Medical Specialist – (Pain & Palliative) at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya

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    Medical Specialist – (Pain & Palliative)

    Posted

    5 days ago

    Apply by

    7 Sept

    Full Time
    On Site
    Senior
    Healthcare, Medical & Pharmaceutical
    Healthcare & Medical

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    Job Description

    The Medical Specialists Pain and Palliative are responsible to the Head of Department in the provision of specialized diagnostic, curative, rehabilitative and preventive health care services to the population under their care; they are entrusted to provide quality health care services.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Implement clinical decisions for specialised quality inpatient and outpatient care that includes provision of promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services.
    • Implement hospital programmes within their respective specialities.
    • Champion continuous quality healthcare standards and patient safety guidelines.
    • Assist in mentoring and coaching of staff in the respective specialities.
    • Coordinate intervention activities and programs for training health professionals in community health and health management in hospitals/health facilities.
    • Implementing clinical review protocols procedures and work instructions for the practice of specialized care.
    • Coordinating and managing referral care within the framework of the hospital and national referral policies.
    • Consult with other specialists to solve single or multiple medical issues as required by patients in the hospital.
    • Undertaking research activities in the speciality and implement the research findings to improve quality of service delivery.
    • Performing emergency medical procedures.
    • Collaborates, writes and responds to requests for consultation from other Specialist throughout the Hospital in the diagnosis and management of patients not directly under his/her care.
    • Providing high standards of specialized clinical services to patients in the wards and specialized clinics.
    • Performing regular rounds with the registrars and other officers to assist in patient management.
    • Communicating to all patients under their care about the nature of their illness and the outlook in treatment of their well-being so that they understand the full extent of their recovery or disability as may be the case.
    • Carryout specialized diagnostic, therapeutic medical or surgical procedures.
    • Accepting responsibility for the teaching of the highest standards of medical practice to medical specialists-in-training, medical officers, medical interns and other students.
    • Executing Medico-legal duties including filling of P3 forms, court attendance and forensic duties.
    • Participating in community diagnosis, preventive & promotive care and treatment.
    • Utilizing patient data to benefit the customer and service provider.
    • Undertake medical research & clinical audits and implementing the findings.

    Required Qualifications

    • Master of Science in Palliative Care from an institution recognised by Kenya Medical Practitioners' and Dentist Council OR;
    • Master of Medicine in Family Medicine or Anaesthesia with Subspecialty in Palliative Care or Pain Management from an institution recognised by Kenya Medical Practitioners' and Dentist Council;
    • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery MBChB degree from a recognized institution by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council;
    • Registration Certificate by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council;
    • Specialist Recognition as a Pain and Palliative physician from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Council;
    • However, physicians with interest in Pain and Palliative and have finished Mmed and are undergoing pre-KMPDC registration attachment are encouraged to apply;
    • Valid practicing license as a Pain and Palliative Specialist from Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council;
    • Professional Indemnity Cover.

    Job Details

    Job Function

    Healthcare & Medical

    Education Level

    Master’s Degree

    Area of Study

    Medicine

    Field of Study

    Palliative Care

    Languages

    English

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Download and fill the application form available at KNH Website www.knh.or.ke. The application form together with a detailed C.V indicating qualifications, experience, current responsibilities, copies of testimonials and certificates which MUST be SERIALIZED should be sent on or before 7th September, 2026 to the address below: or dropped at the Hospital’s Central Registry located at the KNH Administration block. The Chief Executive Officer, Kenyatta National Hospital, P.O Box 20723-00202 NAIROBI. Kenyatta National Hospital is an equal opportunity employer and qualified candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NB: Kenyatta National Hospital DOES NOT charge ANY FEES for application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

    Master the Palliative Care Interview: What KNH Looks For

    Palliative care roles at a national referral hospital demand more than clinical knowledge—they test your ability to handle complex cases, communicate with families, and uphold ethical standards. Here's how to prepare for the selection process.

    1. Showcase your specialized training: Highlight your Master's degree in Palliative Care or relevant subspecialty, and be ready to discuss how your training has prepared you for the unique challenges of pain and symptom management in a tertiary setting.

    2. Demonstrate clinical competence: Prepare to discuss specific cases where you managed complex pain or palliative scenarios, emphasizing your decision-making process and outcomes. Be ready to explain your approach to multidisciplinary care.

    3. Emphasize communication skills: Palliative care requires sensitive communication with patients and families. Share examples of how you've delivered difficult news or facilitated end-of-life discussions with empathy and clarity.

    4. Highlight teaching and mentoring: KNH is a teaching hospital, so your ability to mentor junior staff is crucial. Provide examples of how you've guided medical officers, interns, or students in clinical settings.

    5. Understand research and audit: Be prepared to discuss any research you've conducted or audits you've participated in, and how you've used findings to improve patient care.

    6. Know the regulatory landscape: Familiarize yourself with KMPDC requirements, including registration, specialist recognition, and practicing licenses. Ensure your documents are in order and serialized as requested.

    7. Prepare for ethical questions: Expect questions about medico-legal duties, patient autonomy, and resource allocation. Reflect on how you've handled ethical dilemmas in your practice.

    8. Show commitment to quality and safety: Discuss how you've championed patient safety guidelines and quality improvement initiatives in your previous roles, aligning with KNH's focus on continuous quality healthcare standards.

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    Tags

    Palliative Care
    Pain Management
    Medical Specialist
    KMPDC
    Clinical Research