Registrar (Medical) (Family Medicine) (4-year contract) (3 posts) (Contract position)

This position offers an opportunity for qualified medical practitioners to train as specialists in Family Medicine within the Western Cape Department of Health’s Metro East Training Complex, which is linked to Stellenbosch University. The successful candidates will be appointed as Registrars on a four-year contract, with three posts available. The role is based across a network of health facilities in the Metro East region, including district hospitals, community health centres and primary healthcare clinics, and requires a willingness to rotate through these sites as part of an agreed training programme. The training complex includes Helderberg Hospital, Eerste River Hospital, Tygerberg Hospital, Karl Bremer Hospital, Khayelitsha CHC, Kraaifontein CHC, Delft CHC, Elsies River CHC and various primary healthcare clinics. Registrars should also be prepared for possible secondment or transfer to another hospital or institution during their training period, with consultation before any such decision is implemented.

To be considered, applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Practitioner in Independent Practice. A valid code B or EB driver’s licence is an inherent requirement, and candidates must be willing to participate in a system of remunerated commuted overtime. In addition, Registrars are required to register as postgraduate students with Stellenbosch University, in line with the discipline’s yearbook and guidelines. If registration with the higher education institution is discontinued for any reason, the Registrar appointment will automatically terminate. Candidates who do not yet have the stipulated registration may still apply, provided they submit proof of application and payment of the prescribed registration fees to the relevant council on or before the interview date; this concession applies only to first-time registrations or changes in registration status.

The core duties of the role include clinical service provision across the training complex, participation in the teaching programme, and active involvement in research and professional development, including completion of the MMed degree. Registrars are also responsible for effective clinical administration, particularly in maintaining patient records and reports, and for supporting leadership and quality improvement initiatives within healthcare services. Strong computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and internet research is required, along with excellent verbal and written communication skills, sound interpersonal and time-management abilities, and the capacity to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Appropriate experience in South African District Health Services is considered important.

The Department of Health applies Employment Equity principles, and candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Certain Registrar posts will be identified under the Affirmative Action programme to support representivity. Preference is given to South African citizens or permanent residents with a valid identity document; applicants with temporary residence status will not be considered. Existing employees on higher salary packages may retain their current salary as personal and remain entitled to pay progression. Employees who elect to retain pension benefits will be required to resign upon completion of registrarship if they are not appointed to an advertised Specialist post. Applicants must also indicate whether they have any bursary obligations. This is a structured training post that offers exposure to a wide range of clinical and academic experiences within a supportive district health environment.