At Houston Methodist, the Virtual Reality Simulation (VRS) Specialist position is responsible for serving as the assistant in establishing Houston Methodist as the global leader in high performance computing simulation and training in the development of patient specific 3D/4D/5D analysis, reconstruction, simulation, and distributed VR visualization capability. This position works with the physicians to simulate diseases on the 3D/4D/5D platform in order to attempt the procedures in simulation before applying the process on the patient. The VRS Specialist works in collaboration with Information Technology to ensure all of the virtual reality simulation equipment is in working order and all computer programming updates are completed as needed so as to ensure minimal interruptions while in use.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works with current and evolving medical programs' external partners in order to understand the human anatomy and avoid critical structures in the human body in simulation.

• Participates in projects, programs, and action plans with regards to the virtual reality platform to meet department goals.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops patient specific simulation for clinicians, such as surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, etc. for optimal treatment planning.

• Works with current and evolving medical programs, external partners, etc. related to continued deployment and development of our 3D/4D/5D image reconstruction program.

• Interacts with external vendors and internal IT personnel to ensure optimal operation of the program and all of the virtual reality simulation equipment and software.

• Develops a tailored 3D/4D/5D analysis, modeling, simulation of all types of multiple imaging modalities via DICOM networks in a near real-time and non-real-time environment with a readily accessible virtual patient chart.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensures patient specific simulations meet or exceed evolving best practices.

• Ensures the program's equipment and software updates are current and functioning error-free.

• Provides timely, high quality information, data reports, and documentation on all virtual reality simulation projects.

• Continually measures, tracks, and improves quality outcomes on all virtual reality simulation projects.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists the administrator in annual budgeting for the virtual reality simulation program.

• Assists administrator to ensure supporting procurement processes are in place.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works under the direction of the medical director and chair to ensure growth and stability of the program.

• Constantly involved in keeping abreast of the latest training and techniques with regards to all virtual reality simulation modalities by attending seminars, reading journals, and networking.

• Responsible for keeping the medical director and administrator up to date on leading state of the art related technologies, competitors and potential partners, government regulations, and potential new laws.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business, Health Care or a related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Two years of experience working with relevant imaging modalities

• Real-time 3D+ simulation in medical field preferred

• Experience/training related to human anatomy and disease processes preferred

• Healthcare experience and knowledge preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently

• Must have a firm understanding of imaging principles and technologies

• Must understand the methods and procedures relating to translation of acquired imaging information and medical reports into knowledge

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs No
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group - As one of the nation’s leading hospitals and academic medical centers Houston Methodist has brought together some of the nation’s leading experts in multiple specialties to serve our patients.  As part of Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group (HMSPG), these specialists not only provide excellent clinical care, but are on the forefront of research, developing leading-edge technologies and treatments, and teaching the medical pioneers of tomorrow.  This combination of clinical service, research and academics ensures patients have access to the latest in treatments and technologies while providing the best in comprehensive patient care.  Established as a non-profit corporation and certified by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, HMSPG enables physicians to maintain autonomy with respect to their clinical practice while growing their practice within an academic environment.