Introduction
Clinical Directors are healthcare professionals who oversee the activities in a hospital setting. They are more concerned with administrative duties than clinical duties. Their job is to help the health facility achieve it’s goals and move towards its vision.
In smaller facilities, he or she will be in charge of the entire facility. Whereas, in larger ones, every department will have a Clinical Director, while the overall head will be the Chief Medical Director.
They supervise every aspect of a health facility, both clinical and non-clinical. Also, they ensure that every staff works according to a common goal and vision. A clinical director supervises the accounts department, kitchen, technical department, etc.
These professionals are well disciplined leaders with great communication and time management skills. One without these primaries will be fed up on the job or will not deliver properly. Administrative skills is a must as well, in addition to others. They are usually of high rank in medicine or another health department. This is coupled with years of experience and competence to qualify for such position.
Generally, they are Master’s degree holders in public health. They are also known as Clinical or Health service Managers. These names are coined from their job descriptions.
Responsibilities of a Clinical Director
A Clinical Director’s duties are more directed towards staff than patients. Although they can also attend to patients, they always have administrative work to keep an eye on. This can cause them not attending to any patient all year long.
Some of their responsibilities incluse:
- Organizing recruitment processes for new staff.
- Ensuring that every department works according to prescribed guidelines.
- Frequently monitoring departments to make sure all infrastructure are functioning well.
- Ensuring that all health professionals work together in peace.
- Planning and executing periodic rewards for most hardworking staff.
- Ensuring proper documentation of every process.
- Representing the health facility in public appearances.
- Holding periodic board meetings with staff representatives of the organization to access progress.
- Ensuring that medical records on every department are up to date and also correct.
- Overseeing processes and training of new staff and interns.
Qualifications for practice as a Clinical Director
Some qualifications are necessary, for one to be considered for the position of a Clinical Director in any health facility. Such as:
- A degree in Medicine or a Master’s degree in any medical science or psychology.
- Completion of residency program for Physicians.
- Experience in Leadership positions.
Other necessary skills include:
- Good communication skills and also presentation skills
- Good documentation skills.
- Team spirit.
- Interpersonal skills
- Public speaking skills.
- Leadership skills.
- Expertise in project management.
- Research skills.
- Budgeting skills.
- Quality management skills.
Salary
A career as a Clinical Director is quite lucrative. The salary is mostly dependent on the size of the facility being run. In addition, the operations of the facility and the experience or qualification of the staff. In the United States, the average salary per annum ranges between $57,000 and $128,000. They also receive job bonuses that can be as high as $40,000 a year.
Work Environment
Clinical directors typically work in a hospital setting. It can be a Medical center or a clinic, however, their job description is generally the same. They have comfortable offices with computer systems set for work. These professionals work full time. They may also be available on weekends and public holidays.
They do a lot of public speakkng as they are at the forefront, representing the health facility in public. Clinical directors may also be required to travel periodically for conferences and conventions.
Career Path
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 20% increase in the rate of employment of Clinical directors. This increase is between now and 2026. It is due to a projected growth in healthcare facilities and services.
The position is more favorable for people with degree in Medicine and Surgery. This is because they have first hand clinical experience which is a plus for Clinical directors.
Conclusion
A Clinical Director is an amazing leader. They are very meticulous professionals. They represent health organizations and oversee every sector. Clinical directors also help these facilities prevent losses and achieve their goals and Vision.
In conclusion, a career as a Clinical Director is one that offers opportunity for good leadership. If you have those leadership qualities, you may consider this.
