HEAD CLINICAL DEPARTMENT (X1 POST)

This senior medical leadership post is based at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, a major tertiary and quaternary academic centre in KwaZulu-Natal. The successful candidate will head the Clinical Unit for Cardiothoracic Surgery, taking responsibility for the strategic and operational management of the unit as delegated by the hospital CEO and the Dean of the Medical School. The role sits at the intersection of clinical service delivery, academic leadership and health-system collaboration, with strong links to the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa, and other provincial, national and international thoracic surgical units.

Candidates must hold an MBChB degree or equivalent and be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Specialist in Cardiothoracic Surgery, with current registration. At least seven years of post-registration experience as a specialist cardiothoracic surgeon is required. Additional qualifications that strengthen an application include a PhD, an MMed in Cardiothoracic Surgery or an equivalent higher degree, and the FC Cardio(SA) fellowship. Experience in a tertiary or quaternary academic setting is essential, as is a track record in clinical governance, service development and academic leadership. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in managing acute and chronic cardiac and thoracic surgical conditions, including emergencies and trauma, and a thorough knowledge of relevant health legislation, public service policy, medical ethics, epidemiology and statistics. Strong clinical decision-making, communication and interpersonal skills are required, along with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, teach and mentor trainees and junior staff, and drive research and academic output. Leadership, administrative and conflict-resolution skills are also central to the role.

The duties are broad and demanding. The head of the clinical unit will ensure high standards of clinical care, ethics and governance, oversee unit administration and staff performance, and deliver specialist clinical services including outpatient care, consultations and emergency cover, with participation in after-hours consultant rota. The post holder will lead the training of undergraduate and postgraduate students and allied health staff, develop and implement clinical protocols in association with other surgical disciplines, and support clinical audit and quality assurance programmes. Outreach is a key component, with responsibility for strengthening regional cardiothoracic surgical services at secondary and tertiary hospitals. The role also requires efficient and cost-effective use of resources and active collaboration with academic and health-system partners. Research and academic development are promoted in line with the policies of UKZN and the College of Cardiothoracic Surgeons.

This is an equal opportunity, affirmative action position. People with disabilities and African males are particularly encouraged to apply, while all race groups remain eligible. Shortlisted candidates will undergo pre-employment screening and verification, including a CIPC check, and will be required to complete two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA before the interview. Only shortlisted candidates need to submit certified documents and a signed employer confirmation of experience. Applications must be submitted on the prescribed Z83 form with a detailed CV, and the reference number must be indicated. Due to financial constraints, no subsistence and travel claims will be paid. If no feedback is received within 60 days of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.