Description

Foreign Service Medical Provider

The Bureau of Medical Services (MED) maintains and promotes the health of employees who represent U.S. government agencies abroad and their eligible family members. DOS assigns Family Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants/Associates as Foreign Service Medical Providers (MPs), to overseas posts. Many posts have significant health risks; local medical care often inadequate by U.S. standards. MPs works either independently or as a member of a team of Medical Specialists to provide medical support, is considered essential personnel, and is expected to be available on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MP duties may include, but are not limited to:

Providing Primary Health Care Services Provides primary care and counseling to all patients regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, language, disease, disability, or religion Collects patient medical information Performs adult and pediatric medical examinations Provides prenatal, well/sick infant, child, and adolescent care; manages well-women care and gynecological complaints Performs medical clearance examinations Orders and analyzes diagnostic tests Prescribes treatment and writes prescriptions Performs therapeutic procedures Documents patient information; maintains medical records Uses computer software to provide services Consults with healthcare team; advises patients on medical concerns; acts as patient advocate Assists employees with lifestyle and cultural adjustment Offers mental health support with regional psychiatrist Provides routine and travel vaccinations; manages immunization program Provides emergency care on U.S. government property Evaluates and coordinates local medical resources; establishes networks of local healthcare providers Maintains credentials, licensure, and continuing medical education Provides long-distance triage and care via telephone, radio, telemedicine, and email

Managing Occupational Health and Preventive Medicine Programs Identifies endemic conditions; provides disease prevention programming and guidance Performs health maintenance; establishes wellness programs Acts as occupational health advisor with Post Safety and Health Officer (POSHO) Maintains basic life support certification; conducts training Ensures safe drinking water; monitors food safety with laboratory specialists Oversees pre-employment and fitness-for-duty evaluations of local employees Orients new personnel; updates post medical information Adheres to quality assurance procedures; submits reports

Administering Health Unit Functions Manages health unit resources: orders supplies, maintains inventory, inspects and evaluates local hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and clinicians in hazardous or difficult-to-access environments Hires and manages local employees Communicates regularly with post community and leadership Develops training programs for health unit and post staff Exercises fiscal responsibility; follows U.S. laboratory protocols Participates in post's family advocacy program; facilitates military access to care; advises consular personnel Develops, coordinates, and administers healthcare delivery programs including health promotion and disease prevention Organizes and supervises diverse healthcare providers with varying expertise, education, and English proficiency Counsels employees and family members on adjustment to Foreign Service lifestyle Identifies and manages tropical diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue) without sophisticated laboratory or specialty consultation Monitors food and water safety through inspections and sample reviews Ensures emergency preparedness for crises via guidelines, procedures, and direct training Serves as consultant to embassy management on post morale; provides medical input on diplomatic issues Cares for patient populations of 40–1,000; works as one-person unit or with large multidisciplinary staff Travels occasionally to provide medical and administrative oversight for regional embassies and consulates

Coordinating Emergency Medical Response Provides medical leadership in crises; advises post leadership Initiates medical evacuations; updates emergency action plan Manages health unit emergency response programs; provides emergency medical training Coordinates post's epidemic medical response

Embassy/Department-Specific Responsibilities Arranges medical evacuations; oversees care for patients awaiting evacuation Liaises with regional medical officers and local/international experts to support patient care Assists with regional travel to support consulates and embassies Advises ambassador/consul general on medical matters Supports occupational safety efforts; assists POSHO with adverse occurrence reporting Communicates with medical headquarters; participates in medical clearance decisions Interfaces with local healthcare officials; serves on Country Team as medical expert Represents USG interests to host government; organizes medical representational events Ensures health unit security