MEDICAL SPECIALIST GRADE 1,2,3 REF NO: GS 19/26 Component: Anaesthetics Department

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a qualified medical specialist to join the Anaesthetics Department at Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg. As a Medical Specialist Grade 1, 2, or 3, the successful candidate will be an integral part of a dynamic team providing high-quality anaesthetic and critical care services. The role is a metropolitan post, meaning the incumbent will be expected to work across the three hospitals in the Pietermaritzburg metropole, namely Grey’s, Harry Gwala Regional, and Northdale. This provides a diverse clinical environment and the chance to liaise with other metropolitan hospitals and the Medical School, ensuring a comprehensive and collaborative approach to patient care. The core purpose of the role is to execute clinical duties with proficiency, supporting the institution's aims and objectives while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

Applicants must possess a Grade 12/Senior Certificate, an MBChB or equivalent qualification, and a FCS (SA) or MMED in Anaesthetics. Registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Specialist in Anaesthetics is essential. The required experience is graded, with Grade 1 requiring no prior experience post-registration, although foreign candidates need one year of relevant experience. Grade 2 requires five years of appropriate experience as a Medical Specialist, and Grade 3 requires ten years. Foreign candidates for the higher grades require six and eleven years of relevant experience, respectively. The ideal candidate will have sound clinical knowledge within anaesthesiology, excellent communication and human relations skills, and a thorough understanding of clinical procedures and protocols. Key behavioural attributes include stress tolerance, the ability to work within a team, self-confidence, and the capacity to build and maintain good professional relationships.

The duties are extensive and demanding. The specialist will be responsible for the administration of anaesthesia and the assessment, planning, and supervision of medical care for critically ill patients. A willingness to participate in the after-hours call system is essential, with an undertaking to sign a contract for 16 hours of commuted overtime per week. This overtime will cover both Critical Care and Anaesthesia call at any of the three metropolitan hospitals. The role also involves the supervision of postgraduate and undergraduate training, participation in academic and training programmes, and providing support to the Head of Department to ensure efficient patient care. The incumbent must ensure the proper and economical use of equipment and resources. A willingness to rotate through the ICU for up to six months is essential, and candidates must remain within 30 minutes of the relevant hospital during all on-call periods.

This post is particularly suitable for candidates who have recently passed their specialist examinations and completed their registrar time. If a candidate who is eligible for specialist registration but has not yet received it from the council is successful, the appointment will be made at their current salary level, with an upgrade to Specialist Grade 1 once registration is received. The position is an OSD-graded role with a commuted overtime component that is subject to departmental needs and requires an annual contract signing. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional to advance their career in a supportive and stimulating academic environment.