Job Description

The Pediatric Epileptologist will provide specialized clinical care to infants, children, and adolescents with epilepsy and paroxysmal neurological disorders, as a member of an inter-disciplinary team within an integrated academic model. Clinical responsibilities include evaluation and management of new-onset seizures, drug-resistant epilepsy, developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, genetic epilepsies, status epilepticus, and non-epileptic events.

The primary clinical focus will be in the ambulatory epilepsy program, epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) coverage, and multidisciplinary epilepsy surgery evaluations.

A portion of the Pediatric Epileptologist’s time will be spent as a general Pediatric neurologist, including in the ambulatory setting and inpatient consultation.

The Pediatric Epileptologist is accountable for delivering comprehensive, high-quality patient care according to standards of practice for children from birth through adolescence. The physician functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team within an integrated academic model and contributes to the growth and advancement of a comprehensive pediatric epilepsy center.

Assess, evaluate, diagnose, and manage pediatric patients with epilepsy, seizure-related and other neurologic disorders.

Interpret routine, ambulatory, and long-term video EEG monitoring studies.

Direct and participate in Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) care.

Develop individualized treatment plans including antiseizure medications, dietary therapies (including ketogenic diet), neuromodulation therapies (e.g., DBS, VNS), and referral for epilepsy surgery evaluation when appropriate.

Analyze medical histories, diagnostic testing, neuroimaging, and EEG findings to formulate diagnosis and plan of care in conformity with professional standards, payer requirements, and Division policies.

Prescribes clinically appropriate medication and treatment for each patient.

Refers each patient to other physicians, including specialists and other health care providers, whenever the patient's condition is necessary. Collaborates with neurosurgery, neuropsychology, neuroradiology, genetics, rehabilitation services, and allied health professionals in comprehensive epilepsy care.

Participates in multidisciplinary Epilepsy Surgery Conferences.

Keeps and maintains accurate, complete, appropriate, timely and legible medical records relating to all professional services provided.

Uses and promotes evidence-based clinical practice.

Reviews on a regular basis long term cases that require ongoing medical attention.

Consults with Medical Director/Division Head and other medical professionals as needed regarding patient care, assessment, and education issues.

Participates in quality improvement, management, continuing education, epilepsy program accreditation efforts, institutional patient safety programs and other patient care programs established by the hospital.

Participate in teaching and learning in an integrated academic model teaching of residents, fellows and medical students.

Provide patient and family education, seizure safety and SUDEP counseling, and advocacy for children with epilepsy.

Participate in special programs and services as assigned.

Contribute to the academic environment of the Division with peer-reviewed publications and/or local/national/international presentations.

Provides appropriate documentation that meets insurance company requirements; appeal all denials in a timely manner.

Assists in the resolution of complaints, requests and inquiries from patients.

Academic rank with University of Connecticut is provided upon hire and is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Education:
  • MD or DO Degree
  • Pediatric Residency training as part of Pediatric Neurology Residency
  • Completion of Pediatric Neurology Residency
  • Completion of Epilepsy or Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship
• Experience: No experience required.

Education and/or Experience Preferred:

• 2 (two) years of experience preferred.

License and/or Certification Required:

• Board eligible or certified in Child Neurology.
• Board eligible or certified in Epilepsy or Clinical Neurophysiology
• Licensed and registered, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Connecticut
• Active and Unrestricted D.E.A. Certificate

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of and ability to apply professional medical principles, procedures, and techniques
• Expertise in pediatric epilepsy syndromes and seizure classification
• Proficiency in EEG interpretation, including long-term video EEG and intracranial EEG recordings
• Knowledge of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic epilepsy therapies
  Knowledge of evoked potentials preferred, but not mastery not a must
• Knowledge and competence in use of EHR, currently Epic is preferred, but will train

Skills:

• Strong clinical reasoning and EEG interpretation skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills along with proper telephone etiquette
• Demonstrated skills in developing and implementing quality improvement projects or clinical guidelines to decrease variation in practice would be highly valued
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent documentation skills
• Excellent patient safety and quality skills
• Customer service skills

Abilities:

• Performs duties in a tactful and professional manner
• Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families
• Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with the Connecticut Children’s STANDARDS
• Ability to conduct medical examinations and procedures in routine and emergent situations
• Ability to diagnose medical conditions and interpret finding to lay persons and professionals
• Ability to direct personnel in the delivery of comprehensive epilepsy and neurologic care