MEDICAL SPECIALIST

The Gauteng Department of Health is recruiting a Medical Specialist in Internal Medicine at Leratong Hospital, a senior consultant post within the directorate of Internal Medicine. This role places the incumbent as the most senior doctor in the unit, responsible for the clinical management of general medical patients and for providing strong leadership across both inpatient and outpatient services. The specialist will lead operational and academic ward rounds, including post-intake, follow-up, and general ward rounds, while also setting a professional example for junior staff. Beyond direct patient care, the position entails significant teaching, mentoring, and supervisory responsibilities, with the expectation that the successful candidate will serve as a role model and clinical mentor to medical officers, intern doctors, and students. The role also extends to coordinating medical services at Leratong Hospital, overseeing clinical technology services, and helping to develop appropriate referral pathways and service growth at referral hospitals.

Applicants must hold a Medical Degree (MBChB or MBBCh) or an equivalent qualification, together with FCP(SA) or an equivalent fellowship, and an MMed in Internal Medicine. Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Specialist Physician is essential, and current registration for the 2025/2026 period is required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a patient-first mentality, general management skills, excellent communication, sound professional judgement, integrity, and professional dependability. Leadership experience, conflict management, cost containment, management training, and technology and computer skills are all essential, as are problem-solving ability and experience in coaching and mentoring. The department values candidates who can balance clinical excellence with operational efficiency and who are committed to developing junior colleagues.

Core duties include managing patients in the outpatient department, handling subspecialty outpatient clinics, and providing specialty ward consultations within a relevant subspecialty. The incumbent will supervise medical officers, interns, and students in patient care and in performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and will be accountable for the overall clinical governance of the unit. Academically, the specialist is expected to conduct and supervise research within the department, contributing to the unit’s scholarly output and evidence-based practice. The role requires co-ordination of both inpatient and outpatient services, ensuring smooth patient flow and high standards of care across the hospital.

Candidates who are invited for interviews will be subject to an employment vetting process and medical surveillance. Shortlisted applicants will also be required to undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise assessing technical and generic suitability as well as an integrity or ethical conduct assessment, with the results used as an additional criterion during the selection process. Personnel suitability checks, including criminal, citizenship, qualification verification, directorship, social media, financial record, and reference checks, will be conducted prior to appointment. Candidates with foreign qualifications must obtain a SAQA evaluation certificate. Preference will be given to South African citizens, and the Gauteng Department of Health is guided by the principles of Employment Equity, with people with disabilities encouraged to apply. The position is an OSD-graded post, meaning remuneration and grading follow the Occupation Specific Dispensation for medical specialists. The performance of normal and commuted overtime is not mandatory but may be required based on the operational needs of the hospital. The department reserves the right not to fill the advertised post, and no payment of any kind is required when applying.