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

This sessional medical officer vacancy within the Limpopo provincial Department of Health offers qualified medical practitioners the opportunity to provide clinical services across the full network of public hospitals in the province. The posts are structured at three professional grades, allowing applicants with varying levels of experience to apply, from early-career doctors to those with more than a decade of service. As a sessional appointment, the role is based on a per-session remuneration model and requires flexibility to work according to the operational needs of the hospital.

Candidates must hold a qualification that permits registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an independent medical practitioner and must currently be registered with the HPCSA in that capacity. 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; Grade 3 requires ten or more years. Only South African citizens or permanent residents may apply. A valid driver's licence is required, as is computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and virtual meeting platforms, along with the ability to generate reports using these applications. Applicants must also complete and attach a skills declaration form.

The successful incumbent must demonstrate sound knowledge and application of medical theory and practice, including the legal aspects of medicine in South Africa. Clinical competence is expected across general medicine, surgery and anaesthetics, for patients of all ages and both sexes, at district hospital level. The role demands strong leadership, communication, presentation and budgeting skills, as well as the ability to collect and analyse data. A commitment to sound medical ethics, clinical governance and the rational use of resources is essential. Personal attributes include integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, accountability, reliability, a proactive and results-oriented approach, calmness under pressure, adaptability, respect, diplomacy, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning and Batho Pele principles.

Key duties include providing clinical care, including emergency care, in designated clinical areas; performing ward rounds and outreach programmes; and delivering medical services at special events or operations. The medical officer must respond to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters, and maintain best clinical practice in line with quality standards. This includes participating in the HPCSA's Continuous Professional Development system, generating and maintaining accurate medical records, and contributing to the hospital's Quality Improvement Programme. The role also involves conducting clinical audits, participating in continuing medical education and academic activities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and ensuring clinical protocols are followed. Where required, the officer will coordinate clinical responsibilities and supervise, instruct and train medical interns, community service medical officers, and registrars. The postholder may be allocated additional duties by a supervisor without boundary restrictions.

Notably, the position requires a willingness to work shifts, flexi hours, night duty, weekends and public holidays, and to perform extra hours on short notice. Commuted overtime may be approved by the Accounting Officer based on operational needs. The ability to work independently after hours is essential. These sessional posts are available at all hospitals in the province, and applicants should indicate their preferred centre when applying. This is an excellent opportunity for medical professionals seeking flexible sessional work while contributing to public healthcare in Limpopo.