HEAD CLINICAL DEPARTMENT REF NO: HCDMEDCARDIO//01/2026 Department: Cardiology (Adult)

This senior medical leadership post places an experienced cardiologist at the head of the adult cardiology clinical department at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, one of KwaZulu-Natal’s principal tertiary referral centres. The role is a hybrid of clinical expert, academic teacher, researcher and provincial service co-ordinator, with responsibility for shaping cardiac services across Region 1 and the broader metropolitan network. The successful candidate will be expected to divide their time between the major teaching and service centres of Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Empangeni, Stanger and Port Shepstone, ensuring that specialist care, training and outreach are delivered equitably and in line with the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s teaching platform and the National Development Plan.

Applicants must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as both a Specialist Physician and a Sub-specialist Cardiologist, holding the FP(SA) and Cert Cardio (SA), or an MMed or equivalent, and ideally a PhD or a strong research record evidenced by at least five peer-reviewed publications and the supervision of three or more registrars or fellows. A minimum of seven years’ post-registration experience as a cardiologist is required, including time spent as a clinical head of unit. The post also demands evidence of quality teaching and learning practice, management and administrative ability, computer literacy and a valid driver’s licence. In terms of personal competencies, the ideal candidate will bring strong clinical and procedural skills, counselling and conflict resolution abilities, strategic and programme planning experience, and the capacity to communicate and network at senior levels within provincial health structures. A thorough understanding of the Public Finance Management Act, postgraduate education regulations, and a high level of knowledge in interventional cardiology and electrophysiology are essential.

The core duties are wide-ranging. On the clinical side, the incumbent manages specialist services across the extended region, co-ordinating care with heads of units at regional hospitals, developing and implementing policies and clinical protocols, monitoring adverse events, conducting mortality and morbidity reviews, and promoting cost-effective approaches to clinical care. The role carries a substantial academic component, including undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, training and examinations in cardiology, and involvement in the administration structures of the Department of Medicine at UKZN. The post also requires the development of research initiatives aimed at improving service delivery in the context of the cardiac disease burden, and the creation of outreach programmes to regional hospitals in line with the KZN Department of Health’s outreach programme, including an audit tool to assess the impact of those programmes and report findings to the academic head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health. Ensuring compliance with the Health and Safety Act and maintaining staff welfare for optimal performance are also explicit responsibilities.

The remuneration is an all-inclusive senior specialist package, excluding commuted overtime, and the post is subject to the standard public service employment conditions. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be required to produce certified copies of qualifications and registration, an original signed letter from their current employer confirming relevant experience, and, where applicable, a SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications. A pre-employment screening and verification process, including a CIPC check, will be conducted. Applications must be submitted on the prescribed Z83 form accompanied by a detailed CV, with the reference number indicated, and failure to comply with these requirements will disqualify the application.