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

This sessional Medical Officer post is a professional medical position within the provincial hospital system, with 151 vacancies available across all hospitals in the province. The role is graded from Grade 1 to Grade 3, with the specific grade determined by the number of years of appropriate experience the successful candidate holds after being registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Independent Medical Practitioner. This is a sessional appointment, meaning work is performed on a flexible or shift basis, and the role is central to ensuring continuous clinical service delivery in district hospitals.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification that permits registration with the HPCSA as an Independent Medical Practitioner and must currently be registered as such. The experience requirements are structured by grade: Grade 1 is for those with less than five years of post-registration experience, Grade 2 requires at least five but less than ten years, and Grade 3 is for those with ten or more years of appropriate, recognisable experience. South African citizenship or permanent residency is mandatory. The inherent requirements of the job include a clear willingness and ability to work shifts, flexible hours, night duty, weekends, and public holidays, as well as the capacity to work extra hours on short notice and perform overtime when operational needs demand. Commuted overtime may be approved by the Accounting Officer based on the flexi or shift system. Computer literacy in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual meeting platforms is essential, as is a valid driver’s licence. A skills declaration form must be attached to the application.

The ideal candidate will possess sound knowledge and application of medical theory and practice, including the legal aspects of medicine in South Africa. Clinical competence must cover general medical, surgical, and anaesthetic care for all age groups and sexes at district health services level. Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and budgeting skills are required, along with the ability to collect and analyse data. The role demands sound medical ethics, an understanding of clinical governance, and the capacity to work independently after hours without supervision. Personal attributes such as integrity, professionalism, attention to detail, accountability, reliability, proactivity, calmness under pressure, adaptability, respect, diplomacy, and teamwork are essential, as is a commitment to continuous learning and Batho Pele principles.

Key performance areas include providing clinical care, including emergency care, in designated areas; performing ward rounds and outreach programmes; responding to emergency calls within stipulated times, including during disasters; maintaining best clinical practice through continuous professional development; generating and maintaining accurate clinical records; participating in quality improvement programmes; conducting clinical audits; and engaging in continuing medical education and academic activities. The role also involves supervising, instructing, and training medical interns, community service medical officers, and registrars where required, and performing any other duties allocated by the supervisor. These sessional posts are available at all hospitals across the province, and candidates should note the requirement to work flexibly and under pressure in a dynamic clinical environment.