MEDICAL SPECIALIST GRADE 1,2,3 REF NO: GS 18/26 Component: Paediatrics & Child Health Department

This specialist post sits within the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Greys Hospital, part of the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Hospital Complex that also includes Harry Gwala Regional and Northdale hospitals. The role is advertised as Medical Specialist Grade 1, 2 or 3, making it an OSD-graded position, and the successful candidate will be expected to sign a commuted overtime contract annually, as overtime is a structural part of the package. The incumbent will provide and lead specialist paediatric services across the complex and its catchment population, with a particular focus on paediatric critical care and pulmonology.

Applicants must have a Senior Certificate or Grade 12, an MBChB or equivalent qualification, and a Fellowship of the College of Paediatricians (FC Paeds SA) or equivalent, together with current registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Specialist in Paediatrics. The grade at which the successful candidate is appointed depends on years of appropriate experience after registration: Grade 1 requires no prior experience, Grade 2 requires five years, and Grade 3 requires ten years. Foreign-qualified candidates need one additional year of relevant experience for each corresponding grade, given that they are not required to perform community service. A Certificate in Paediatric Critical Care (SA) or Paediatric Pulmonology (SA), or current training towards either, is an added advantage, as is prior post-specialist experience in these sub-disciplines. The ideal candidate will also bring knowledge of public health legislation, medical ethics, epidemiology, research methodology, and medical education, with research publications being advantageous.

The core duties are wide-ranging. The specialist will direct, develop and manage 24-hour paediatric emergency, critical care and pulmonology services, particularly within the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Greys Hospital, while also participating in round-the-clock inpatient and outpatient paediatric care across the hospital complex. The role includes involvement in the departmental outreach programme to the wider catchment area, maintaining clinical standards, and implementing quality improvement initiatives. Supervision and support of registrars, medical officers, community service officers and interns is a key responsibility, as is participation in the academic and training programme. The appointee will assist with the administration of a component of the department and is expected to join the University of KwaZulu-Natal as a member of the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, contributing to undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational training. Research activities defined within the department will also form part of the workload.

Performance will be managed through the Employer Performance Management and Development System, covering clinical care, scholarship, professionalism, governance, administration and management, aligned to HPCSA competencies. Candidates should note that only the new, signed Z83 application form and a detailed CV are required at application stage; shortlisted candidates will need to produce certified documents and will undergo both a practical technical exercise and an integrity assessment as part of the selection process. Enquiries may be directed to the Head Clinical Department, Dr M.E. Morgan. This is a demanding but rewarding post for a specialist looking to shape paediatric critical care and pulmonology services in a major public hospital complex.