Consultants and Chief Medical Officers in other
Government Hospitals in the Developed World
(International best practices/standards). We do not
need to travel far and wide to know what is
happening in other parts of the world because the
world has become a global village, all thanks to
information technology. The conflict in Nigeria health
sector has tugged me to search for what is obtainable
on the key warring issues in other developed
countries. Ideally the Nigeria Health system format is
supposed to be compared with that of the Britain(not
the Americans) since Nigeria adopted and is using
the British educational/health systems; however
reference has been made on American health system
in this write up, for obvious reason.
I deliberately sourced for all information from current
and popular international encyclopedia and/or
professional websites not hosted by medical doctors.
. Medical/hospital Consultant:
The term or title "consultant" is coined from
consultation. It is wise to see the standard definitions
of medical consultation; which are: Medical
consultation is a formal meeting with a medical
doctor for discussion or the seeking of advice
{www.en.m.wikipedia.org/consultation(medical)}. It
is also defined as a procedure whereby, on request by
one Physician, another Physician reviews a patients
medical history, examines the patient and makes
recommendation as to care and treatment
( www.medical dictionary.freedictionary.com/
medical consultation). In the UK, Republic of Ireland
and parts of the commonwealth countries Medical
Consultant is the title of a senior hospital-based
physician or surgeon who has completed all of his/
her specialist training{www.en.m.wikipedia.org/
consultant(medicine) ,
www.medicaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com/
consultant(medicine), www.gapmedics.co.uk/
difference between consultant and a doctor in a
hospital }
. Consultant Pharmacist:
In America Pharmacists are broadly grouped into two:
1. Health system pharmacist
2. Consultant pharmacist
The health system pharmacist is hospital-based
pharmacist that provides care to patient on
healthcare team. They undergo residency training but
are not awarded the title of consultant.
(www.asph.org). Consultant Pharmacists are
pharmacist that work as private pharmacist for
individual elderly persons or is employed to work in
old people homes(institute) to enhance quality of
care for all old persons. They are non-hospital staff
and do not undergo residency training but write
preparation/recertification examinations. They are
also called senior care pharmacists (www.ascp.com)
.
. Consultant Nurse:
In USA Consultant Nurse is a registered nurse who
uses expertise as a healthcare provider and
specialized training to consult on medical related
legal case. They assist attorneys in reading medical
records and understanding medical terminology and
healthcare issues to achieve the best results for their
client. They are non-hospital staff.
( www.en.m.wikipedia.org/nurse consultant)
. Chief Medical Director (Office):
This title is used in many countries for the senior
government official designated as head of medical
services, usually at the national level. He advices and
leads a team of medical experts on matters of
importance. { www.en.m.wikipedia.org/chief medical
officer, medicaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com/chief
medical officer, www.ehow.com/chief medicalofficer,
www. gov.uk/government/people/sally-davies}
. Surgeon General In the United States and many
areas of the British Commonwealth:
This title refers to a physician commissioned by
government and entrusted with the public health
responsibilities. In Uk Surgeon General is the senior
medical officer of the British Armed Forces
(www.en.m.wikipedia/surgeon general UK/USA).
. Hospital Chief Executive Officer:
This is the highest management position within a
hospital in the capitalist countries. He or she is
expected to have masters in business Administration,
masters in healthcare Administration etc( in Nigeria
such a position is designated as Director of
Administration in Teaching Hospitals)
www.degreetree.com/how to become a
hospital ceo.
. Health Care Professionals
They are divided into two broad groups:
1. Core Healthcare Professionals
2. Support (Allied) Healthcare Professionals
The core professionals are doctors, nurses and
pharmacists. Others, except these three, are allied
professionals (www.wikipedia.org/allied health
professions)
By Archibong F.