff. You will also train the operating theater and surgical staff.

We currently especially need plastic surgeons. Applications from other surgical specialties (general surgery, trauma/orthopedic surgery) remain welcome.

Our Requirements

Completed specialist training in surgery followed by at least two years of professional experience.

The following practical work experience in general surgery: caesarean sections, amputations, treatment of open and closed bone fractures (external fixation), treatment of gunshot and shrapnel wounds, treatment of difficult wound infections, treatment of burns, covering of soft tissue defects, pediatric surgery, diagnostics without X-rays, carrying out triage

The following practical work experience in trauma surgery: war surgery injuries, treatment of open and closed bone fractures (external fixation, sign nail, etc.), amputations, injuries to tendons and nerves, osteomyelitis, treatment of burns

Experience in professional guidance, education or training

Experience in team leadership is an advantage

Availability for at least three months

Very good knowledge of English and ideally further language skills in French, Spanish, Arabic or Russian. Good knowledge of French can have a significant influence on the overall assessment and final selection decision

Travel or work experience in African, Asian or Latin American countries

Ability to work in a team, cultural sensitivity, organizational and improvisational skills as well as high mental and physical resilience

Willingness to work in accordance with Médecins Sans Frontières humanitarian principles, charter and mission statement

What do we offer

Salary sufficient to cover costs at home while you are in the field

A per diem during assignment to cover food expenses and other local purchases in local currency

Round-trip transportation to and from assignment

Room and board during a