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
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
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