MEDICAL SPECIALIST GRADE 1 TO 3 (SUB-SPECIALITY: PAEDIATRIC CRITICAL CARE)

This position is for a Medical Specialist in Paediatric Critical Care at Tygerberg Hospital in Parow Valley, offering appointment at Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3 depending on the candidate’s level of experience after registration. The role sits within a major public hospital and requires a specialist who can take responsibility for the full spectrum of paediatric critical care services. The successful candidate will be expected to function independently at the level of a specialist, providing comprehensive clinical care to critically ill children, including those who have undergone cardiac surgery. Beyond direct patient care, the post involves clinical teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as engagement in research within the field of paediatric critical care. The post also includes what is described as ecosystem support, meaning the specialist will contribute to the broader functioning of the unit and hospital environment, working collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams.

To be considered, applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Specialist in Paediatric Critical Care, and must be registered with the HPCSA in that sub-speciality. For appointment at Grade 1, no post-registration experience is required. Grade 2 requires a minimum of five years of appropriate experience as a Medical Specialist after registration, while Grade 3 requires at least ten years of such experience. For foreign-qualified applicants, experience recognised by a foreign health professional council may be taken into account. A valid driver’s licence is an inherent requirement of the job. The ideal candidate will have appropriate experience working in paediatric critical care, including experience with post-cardiac surgery patients, and will demonstrate a clear interest in research. Computer literacy in programmes such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint is also required, along with the ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams.

There are a few additional notes of interest. Candidates who do not yet have the stipulated registration may still apply, but only if they are applying for the first time for registration as a Medical Specialist in Paediatric Critical Care with the relevant council, or if they need to change their registration status. In such cases, they must provide proof of application for registration and proof of payment of the prescribed registration fees on or before the day of the interview. No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. The package for the post is structured according to the individual’s personal needs, and the position is advertised as part of a provincial circular. Enquiries can be directed to the named professor at the hospital. This is a senior clinical role that offers an opportunity to shape paediatric critical care services, teach the next generation of specialists, and contribute to research in a challenging and rewarding environment.