MEDICAL OFFICERS: SURGERY – SESSIONAL

This is an exciting opportunity for qualified medical professionals to join the General Surgery Department at Pholosong Regional Hospital under the Gauteng Department of Health. Five sessional Medical Officer posts are available, offering a flexible hourly working arrangement that still demands a high level of clinical commitment. The role is central to delivering safe, effective surgical care within a busy regional hospital setting, and successful candidates will work as part of a multidisciplinary team under the leadership of the Head of Department. The position carries an inherent requirement to participate in the hospital’s after-hours call system, so a willingness to work outside normal hours is essential.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Senior Certificate or equivalent, an MBChB/MBBCh or equivalent medical qualification, and current registration with the HPCSA as an independent Medical Practitioner. While prior clinical experience in general surgery is an added advantage, it is not strictly mandatory. More importantly, candidates must demonstrate competence in the assessment and initial management of surgical emergencies and trauma. Additional training such as ATLS or other relevant surgical emergency courses will strengthen an application. The hospital is looking for doctors with sound clinical judgement, strong communication and teamwork skills, and basic computer literacy, as these are essential for functioning effectively in a busy surgical unit.

The duties are broad and hands-on. Medical Officers will provide comprehensive clinical care to patients within the General Surgery Department, including assessment, investigation, diagnosis, treatment, admission, discharge, and appropriate referral. They must be able to assess, stabilise, and manage surgical and trauma emergencies within the Medical Officer’s scope of practice, escalating complicated cases as necessary. The role also involves assisting with and performing surgical procedures according to the individual’s level of competence, always under appropriate supervision. Participation in ward rounds, outpatient clinics, theatre activities, and multidisciplinary patient management is expected. Accurate clinical record-keeping and timeous completion of medico-legal documentation are critical responsibilities. In addition, Medical Officers are required to take part in morbidity and mortality meetings, clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, patient safety processes, and other clinical governance activities. They must promote the appropriate use of clinical resources and adhere to hospital policies, protocols, and clinical guidelines. Teaching is also part of the role, and the post-holder may be asked to perform other reasonable duties delegated by the Head of Department or Hospital Management.

The Gauteng Department of Health emphasises that no payment of any kind is required when applying. Applications must be submitted through the official online portal, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. The department is committed to employment equity, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Should a candidate be recommended, they may be subjected to medical surveillance as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Pholosong Regional Hospital reserves the right to use practical exercises or tests during recruitment to determine suitability. Additionally, the hospital does not have budget for resettlement or subsistence and travel claims, so applicants should take this into account before applying. As all newly appointed staff are subject to personnel suitability checks, including reference, identity, qualification, and criminal record verification, candidates should ensure their application documents are accurate and complete. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate if shortlisted. Due to the high volume of applications expected, only successful candidates will be contacted; if you do not hear back within three months of the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful.