MEDICAL SPECIALIST SESSIONS (X1 POST)

This vacancy is for a Medical Specialist in Internal Medicine, offering sessional employment at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), a major tertiary healthcare facility in KwaZulu-Natal. The successful candidate will work within the Cardiology sub-specialty and will support the Head of the Clinical Unit in developing and managing designated sub-specialty services for the region. The role is central to ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of both in-patient and out-patient care, while also contributing to the academic and research mission of the hospital. This is a senior clinical post that requires sound professional judgement, leadership, and a commitment to maintaining high ethical and clinical standards.

Applicants must hold a degree in Medicine (MBChB) and be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Specialist in Internal Medicine, with an additional sub-specialist qualification in Cardiology. The appointment level depends on experience after registration as a Medical Specialist: Grade 1 requires the appropriate qualifications and registration; Grade 2 requires an additional five years of relevant experience; and Grade 3 requires ten years of experience post-registration. Beyond the formal qualifications, the ideal candidate will demonstrate sound clinical knowledge and skills in Cardiology, competence in evaluating and interpreting special investigations, and the ability to manage patients within the sub-specialty. Strong human relations, communication, leadership, and team-building abilities are essential, as are computer literacy and skills in negotiation, planning, organisation, decision-making, and conflict management. The role also demands the capacity to teach undergraduate and postgraduate students, participate in research, and engage in continuing professional development.

The core duties are wide-ranging. The incumbent will assist in formulating policies and procedures for clinical services, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations and guidelines, and will provide leadership, management, and support to medical staff under supervision. Quality improvement is a key responsibility, including clinical audits, morbidity and mortality reporting, and reviewing clinical documentation and governance procedures. The post holder must also ensure cost-effective service delivery, manage and direct the performance of junior staff through the Employee Performance Management and Development System (EPMDS), and actively participate in the academic programme for training sub-specialist fellows. This includes clinical teaching, examinations, and administration for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as engaging in academic research that leads to publication in scientific journals or presentation at congresses. Supervision of registrar research, participation in the unit’s outreach programmes, and after-hours participation in the call roster are also required, along with any additional duties delegated by the Head of the Clinical Unit.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment, with both scored as additional criteria during the interview process. Applications must be submitted on the current Z83 form along with a detailed CV; certified copies of qualifications and other documents are only required from shortlisted candidates, who must also provide a signed letter from their current employer confirming relevant work experience. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before the interview. The selected candidate will be subject to pre-employment screening and verification, including a CIPC check. The hospital is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and encourages people with disabilities and African males to apply, while all race groups remain eligible. Due to financial constraints, no S&T claims will be paid, and applicants who do not receive feedback within 60 days of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.