MEDICAL OFFICER GRADE 1,2,3 REF NO: GS 22/26 Component: Orthopaedics Department

This position offers a challenging and rewarding career opportunity for qualified medical professionals within the Orthopaedics Department at Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. As a Medical Officer, you will be an integral part of a specialist team providing comprehensive orthopaedic care to a diverse patient population. The role is structured across three grades, allowing for professional growth and recognition of experience, and is graded as an OSD (Occupational Specific Dispensation) position, which includes a commuted overtime component subject to departmental needs and an annual contractual agreement.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the full spectrum of orthopaedic patient management, from initial assessment and investigation to ongoing treatment in outpatient clinics, general wards, and the Intensive Care Unit. This includes providing after-hours services as part of the commuted overtime agreement. A significant portion of the role involves the surgical and conservative management of orthopaedic conditions, requiring sound clinical judgment and decision-making skills. Beyond direct patient care, you will be expected to consult and communicate effectively with colleagues and junior staff, fostering a collaborative environment. Participation in the department's academic programmes is a key duty, contributing to the teaching and training of future medical professionals. You will also engage in quality assurance and audit activities, utilising statistics and information to review and improve clinical outcomes. The role extends to assisting in the development and implementation of new services and the utilisation of new equipment, as well as active participation in outreach programmes designed to improve patient access to specialised orthopaedic services in the region.

To be considered for this post, applicants must possess a Grade 12/Senior Certificate and an MBChB degree or equivalent qualification. Current and independent registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Practitioner is mandatory. The required experience is tiered according to the grade applied for. For Grade 1, no prior experience is required, though foreign-qualified candidates must have one year of relevant experience post-registration with a recognised foreign council. Grade 2 requires five years of appropriate experience as a Medical Officer after HPCSA registration, while Grade 3 necessitates ten years of experience. Foreign-qualified applicants for Grades 2 and 3 require six and eleven years of relevant experience, respectively. The ideal candidate will possess a good working knowledge of health and public service legislation, medical ethics, epidemiology, and statistics, alongside strong analytical, decision-making, and communication skills. Computer literacy is also essential.

This is a permanent position based at Grey’s Hospital, a major tertiary institution. Please note that the employment equity target for this post is specifically for African Male, Coloured Male, African Female, and Coloured Female candidates. Shortlisted applicants will be required to undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity test, and must submit certified copies of their qualifications and certificates of service. The application process requires the submission of the newly prescribed Z83 application form, fully completed and signed, along with a detailed curriculum vitae.