Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Co-Director

About North Country Healthcare (NCH):

North Country Healthcare is a non-profit affiliation of four medical facilities, Androscoggin Valley Hospital, North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency, Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, and Weeks Medical Center, located in the White Mountains Region of New Hampshire. NCH includes numerous physicians and medical providers at multiple locations. This leading comprehensive healthcare network which employs hundreds of highly-trained individuals delivers integrated patient care through three community hospitals, specialty clinics, and home health and hospice services. NCH remains committed to the health and well-being of the communities we serve. As a leader in a management position this role emphasizes advancing High-Reliability Organization (HRO) principles, embedding a culture of safety, accountability, and consistent high performance.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Co-Director will be responsible for the strategic development and operational oversight of the POCUS program across a three-hospital system, North Country Healthcare. This role involves creating and implementing POCUS protocols, coordinating comprehensive training for healthcare professionals, ensuring rigorous quality assurance, and maintaining compliance with national regulatory standards. The Co-Director will collaborate closely with medical staff, administration, IT, and other stakeholders to enhance patient care through the effective utilization of ultrasound technology. This evolving position will adapt as the program grows and integrates deeper into clinical practice.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Medical degree (MD or DO) with board certification in a relevant specialty (e.g., Emergency Medicine).

Licensure:

• Active medical license in the state where hospitals operate.
• Advanced training or certification/accreditation in point of care ultrasound
• Association* accredited course in Basic Life Support (BLS) (for clinical staff), or Heartsaver CPR AED (for nonclinical staff), and renewal on a regular basis, with up to a three-month grace period after the expiration date.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and program management skills with the ability to inspire and guide a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities for effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in the latest POCUS technologies and methodologies.
• Commitment to quality improvement, patient safety, and continuous learning.

Work Experience:

• Significant clinical experience with extensive use of POCUS.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching and training healthcare professionals in POCUS.
• Proven track record in program development and implementation in a clinical setting.
• Experience with quality assurance processes and regulatory compliance related to medical technologies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Program Development and Management:

• Develop and oversee implementation of a comprehensive POCUS program across the three-hospital system, North Country Healthcare.
• Work with administrative leadership to establish protocols and guidelines for POCUS use in various clinical settings.
• Ensure the program meets national regulatory standards.

1. Training and Education:

• Coordinate training programs for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers on the use of POCUS.
• Provide ongoing in-person POCUS education as able and necessary.
• Provide updates on the latest POCUS techniques and advancements.
• Assist with development of educational materials and resources.
• Developing a weekly POCUS case email or tip to keep education and interest active.
• Provide regular project status updates to ED meetings, staff, IT, administration.

1. Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Implement quality assurance measures to ensure the accuracy and consistency of POCUS examinations.
• Assist department POCUS leaders and administrative staff with monitoring and evaluating POCUS practices to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee administrative staff auditing and assessment of POCUS usage and outcomes.
• Review Emergent/Urgent QA overreads processes.

1. Clinical Support and Collaboration:

• Provide expert consultation and support for complex POCUS cases.
• Support clinical leaders with effective implementation of POCUS into patient care plans.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize POCUS use across departments.

1. Technology and Innovation

• Maintain current appraisal of the latest developments and innovations in ultrasound technology.
• Facilitate the adoption and integration of new technologies and techniques to enhance the POCUS program.
• Collaborate with IT and Butterfly to develop and maintain image storage systems and Medical Record documentations that work well for providers.

1. Credentialing

• Assist with coordination and assistance of a standardized system wide credentialing process for non-radiology or other US accredited providers seeking to obtain credentialing in POCUS. Programs will maintain accordance with established health system credentialing requirements as well as specialty college guidelines as it pertains to POCUS.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs additional duties as assigned.
2. Adheres to facility Values, Service Excellence and Standards of Excellence.

Goals and Objectives for Years 1-3:

• Integrate image storage and quality assurance systems throughout the departments using POCUS.
• Establish POCUS credentialing and competency guidelines for each department.
• Create standardized training courses for common procedural and diagnostic POCUS applications.
• Actively promote POCUS education and usage through meetings, educational emails, and set goals.

Working Conditions:

• The position requires remote work across three hospitals with occasional onsite involvement for training sessions and meetings.