Senior House Officer (SHO) – Medical Gastroenterology

Job Description

Job Title

Senior House Officer (SHO) – Medical Gastroenterology

Department

Medical Gastroenterology

Reports To

• Consultant Gastroenterologist
• Head of Department
• Unit Medical Superintendent

Job Summary

The Senior House Officer is responsible for providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care to patients with gastrointestinal, liver, pancreatic, and biliary disorders under the supervision of consultant gastroenterologists. The SHO participates in ward rounds, emergency care, endoscopic services, academic activities, and multidisciplinary team meetings while ensuring high standards of patient safety and evidence-based medical practice.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Evaluate and manage patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary diseases.
• Perform detailed history taking and clinical examinations.
• Develop differential diagnoses and formulate management plans.
• Order and interpret laboratory and imaging investigations.
• Manage common gastroenterological emergencies including:
  • Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Lower gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Acute liver failure
  • Hepatic encephalopathy
  • Ascites and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
  • Severe inflammatory bowel disease
• Provide pre- and post-procedure patient care.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.

Inpatient Care

• Conduct daily ward rounds.
• Monitor patient progress.
• Coordinate discharge planning.
• Communicate effectively with patients and families.
• Liaise with other specialties for multidisciplinary management.

Outpatient Services

• Participate in gastroenterology outpatient clinics.
• Review follow-up patients.
• Counsel patients regarding diagnosis, medications, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications.

Endoscopy Responsibilities

Assist in:

• Diagnostic upper GI endoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• ERCP (observational/assisting depending on competency)
• Endoscopic biopsy procedures
• Therapeutic endoscopy under supervision

Expected to:

• Prepare patients for procedures.
• Obtain informed consent where appropriate.
• Monitor patients during recovery.
• Recognize and manage procedure-related complications.

Procedures (Depending on Competency)

• Nasogastric tube insertion
• Abdominal paracentesis
• Ascitic fluid aspiration
• Central venous catheter insertion (if credentialed)
• Arterial blood gas sampling
• Lumbar puncture (if required)
• Basic ultrasound-guided procedures (where trained)

Emergency Duties

• Participate in emergency gastroenterology on-call rota.
• Assess emergency referrals.
• Stabilize critically ill patients.
• Coordinate ICU referrals when necessary.

Academic Responsibilities

• Attend departmental teaching sessions.
• Present interesting cases.
• Participate in journal clubs.
• Conduct clinical audits.
• Engage in research activities.
• Participate in Continuing Medical Education (CME).

Quality and Safety

• Follow infection prevention and control protocols.
• Adhere to hospital policies and clinical guidelines.
• Report adverse events.
• Participate in morbidity and mortality meetings.
• Promote patient safety initiatives.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete discharge summaries.
• Maintain patient records.
• Participate in departmental meetings.
• Ensure appropriate coding and documentation.

Qualifications

Essential

• MBBS or equivalent medical degree.
• Valid medical registration/licensure.
• Completion of internship.
• Minimum 1–2 years of post-internship clinical experience (or as per institutional requirements).

Desirable

• MD/DNB (Medicine) or equivalent training.
• Experience in gastroenterology or internal medicine.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills.
• Knowledge of gastrointestinal and liver diseases.
• Ability to interpret laboratory and imaging findings.
• Basic understanding of gastrointestinal endoscopy.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Commitment to ethical and evidence-based practice.