A Duty Medical Officer (DMO) is a doctor responsible for providing immediate medical care, supervising clinical operations during assigned shifts, and coordinating emergency and inpatient services in a hospital or healthcare facility.
Typical Job Description — Duty Medical OfficerRole Summary
A Duty Medical Officer manages day-to-day patient care during duty hours, handles emergencies, supports consultants, and ensures smooth hospital operations.
Key Responsibilities
Examine and diagnose patients
Provide emergency and first-aid treatment
Monitor admitted patients and update treatment plans
Respond to medical emergencies and code situations
Coordinate with specialists and nursing staff
Maintain patient records and documentation
Prescribe medications and investigations
Supervise junior doctors/interns where applicable
Ensure infection-control and hospital protocols are followed
Handle medico-legal cases and prepare reports if required
Common DutiesEmergency Care
Stabilizing critical patients
Managing trauma, cardiac, respiratory, and acute medical conditions
Performing basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ACLS)
Ward Duties
Daily patient rounds
Monitoring vitals and investigations
Communicating with patient attendants/families
Administrative Duties
Admission/discharge summaries
Medical certificates and documentation
Coordination with departments like ICU, radiology, and lab