MEDICAL SPECIALIST

The Gauteng Department of Health is re-advertising a Medical Specialist post at Leratong Hospital within the Ophthalmology directorate, offering an opportunity for qualified specialists to join a busy public sector eye care unit. This is an OSD-graded position, meaning appointment will be at Grade 1, 2 or 3 depending on the candidate’s years of relevant experience as a Medical Specialist after registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Grade 1 requires no prior specialist experience, while Grade 2 calls for at least five years and Grade 3 for at least ten years of appropriate post-registration experience in a normal specialty. The role is suited to adaptable, disciplined and self-confident medical professionals who can work independently, cope with pressure and irregular hours, and collaborate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team. Candidates should possess sound leadership, communication, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills, as well as computer literacy and a working knowledge of the legislation, policies and procedures governing health care users. Public sector experience and the ability to initiate and conduct research are advantageous.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the clinical management of patients in the general ophthalmology intake clinic and in a subspecialist clinic focusing on glaucoma, medical retina or paediatric ophthalmology. Clinical duties include performing and teaching cataract surgery and managing patients with general eye complaints, along with clinical teaching of medical officers in cataract management and either glaucoma, cornea or adnexal diseases. The Medical Specialist will coordinate all clinical and administrative duties within the department, ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures and clinical protocols, maintaining quality assurance standards, and helping to reduce waiting times and backlogs. The post also involves supervising junior and senior doctors, ensuring effective utilisation of medical staff, and complying with the Performance Management and Development System through contracting, quarterly reviews and final assessments. The role extends beyond the hospital itself, requiring participation in hospital committees, liaison with other departments, and an effective outreach programme to district hospitals. The incumbent will also be expected to support staff training, both theoretical and skills-based, for junior doctors and allied medical disciplines at Leratong and referring hospitals, as well as contribute to the development and implementation of SOPs. Academic activities within the hospital and the wider cluster are encouraged, alongside full participation in quality assurance programmes and the management of patient safety incidents and complaints. The specialist is expected to act as a role model for students and staff, promote research relevant to the department, and perform commuted overtime as required by operational needs. The department reserves the right not to fill the post, and applicants should note that outreach, rotation between institutions and pre-entry assessments may form part of the selection process.