MEDICAL OFFICER: GRADE 1 – 3 [SESSIONAL] = 151 POSITIONS

This is a sessional medical officer opportunity within the Department of Health, offering 151 positions across all hospitals in the province. The role is open to qualified medical practitioners who wish to contribute their clinical expertise on a sessional basis, with grading from Grade 1 through Grade 3 depending on years of experience. Successful candidates will be placed at various hospital centres, and the positions require a commitment to flexible and shift-based work, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, as well as the ability to perform overtime on short notice when operational needs arise.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Independent Medical Practitioner, and they must maintain current registration with the HPCSA. Experience requirements are structured by grade: Grade 1 is for practitioners with less than five years of appropriate experience after registration, Grade 2 requires at least five but less than ten years, and Grade 3 is for those with ten or more years of recognisable experience. All applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents and must possess a valid driver’s licence. Computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms, is essential, as is the ability to generate reports using these tools. A skills declaration form must be attached as part of the application.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate sound clinical knowledge and skills in general medicine, surgery, and anaesthetics for patients of all ages and sexes at district health services level. A thorough understanding of medical theory, legal aspects of medical practice in South Africa, and clinical governance is required. Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and budgeting skills are also expected, along with the ability to collect and analyse data. Personal attributes such as integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, accountability, reliability, and a proactive, results-oriented approach are important. The role demands calmness under pressure, adaptability to change, respectfulness and diplomacy with stakeholders, and a commitment to continuous learning and Batho Pele principles.

Key responsibilities include providing clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas; performing ward rounds and outreach programmes; responding to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters; and maintaining best clinical practice in line with quality standards. The incumbent must generate and maintain clinical records, participate in the hospital’s Quality Improvement Programme, conduct clinical audits, and engage in continuing medical education and academic activities. Supervision and training of medical interns, community service medical officers, and registrars may also be required. Commuted overtime is dependent on operational need and must be approved by the Accounting Officer. This is a demanding but rewarding role for medical professionals committed to public healthcare delivery.