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Anaesthetist

Serge, an MSF anaesthetist, taking care of a newborn admitted to the surgical unit of a hospital in Cameroon. Caption
Serge, an MSF anaesthetist, taking care of a newborn admitted to the surgical unit of a hospital in Cameroon.

Our anaesthetists are teachers and trainers and are there to help people manage pain in sometimes unbearable circumstances.

The role of a Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) anaesthetist is incredibly varied: you might find yourself training local staff in the middle of a refugee camp hospital or managing anaesthesia with very basic resources for complex obstetric surgeries - all in the course of a day.

Responsibilities

Our anaesthetists often work across various departments; supporting surgery, maternity and going wherever else they're needed.

As an anaesthetist you'd be responsible for:

  • Ordering and managing materials to manage the anaesthesia needs of an entire hospital
  • Mentoring and support for local staff learning basic anaesthesia
  • Planning and implementing anaesthesia management training workshops
  • Supporting pain management for all departments in the hospital/health centre

"In those days caring for her, what I can say is that we tried our absolute best. I am so proud to have been a part of the strong, courageous, relentless team of doctors and nurses looking after her."

Dr Elma Wong
|
MSF Anaesthetist

Application guide

Read our guide on the application process for all overseas roles

Role requirements

  • Proven experience in anaesthetics – experience of paediatric and obstetric anaesthesia is particularly useful
  • Full GMC or Irish Medical Council registration (doctors without this will need to provide a transcript of training, from a recognised training faculty and proof of original registration in the country they are registered in)
  • Ability to work with limited resources
  • Available for a minimum period of eight weeks
  • Minimum of three months' work experience in low- and middle-income countries
  • Ability to work in unstable environments
  • Adaptable and able to work in a team
  • Flexible and able to manage stress
  • Able to provide training and supervision to others
  • Fluency in English

Assets

  • You will find it helpful to have done other medical jobs – time spent in casualty and paediatrics departments will be especially relevant
  • Availability at short notice

Languages

We're currently looking for anaesthetists with good French or Arabic skills.

If you can speak French or Arabic you're much more likely to be accepted onto our register.

Your language level may be tested during the recruitment process.

Before you apply

Make sure you read our application process guide for an overview of what to expect when you apply for an overseas role with the UK.

We take your safety, security and wellbeing seriously. Please watch these videos before you decide whether or not to apply for this job.

Apply to be an anaesthetist

Please only apply for this role if you meet all of the requirements below. 

1/6

I have downloaded and completed the MSF CV Template for Anaesthetists to be attached to my online application.

2/6

I have read and understood the role description, and feel I can fulfil this role

3/6

The UK is my place of residence and I have the right to live and work in the UK

4/6

I have spent at least three months working in low- and middle-income countries

5/6

I have managed a team of people

6/6

I am available for a minimum of eight weeks