Director of Physiotherapy

Role Overview

Director of Physiotherapy at American Hospital Dubai. The role directs and leads the strategic development, clinical excellence, financial performance, and operational management of the Physiotherapy Division.

Role Purpose

Provide leadership in program development, service delivery, research, innovation, and patient-centred care. Ensure compliance with Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation standards, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulatory requirements, and global benchmarks while promoting excellence and innovation in physiotherapy services.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Direct the overall operations of the Physiotherapy Division, including clinical, administrative, and financial functions.
• Establish vision and leadership to ensure physiotherapy programs and services are effectively delivered and aligned with hospital goals.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to expand physiotherapy services and enhance patient access, outcomes, and cost efficiencies.
• Prepare and manage the annual budget, staffing plan, and resource allocation.
• Generate annual reports highlighting activities, achievements, and progress of the division.
• Benchmark physiotherapy practices against international standards to maintain competitiveness and excellence.

Clinical and Quality Oversight

• Ensure continued JCI accreditation and compliance of the Physiotherapy Division.
• Review and address quality issues, monitor quality indicators, and implement continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Oversee coordination of multidisciplinary patient care, ensuring smooth transitions and integrated treatment pathways.
• Assess patients, request diagnostic tests, and initiate appropriate physiotherapy treatment plans.
• Ensure appropriate coordination with physicians regarding patient medication management, particularly in cases impacting physiotherapy care or emergencies.
• Monitor and achieve divisional KPIs, including patient satisfaction, treatment outcomes, throughput, and wait times.

Staff Management and Development

• Mentor and evaluate staff performance, conducting annual appraisals and participating in peer review activities.
• Lead recruitment, appointments, reappointments, and promotions within the division.
• Develop and run multidisciplinary meetings, ensuring effective collaboration among physicians and allied health staff.
• Hold regular departmental meetings and promote continuous professional development through hospital educational activities.
• Foster a culture of innovation, evidence-based practice, and lifelong learning among physiotherapy staff.

Research, Innovation, and Academic Contribution

• Support and contribute to research initiatives, publications, and professional presentations in physiotherapy and rehabilitation sciences.
• Collaborate with academic institutions, universities, and professional bodies to advance physiotherapy education and training.
• Promote the integration of digital health solutions, including tele-rehabilitation, EMR integration, and AI-enabled rehabilitation tools.
• Stay abreast of emerging global trends and innovations in physiotherapy and implement best practices that improve patient care and service delivery.

Policies, Procedures, and Governance

• Develop, update, and implement departmental policies, procedures, and clinical protocols.
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, JCI accreditation standards, and ethical requirements in all aspects of practice.
• Represent the division in hospital committees and sub-committees, contributing to institutional strategy and decision-making.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicate the division's progress, achievements, and development plans to key stakeholders.
• Build relationships with internal and external providers to identify opportunities for service growth, research collaboration, and innovation.
• Participate in hospital rounds, in-service sessions, and professional conferences to promote awareness of physiotherapy services and achievements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) or Master's Degree in Physiotherapy.
• Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license or eligibility.
• Minimum of nine (9) years of progressive physiotherapy experience, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or management role within a clinical or hospital setting.
• Knowledge of physiotherapy clinical practices, regulatory standards, and JCI accreditation requirements.
• Knowledge of evidence-based protocols, quality improvement methodologies, and clinical governance processes.
• Knowledge of emerging digital health trends, including tele-rehabilitation, EMR integration, and AI-assisted rehabilitation solutions.

Skills & Competencies

• Leadership, decision-making, and multidisciplinary team management.
• Financial and operational management, including budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation.
• Policy development, guideline creation, and implementation of clinical protocols.
• Patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical documentation.
• Communicate effectively with patients, staff, academic partners, and stakeholders at all levels.
• Mentor, coach, and develop staff while fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.
• Manage divisional KPIs to meet hospital and international benchmarks for patient outcomes, satisfaction, and efficiency.
• Contribute to research, publications, and academic partnerships that advance the field of physiotherapy.