REGISTRAR (MEDICAL) (ANAESTHESIOLOGY) (X5 POSTS) (4-Year Contract)

The Western Cape Department of Health is offering five fixed-term Registrar posts in Anaesthesiology at Tygerberg Hospital in Parow Valley, providing a structured four-year specialist training opportunity for medical practitioners who wish to pursue a career in anaesthesia. Registrars appointed to these posts will form part of the broader registrar training platform, meaning that while each appointee is based at a specific training hospital, they will be required to work across a distributed network of health facilities according to an agreed programme. The role is clinical and academic in nature, combining hands-on patient care with structured teaching, assessments and research, all aimed at developing the competencies required of an Anaesthesiology specialist.

Applicants must hold an appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Practitioner, and they must already be registered with the HPCSA in the Independent Practice category. The successful completion of the Diploma in Anaesthesia and the FCA(SA) Primary examinations is required, together with sufficient and appropriate clinical experience since obtaining the MBChB degree. Demonstrated anaesthesiology experience, sound knowledge and practical skills, and effective leadership and interpersonal abilities are essential. A valid code B/EB driver’s licence is an inherent requirement, and candidates must be prepared to perform commuted overtime as well as emergency and after-hour call cover. Those who do not yet possess the stipulated HPCSA registration may still apply, provided they submit proof of application for registration and proof of payment of the prescribed fees by the day of the interview, but this concession applies only to first-time applicants for the relevant registration category.

The core duties involve providing safe medical care to patients in operating theatres and intensive care units at Tygerberg Hospital and associated training hospitals, as well as offering clinical support to other medical and surgical disciplines across the service platform. Registrars are expected to perform onsite after-hours duties according to the call roster and to supervise and support medical interns and medical officers delivering care. The training component requires attendance at teaching programme activities, tutorials and assessments, along with assisting in the training of interns, medical students, nursing staff and paramedics. Registrars will also engage in research and audits related to anaesthesia, critical care, pain and peri-operative medicine, while progressively acquiring the critical skills expected of a specialist anaesthesiologist.

Appointment is on a contract basis for a maximum period of four years, and it may become necessary to second or transfer staff to another hospital or institution during the training period, with consultation before any decision is implemented. Registrars must register as post-graduate students with Stellenbosch University in line with the applicable yearbook and guidelines, and should this university registration be discontinued for any reason, the Registrar appointment will also come to an end. Existing employees who are appointed to these posts may retain their current salary packages if they are already on higher levels and may receive pay progression; those in service who opt to continue their pension benefits will be required to resign after completing their registrarship if they are not appointed to advertised specialist positions. The Department of Health follows Employment Equity principles, and specific registrar posts may be identified as part of the Affirmative Action programme to build a representative specialist cadre. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and preference will be given to South African citizens or permanent residents with a valid identity document. No payment is required when applying for this post.