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

This sessional Medical Officer post offers 151 positions across all hospitals within the provincial Department of Health, giving successful candidates the opportunity to work on a part-time, sessional basis in a public healthcare environment. The role is structured at Grade 1, 2, or 3, with the specific grade determined by the number of years of appropriate, recognisable experience a candidate holds after registering with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Independent Medical Practitioner. Sessional rates are paid according to the grade, and while the work is sessional, there is a strong expectation of flexibility, including commuted overtime that may be approved by the department’s Accounting Officer based on operational needs. This is a wide-ranging clinical position that requires a commitment to service delivery across all age groups and sexes at district hospital level.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification that permits registration with the HPCSA as an Independent Medical Practitioner and must currently be registered in that capacity. Experience requirements vary by grade: Grade 1 requires less than five years, Grade 2 requires at least five but fewer than ten years, and Grade 3 requires ten or more years of appropriate experience. All applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents. A valid driver’s licence is essential, as is computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms. Candidates must be willing to work shifts, flexi hours, night duty, weekends, and public holidays, and to work extra hours on short notice or under pressure. A skills declaration form must be submitted with the application.

The successful candidate will need sound clinical knowledge and skills in general medicine, surgery, and anaesthetics, along with a thorough understanding of the legal aspects of medical practice in South Africa. They must apply sound medical ethics, clinical governance, and rational use of resources. Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and budgeting skills are required, as is the ability to collect and analyse data. 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 independently or as part of a team. A commitment to continuous learning and Batho Pele principles is essential.

Key duties include providing clinical and emergency care in designated areas, performing ward rounds, and delivering medical services at outreach programmes, special events, and operations. The medical officer must respond to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters, and maintain best clinical practice through Continuous Professional Development. They are responsible for generating and maintaining clinical records to required standards, participating in the hospital’s Quality Improvement Programme, conducting clinical audits, and following clinical protocols. They will also participate in continuing medical education and academic activities, and where required, supervise, instruct, and train medical interns, community service officers, and registrars. Any other duties allocated by the supervisor must be performed without boundary restrictions. Applications are submitted directly to the specific hospital of choice, using the contact numbers and application links provided for each institution.