MEDICAL SPECIALIST: NEPHROLOGY (X1 POST)

This position offers a specialist physician the opportunity to pursue advanced training and career development in nephrology within a central academic hospital environment. Based at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital and serving the broader Durban functional region, the successful candidate will join the Department of Nephrology as a Medical Specialist, working at the interface of complex clinical care, teaching, and research. The role is graded according to the Occupation Specific Dispensation, with entry-level and experienced appointments available depending on the number of years of post-registration practice as a specialist physician.

Applicants must hold an MBChB or equivalent qualification, be in possession of the Fellowship of the College of Physicians of South Africa, and be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Specialist Physician. The post is structured across three grades: no prior experience is required for Grade 1, while Grade 2 calls for five years of post-registration experience and Grade 3 requires ten years. Beyond formal qualifications, the ideal candidate will have strong clinical knowledge in both nephrology and internal medicine, competence in managing acute and chronic dialysis, and either experience or a demonstrable interest in interventional nephrology procedures. A valid driver’s licence and own transport are essential, as are leadership, administrative, decision-making, and communication skills. The role also demands a sound understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement processes, clinical audit, medical ethics, and professional practice, together with experience or involvement in clinical research and academic activities.

The core duties are wide-ranging and clinically demanding. The specialist will provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient nephrology care, manage general nephrology services, and oversee chronic peritoneal dialysis programmes, acute and chronic haemodialysis services, and kidney transplant outpatient services. Participation in the management of haemodialysis services at both IALCH and the Durban functional region is expected. Procedural responsibilities include performing native and transplant kidney biopsies, vascular haemodialysis access procedures, and percutaneous Tenckhoff catheter insertions. The post also carries a strong supervisory and educational component: the incumbent will support junior medical staff, nursing personnel, and allied health professionals, and will contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, including registrar training and examinations. Involvement in departmental administration, clinical governance, operational activities, clinical audits, quality improvement initiatives, and service development projects is required, as is participation in after-hours, overtime, and on-call duties according to service needs.

Shortlisted candidates should note that they will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments, one practical and one focused on ethical conduct, with the results scored as part of the interview process. Applications must be submitted on the prescribed Z83 form accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae; certified copies of qualifications and other documents are only requested from shortlisted candidates. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA before the interview. The hospital is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and people with disabilities, as well as African males, are particularly encouraged to apply, while applicants from all race groups remain welcome.