What does a medical officer do at a hospital?

Stan T.Leave a Comment

Answered by:
Dr. Lizz Kinyua
Senior Medical Officer
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A medical officer is the first point of clinical and diagnostic contact for a patient. A medical officer is also known as a general practitioner, which means we haven’t specialized yet. So we see any kind of patients, from surgical to psychiatric, before the specialists.

When working in an outpatient, a nurse gives the patient to a medical officer. We then take a full head-to-toe history and examination and order some laboratory tests and imaging when necessary. Depending on the type of case, whether cardiovascular or pulmonology, like in the case of COVID, we consult the specialist in the department regarding the diagnosis and management. If further consultation is needed, we send the patient to the consultant. If no further consultation is necessary, we prescribe medication and discharge the patient.

A similar thing happens when working in an inpatient. We present to consultants during the morning round and carry out invasive procedures like cannulation and catheterization.


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