REGISTRAR (MEDICAL) (GENERAL SURGERY) (X2 POSTS) (5-Year Contract)

This position offers a five-year contract as a Registrar in General Surgery at Tygerberg Hospital, with two posts available. The role is a specialist training post within the Department of Health, where the successful candidates will function as medical practitioners while completing postgraduate studies. The work is based at a major academic hospital in Parow Valley, but appointees will be placed in a specific training complex and may be required to work across different health facilities as part of an agreed programme. Secondment or transfer to another hospital could occur during training, with consultation beforehand. The role is graded as a medical registrar post, with a portion of the remuneration package able to be structured according to personal needs, and existing employees on higher packages may retain their current salary position and pay progression.

Applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that permits registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Practitioner in Independent Practice. A valid code B/EB driver’s licence is required, and commuted overtime is compulsory, as is emergency and after-hours call cover. The essential competencies include completion of the FCS Part 1 examination, relevant clinical experience in surgery or trauma, and current certification in ATLS and the Basic Surgical Skills course. Preference will be given to candidates who have passed FCS Part 2 and have experience in research or publications. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills are vital.

The duties revolve around providing safe, high-quality surgical care to patients, including peri-operative management and participation in intensive care management of surgical cases. Registrars will develop their expertise in general surgery, trauma, and burn care while attending tutorials and actively assisting in the training of interns, medical students, nursing staff, and paramedics. They will also be responsible for on-site after-hours duties related to newly arriving acute patients and inpatients. In addition to clinical work, involvement in research and audits focused on surgery, trauma, and burn care is expected, making this a comprehensive training and service delivery role.

Registrars will be required to register as postgraduates with Stellenbosch University according to the university’s yearbook and guidelines. If registration with the higher education institution as a student is discontinued for any reason, the registrar appointment also falls away. Employees already in service who pursue registrar positions and wish to continue their pension benefits must resign at the end of their registrarship if they are not appointed to advertised specialist posts. The Department of Health follows Employment Equity principles, and candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Certain registrar posts may be identified as part of the Affirmative Action programme to create a representative specialist cadre. Preference will be given to South African citizens or permanent residents with a valid identity document. Applicants who do not yet have the required registration may still apply, provided this is their first application for registration in the specific category and they submit proof of application and payment of the prescribed fees on or before the interview. No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post.