MEDICAL OFFICER: GRADE 1 – 3 [SESSIONAL] = 151 POSITIONS

This is a sessional (part-time or contract-based) medical officer opportunity within the Limpopo Department of Health, offering as many as 151 positions across all public hospitals in the province. The roles are graded at Medical Officer Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3, depending on the candidate’s years of relevant experience after registration as an independent medical practitioner. Sessional appointments are typically used to supplement existing clinical capacity, and these posts are spread across a wide range of hospitals, from large regional centres to district and specialised facilities. The successful candidates will work within a provincial health system that serves a diverse population, and they will be expected to deliver safe, ethical, and effective clinical care in line with South African health regulations and the Batho Pele principles.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Independent Medical Practitioner, and they must currently maintain that registration. The grade at which a candidate is appointed depends on their post-registration experience: Grade 1 is for those with less than five years, Grade 2 for five to less than ten years, and Grade 3 for ten years or more of appropriate and recognisable experience. All applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents. A valid driver’s licence is required, as is computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms. A skills declaration form must also be attached to the application.

The role demands a broad and sound knowledge of medical theory and practice, including the legal aspects of medicine in South Africa. Clinically, the medical officer must be competent in general medicine, surgery, and anaesthetics across all age groups and both sexes, at the level expected in district health services. Additional knowledge areas include clinical governance, medical ethics, data collection and analysis, budgeting, and leadership. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, along with the ability to present information and work independently after hours without supervision. Personal attributes expected include integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, accountability, reliability, a proactive and results-oriented approach, calmness under pressure, adaptability, respect, diplomacy, and the ability to work as a team player and supportive leader.

Key performance areas include providing clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas; performing ward rounds and outreach programmes; responding to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters; and maintaining best clinical practice through continuous professional development (CPD). The medical officer will generate and maintain clinical records to the required standards, participate in the hospital’s Quality Improvement Programme, conduct clinical audits, and ensure that clinical protocols are followed. The role also involves participating in continuing medical education and academic activities, and where required, supervising, instructing, and training medical interns, community service medical officers, and registrars. Additional duties may be allocated by the supervisor without boundary restrictions.

This is a demanding but rewarding role that requires flexibility and a strong commitment to public healthcare. Candidates must be willing and able to work shifts, flexi hours, night duty, weekends, and public holidays, and to work extra hours on short notice. Commuted overtime may be approved based on operational needs. Given the sessional nature of the posts and the number of hospitals involved, applicants are encouraged to apply to the specific hospital of their choice, as each facility has its own application process. These positions offer an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery in Limpopo while gaining valuable experience across a variety of clinical settings.