MEDICAL SPECIALIST GRADE 1 TO 3 (OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY) (SESSIONAL:10 HOURS PER WEEK) (Contract)

This position offers a sessional contract for a qualified Medical Specialist in Otorhinolaryngology, commonly known as an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, to provide services for 10 hours per week at George Regional Hospital. The role sits within the Rural Health Services directorate and is integral to delivering specialist care across the hospital and the broader district, which is referred to as the Rural East Ecosystem. The incumbent will be responsible for providing definitive ENT care within the scope of a regional hospital, which includes assessing patients, managing their conditions, performing elective surgery, and ensuring ongoing care. Complex cases that fall outside the regional scope will need to be appropriately referred to tertiary facilities following established pathways.

The post is graded at levels 1 to 3, with the appropriate level determined by the candidate's experience after registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). A Grade 1 candidate requires no experience post-registration, while a Grade 2 candidate needs a minimum of five years of relevant experience, and a Grade 3 candidate requires at least ten years. All applicants must hold a qualification that permits registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Specialist in Otorhinolaryngology and must be registered as such. A valid Code B/EB driver's license is an inherent requirement of the job. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and conflict management skills, demonstrate cost-conscious care, and have the ability to manage their own theatre lists and provide clear guidance on outpatient bookings. Experience in teaching, conducting and supervising research, performing audits, and publishing findings is also required, along with proven knowledge of public health policies.

The core duties extend beyond direct patient care to include the supervision and support of junior medical staff, interns, and other healthcare professionals. This involves providing bedside and procedural guidance, as well as engaging in formal academic activities like lectures, tutorials, and case discussions. The specialist will actively participate in departmental training programs, continuing medical education, and professional development forums. A significant portion of the role is dedicated to quality assurance and governance, requiring involvement in clinical audits, service improvement initiatives, and the collection and reporting of service statistics. The specialist must also contribute to developing and maintaining clinical guidelines and protocols, ensure compliance with departmental policies, and handle medico-legal documentation. Strong ethical standards, sound clinical judgement, and excellent leadership and organisational skills are essential for this multidisciplinary environment.

Applicants should note that this is a sessional post, and candidates will be subject to a practical test as part of the selection process. While registration with the HPCSA is a requirement, those who do not yet have the stipulated registration may still apply, provided they submit proof of their application for registration and payment of the prescribed fees on or before the day of the interview. This concession is only applicable to health professionals applying for the first time for registration in a specific category. There is no fee required to apply for this position, and all applications must be submitted online via the specified Western Cape Government portal.