HEAD CLINICAL DEPARTMENT REF NO: HCDSPECSURG//01/2026 Department: Specialised surgery

This senior medical leadership post is located at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital within the Department of Specialised Surgery, and is graded as a Head Clinical Department position. The successful candidate will take responsibility for managing clinical services across an extended area of KwaZulu-Natal, specifically Region 1 and beyond the major metropolitan centres, with a mandate to improve equity of service delivery and strengthen the decentralised training platform aligned to the National Development Plan. The role requires balancing time between the major centres of Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Empangeni, Stanger and Port Shepstone to develop an integrated teaching and service platform in collaboration with the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Candidates must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Specialist Surgeon, holding an MMed and/or FCS (SA) or equivalent, and must also be registered in the sub-specialist category of Gastroenterological Surgery. A minimum of seven years' experience after HPCSA registration as a Specialist Surgeon and sub-specialist GI surgeon is required, including experience in clinical management as a clinical head of unit or equivalent. A strong research record is essential, demonstrated by at least five publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or supervision of three or more registrars or fellows. A PhD or equivalent is an additional recommendation, alongside evidence of quality teaching, management and administrative skills, computer literacy and a valid driver's licence. The ideal candidate will possess leadership, counselling, conflict resolution, strategic planning and programme planning skills, the ability to communicate at a high level, and the capacity to network with management at all provincial levels. Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act and its implications for departmental budgeting, as well as postgraduate education regulations determined by the HPCSA, the College of Surgeons of South Africa and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, is required, together with a high level of knowledge in hepatic, colorectal or pancreatic surgery.

The duties are wide-ranging. The incumbent will manage and coordinate clinical services in Region 1, ensuring alignment with the UKZN teaching platform, and will develop research initiatives focused on the burden of surgical and gastroenterological disease. Responsibilities include contributing to the administration structures of the School of Medicine, developing and implementing policies and clinical protocols, monitoring and evaluating adverse events, conducting mortality and morbidity reviews, and promoting cost-effective clinical care. The post also involves undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, examinations, coordinating services with regional hospital heads, ensuring compliance with the Health and Safety Act, developing outreach programmes in line with the KZN Department of Health's Outreach Programme, and creating audit tools to assess these programmes with reports to the Academic Head of Department and the CEO's office.

Applications are subject to the standard public service process. The Z83 form and a detailed CV must be submitted, while certified copies and an original signed employer letter confirming experience are required only from shortlisted candidates. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA before the interview. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and the selected candidate will undergo pre-employment screening and verification. The reference number must be quoted on the Z83 form, and enquiries may be directed to the contact person listed in the advertisement.