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Jobs in the Field

Anaesthetist

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Anaesthetists are required for the increasing number of surgical projects that we manage 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
  • post-operative care (including pain management).
  • 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.

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Are You MSF? Oliver - Anaesthetist

Requirements

  • Compliance with Essential Criteria for all potential Field Workers
  • Certified anaesthetist in your country of practice
  • 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 a minimum of 6 weeks (at least for the first placement; subsequent placements can be shorter, depending on context)

Assets

  • Available at short notice (in emergencies we may need anaesthetists to leave within 24 to 48 hours)
  • Medical experience outside anaesthetics (eg ICU, emergency, pain specialisation, paediatrics, and internal medicine)

Availability and 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.

Maternity Hospital in Khost, Afghanistan, December 2013
I’ve met strong and hard-working women, and heard some of their stories in depth. MSF anaesthetist Luíza Noronha
MSF Blog

“Khost, the place I consider my second home”

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