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

The Limpopo Department of Health is offering a substantial number of sessional medical officer posts across all its hospitals, with positions available at Grades 1, 2 and 3 depending on the applicant's level of post-registration experience. These sessional appointments are designed to provide flexible medical cover across the province's hospital network, and successful candidates will be expected to deliver clinical services in a variety of settings, including emergency care, ward work, outreach programmes and special operations. The roles are open to qualified medical practitioners who hold a qualification that permits registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Independent Medical Practitioner, and who are currently registered with the HPCSA in that capacity. Applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents.

The grading of the posts is determined by years of appropriate and recognisable experience after registration as an independent medical practitioner. Grade 1 is for those with less than five years of such experience, Grade 2 requires at least five but less than ten years, and Grade 3 is for practitioners with ten or more years of experience. 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 by the Accounting Officer based on operational needs and the flexi/shift system. A valid driver's licence is required, as is computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, including proficiency with virtual meeting platforms. A skills declaration form must be attached to the application.

The ideal candidate will have sound clinical knowledge and skills in general medicine, surgery and anaesthetics, applicable to all age groups and sexes at district health services level. They must understand and apply the legal aspects of medical practice in South Africa, adhere to sound medical ethics, and demonstrate knowledge of clinical governance. Strong leadership, communication, presentation and budgeting skills are expected, along with the ability to collect and analyse data. Personal attributes such as integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, accountability, reliability, a proactive and results-oriented approach, calmness under pressure, adaptability, respect for stakeholders, and a team-oriented yet supportive leadership style are essential. A commitment to continuous learning and to the Batho Pele principles is also required.

Key responsibilities include providing clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas; performing ward rounds and outreach services; responding to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters; maintaining best clinical practice in line with quality standards; participating in the HPCSA's Continuing Professional Development system; generating and maintaining clinical records; taking part in the department's quality improvement programme; conducting clinical audits; and participating in continuing medical education and academic activities. Where required, the medical officer will coordinate clinical responsibilities and supervise, instruct and train medical interns, medical officers, community service medical officers and registrars. Additional duties may be allocated by the supervisor, without boundary restrictions, across the province. These sessional posts offer an opportunity for qualified medical practitioners to contribute to public healthcare delivery across Limpopo while earning sessional rates aligned to their grade.