MEDICAL OFFICER

This position offers the opportunity to work as a Medical Officer within the Anaesthesia directorate at Leratong Hospital, a facility operating under the Gauteng Department of Health. The role is a clinical and academic post suited to a dedicated medical practitioner who wishes to contribute to anaesthetic care, perioperative medicine, emergency management, and the training of junior colleagues within a busy public hospital environment. The post is structured across three grades, with appropriate experience being the key differentiator: Grade 1 is open to those with no experience beyond registration, Grade 2 requires at least five years of relevant experience as a Medical Officer after registration with the HPCSA, and Grade 3 requires a minimum of ten years of such experience. Practitioners who are completing their community service by the end of December 2026 are also eligible to apply, making this an accessible entry point for newly qualified doctors.

The successful candidate must hold an appropriate medical degree that permits registration with the HPCSA as a medical practitioner. Additional qualifications such as current ACLS, PALS, ATLS, EMATT, or ITLS certification will be an advantage. The role demands a strong commitment to cost-containment in service delivery, proper clinical record keeping, and ethical practice in line with HPCSA Booklet 1 and Booklet 9. The department places a high premium on compassionate, evidence-based care and expects the incumbent to demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, and the highest standard of ethics at all times. Working effectively within a multi-disciplinary team is essential, as is the willingness to report any conflict of interest or mismanagement. The post also requires participation in the Performance Management and Development System assessments and a good working knowledge of the prevention and management of Patient Safety Incidents.

In terms of duties, the Medical Officer will be responsible for the clinical assessment of patients and the formulation, development, and execution of patient care plans that are both evidence-based and compassionate. This includes daily ward rounds, outpatient department attendance, preparation of patients for theatre, and the performance of surgical procedures appropriate to a Medical Officer’s level of experience. The role involves the assessment and management of emergencies, after-hours calls, and the execution of urgent procedures. Patient and family counselling and education form an important part of the work, alongside proper clinical record keeping and participation in ward and departmental administrative duties. The incumbent will also work at and participate in outreach activities at any of the Gauteng Health cluster facilities. Academically, the post requires active participation in the teaching programme, with the aim of passing CMSA-related examinations, and includes the supervision of medical interns and medical students.

This is a demanding but rewarding position within a supportive departmental structure. The successful applicant will be expected to perform normal and commuted overtime as operational needs require, though it is not mandatory. The Gauteng Department of Health follows the principles of Employment Equity, with preference given to South African citizens and people with disabilities encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates should note that personnel suitability checks, including criminal, citizenship, qualification, financial, and reference checks, will be conducted before appointment, and pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, will form part of the selection process. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. The department reserves the right not to fill the post. Serving as a Medical Officer in Anaesthesia here offers substantial clinical exposure and a clear framework for professional growth within the public health sector.