SR - Palliative Care at The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

Job Purpose

• The Senior Registrar in Palliative Care will provide advanced specialist care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on pain management, symptom control, and psychosocial support. Operating under consultant supervision, this role involves leading a multidisciplinary palliative care team, managing complex cases, and actively contributing to teaching, research, and service development within the African Medical Centre of Excellence.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Clinical Care & Symptom Management

• Provide comprehensive palliative care assessments and management plans for patients with advanced cancer, organ failure, and other serious illnesses.
• Expertly manage complex pain and other distressing symptoms (e.g., nausea, dyspnea, delirium).
• Provide end-of-life care, supporting patients and their families with compassionate communication and advanced care planning.

Multidisciplinary Team Leadership

• Lead and coordinate the daily activities of the palliative care team, including nurses, social workers, chaplains, and therapists.
• Conduct family meetings and facilitate difficult conversations regarding prognosis, goals of care, and treatment options.
• Provide palliative care consultations across hospital departments (oncology, ICU, medicine, etc.).

Education & Supervision

• Supervise and teach junior doctors, medical officers, and house officers in the principles and practice of palliative medicine.
• Lead case discussions, journal clubs, and teaching sessions for the wider hospital staff.
• Mentor trainees and contribute to the palliative care training curriculum.

Clinical Governance & Service Development

• Participate in clinical audits, mortality reviews, and quality improvement projects related to palliative and end-of-life care.
• Ensure practice aligns with national guidelines and ethical standards in palliative medicine.
• Assist in developing and implementing policies, protocols, and patient education materials.

Academic & Professional Development

• Prepare for and successfully complete relevant postgraduate qualifications in Palliative Medicine.
• Engage in palliative care research, audit, and scholarly activities.
• Maintain a portfolio of continuous professional development (CPD) in palliative care.

Qualifications

• Medical Degree (MBBS/MBChB or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
• Full registration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and a current practicing license.
• Completion of core medical training and significant progress in a recognized Palliative Medicine training pathway (e.g., towards Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians or an equivalent postgraduate program).

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of postgraduate clinical experience, with at least 2 years in a relevant specialty such as Internal Medicine, Oncology, or Family Medicine, and dedicated experience in Palliative Care.
• Proven experience in managing complex symptom control and providing end-of-life care.
• Demonstrated ability to lead difficult conversations and work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in teaching and supervising junior medical staff.
• Strong empathy, communication skills, and emotional resilience.