Dr Will Ponsonby International Occupational Health

Occupational Medicine Trainee Conference

Pembroke College Oxford University

18 March 2015

Summary

My Career

William Gorgas

Advantages of an international career

Disadvantages of an international career

Who?

When?

How?

Where?

Business case

Contracting

My Career

Qualified, house jobs, GP VTS, Australia

IT and Pharmaceuticals marketing

Part-time MBA, GP, A&E

Territorial Army Officer, RMO 4 Para

Medical Officer Keswick Mountain Rescue

Team

Azerbaijan

Kazakhstan

Russia - Moscow

Russia

UK – OM training

Shell International

William Gorgas

Army Medical Officer

Eradicated Yellow Fever in Havana

Disease control in Panama

Surgeon General US Army WW1

Died Millbank Hospital 1920

Advantages of a career in

international OH

The type & scope of work

The exposure (working without a net)

You can make a difference

Health can be business critical

Development of people

Interesting and varied life

Family opportunity

Salary and tax

Disadvantages of a career in

international OH

Away from home

Perception of a negative impact on career

Impact on family

Medical registration

Lack of security

Nationalisation programs (your aim)

It is difficult, long hours, 24 hours on call

Who

It could be you?

Missionaries

Mercenaries

Madmen

When When you have something to offer

Get varied experience early in your

career

Get qualified

◦ Your worth

◦ National competition

How

BMJ

NGOs

DFID/UN/ILO

Large companies

Medical Services Companies

Antarctic Survey

The Military

Institute of Remote Health Care/ RCSEd

Where?

Remember licensing and registration

Developed countries

◦ Australia

◦ Canada

◦ Europe (language and philosophy)

Developing Countries

◦ Africa

◦ Former Soviet Union

◦ The Middle East

Making a business case

Do your research

Describe the business/social environment

Detail the options

Give the pros and cons for each option

(carry out risk assessment)

Costs of each option (financial,

environmental, social)

Give your recommendation

Make sure the numbers are correct

Contracts – It’s a game

2 players

◦ The company

◦ The contractor

The contract is the rule book

Set the scope in the tender document

Health and safety

Contract award and clarification

Mobilisation

Delivery monitoring and management

Contracts other things to consider

Lowest cost contracts

Cost plus contracts

Payment terms – cash flow

ABC

CONTRACT MANAGEMENT IS A

CORE SKILL

International occupational health