Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Dr. Salofi Laititi

Nuuuli,AS

Summary

A seasoned Ophthalmologist with a proven track record at L.B.J. Tropical Medical Center. I was privileged to be appointed as the acting Chief Medical Officer twice in the past months. I have been an acting Chief of the Ophthalmology unit in the past years whereby I was the only Ophthalmologist on the island for about two years. I am also a senior member of the; by-law committee, and the continued medical education committee, and while being the acting chief of Ophthalmology in the past, I was also a member of the off-island medical referral program.

I am motivated and passionate about fostering teamwork and collaboration within our LBJ family thus boosting the morale of our Medical Staff, and the ancillary services to improve the health care services we must provide to the people of our beloved American Samoa.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Ophthalmologist

L.B.J. Tropical Medical Center
01.2004 - Current

* Streamlined administrative tasks such as record-keeping, scheduling appointments, and being a constant presenter for the CME, (continued Medical Education) of colleagues and between the two Samoa's

  • Carried out eye surgery using operating microscopes to perform small incisions and laser surgery. Also performed intra-vitreal injections mainly for diabetic patients and other retina complications.
  • Managed ophthalmic conditions, taking into account both medical and psychological aspects of patient care.
  • Led continuing education seminars for fellow ophthalmologists to share knowledge on new techniques and best practices in the field, Auckland University Ophthalmology Department 2011-2012
  • Improved patient outcomes by accurately diagnosing and treating various eye conditions and diseases.
  • Educated patients on preventative eye care measures, reducing the occurrence of future issues or complications.
  • Maintained a high level of professionalism, adhering to ethical guidelines and regulatory standards within the field of ophthalmology.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary medical teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients with complex diagnoses.
  • Performed, ordered and interpreted results of diagnostic and clinical tests.
  • Mentored junior ophthalmologists to enhance their clinical skills and knowledge within the field.
  • Served as an expert witness in legal cases involving ocular injuries or malpractice claims, providing valuable insights based on professional expertise. Appeared in the ALJ court in front of Judge Albert Mailo concerning a workmen's compensation hearing of a local Police Officer, as well as the district court of American Samoa as an expert witness on a liability case
  • Established a positive reputation among patients and colleagues for delivering compassionate, evidence-based care.
  • Increased patient satisfaction through timely and accurate communication about diagnoses, treatments, and progress updates.
  • Developed strong relationships with referring physicians, boosting cross-referrals between practices.
  • Performed comprehensive eye exams to detect vision problems, resulting in better quality of life for patients.
  • Provided exceptional care by addressing both medical and emotional needs of patients during consultations and treatments.
  • Enhanced patient care with a thorough understanding of the latest ophthalmic technologies and advancements.
  • Presented research findings at national conferences to advance industry knowledge among peers. (Two Samoa Health Symposium)
  • Prescribed and administered topical and systemic medications to treat conditions and manage pain.
  • Diagnosed and treated corneal, scleral, conjunctival and eyelid maladies.
  • Educated patients and nursing staff on proper maintenance and promotion of healthy vision.
  • Referred patients to specialized physicians and facilities for complex conditions.
  • Diagnosed or treated injuries and diseases of eye and eye structures.
  • Investigated patient histories and goals to determine optimal care planning.
  • Conducted comprehensive examinations of visual system to determine nature or extent of ocular disorders.
  • Provided or directed provision of postoperative care.
  • Performed and interpreted diagnostic and clinical tests.

Professional Development- Training Ophthalmologist

LBJ Tropical Medical Center
01.1995 - 12.2004

Certification for Laboratory Technician, MBBS program - bachelors in medicine and surgery - Fiji School of Medicine, Auckland New Zealand School of Ophthalmology - Fellow program in Comprehensive Ophthalmology

Laboratory Technician (Volunteer)

L.B.J. Tropical Medical Center
03.1994 - 12.1994
  • Started as a Phlebotomist, then worked in a laboratory setting - chemistry, microbiology, and mortuary - mortician assistant
  • Follow strict quality control procedures, thus maintaining high accuracy in test results.
  • I also assisted in cleaning and sterilizing tools and equipment to maximize the purity of specimens.
  • Operated basic laboratory equipment such as balances, pH meter, colorimeter, spectrophotometer, and autoclave.
  • Maintained documentation on tests performed in the laboratory.
  • Contributed to a safe working environment by consistently following established safety procedures and guidelines within the lab setting.
  • Documented information by maintaining daily logs and equipment record books.
  • Calibrated and maintained instruments to keep equipment fully operational.
  • Conducted routine equipment maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and reducing downtime.
  • Performed routine lab and department maintenance to keep the area clean and orderly.
  • Prepared detailed documentation for each experiment, facilitating effective communication of results to colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Registered and prepared samples for general analytical testing through data entry, weighing, and physical homogenization.
  • Offered excellent customer service when interacting with clients or stakeholders regarding test results or related inquiries.
  • Improved interdepartmental communication by collaborating closely with other lab personnel on shared projects and goals.
  • Stored, transported, and submitted urinalysis samples.
  • Prepared reagents, media, and solutions to use for laboratory testing and analysis. - Chemistry and Microbiology department
  • Maintained a safe, tidy and organized laboratory environment for accurate test results.
  • Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
  • Performed testing and quality control using approved laboratory procedures and instrumentation.

Education

Fellow in Comprehensive Ophthalmology - Comprehensive Ophthalmology

Auckland University School of Ophthalmology
Auckland, New Zealand

No Degree - General Ophthalmology

Fiji School of Medicine Ophthalmology Department
Suva, Fiji Colonial War Memorial Hospital

MBBS - Bachelors of Medicine And Surgery - Medicine

Fiji School of Medicine
Suva, Fiji

Associate of Science - Allied Health

American Samoa Community College
Pago Pago, AS

High School Diploma -

Marist Brother's High School
Malaeloa, American Samoa
1992

Skills

  • Visual examinations
  • Retinal examination
  • Intraocular injections
  • Eye trauma care
  • Laser eye surgery
  • Ophthalmic surgery
  • Oculoplastic surgery
  • Diabetic retinopathy management

Languages

Samoan
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Fiji
Limited Working

Timeline

Ophthalmologist

L.B.J. Tropical Medical Center
01.2004 - Current

Professional Development- Training Ophthalmologist

LBJ Tropical Medical Center
01.1995 - 12.2004

Laboratory Technician (Volunteer)

L.B.J. Tropical Medical Center
03.1994 - 12.1994

Fellow in Comprehensive Ophthalmology - Comprehensive Ophthalmology

Auckland University School of Ophthalmology

No Degree - General Ophthalmology

Fiji School of Medicine Ophthalmology Department

MBBS - Bachelors of Medicine And Surgery - Medicine

Fiji School of Medicine

Associate of Science - Allied Health

American Samoa Community College

High School Diploma -

Marist Brother's High School
Dr. Salofi Laititi