Medical Officer Grade 1 to 3 (Surgery) (Permanent position)

This permanent medical officer post in surgery is based at Mitchells Plain District Hospital, a busy district-level facility within the Chief Directorate: Metro Health Services. The role is graded at Medical Officer levels 1 to 3, meaning the appointment level and associated remuneration will depend on the successful candidate’s years of appropriate experience and registration status. The position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic surgical environment, managing both elective and emergency surgical care, and contributing to the strategic objectives of the department.

To be considered, applicants must hold a qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Practitioner. Registration with the HPCSA is a core requirement. Experience requirements vary by grade: for South African qualified employees, no post-registration experience is needed for Grade 1, while Grade 2 requires a minimum of five years and Grade 3 requires ten years of appropriate experience as a medical practitioner. For foreign qualified employees who are exempt from community service, the equivalent requirements are one, six, and eleven years of relevant experience respectively. Candidates who do not yet have the stipulated registration may still apply, provided they submit proof of application for registration and proof of payment of the prescribed fees to the relevant council on or before the day of the interview. This concession applies only to health professionals applying for the first time for registration in a specific category, including those who need to change their registration status.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the clinical management of all acute and non-acute surgical and trauma emergencies at the hospital. This includes managing critically ill patients and resuscitating those awaiting transfer to tertiary-level care. The medical officer will also manage a ward, theatre and outpatient services, and must be competent to perform amputations and minor surgical procedures safely without surgical supervision. Basic diagnostic upper endoscopy is also required. In addition to clinical duties, the role involves supervision and teaching of students and interns, providing a proficient administrative service for clinical and non-clinical matters, and handling medicolegal work. The post holder is expected to provide guidance and leadership towards the strategic goals of the department and to ensure cost-efficient use of laboratory services, blood, medicines, consumables and equipment.

Applicants should have appropriate experience and skills in surgical care, the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team with staff at all levels, and a commitment to service delivery in a district hospital setting. No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. This is an opportunity for a dedicated medical professional to contribute to a high-demand surgical service while developing their career within the public health sector. For further details, applicants should refer to the official vacancy notice for the designated enquiries contact and application procedures.