REGISTRAR (MEDICAL) (SURGERY: GENERAL) (X2 POSTS) (5 Year Contract)

This position offers a two-post opportunity for a qualified medical professional to serve as a Registrar in General Surgery at Groote Schuur Hospital in Observatory, Cape Town, within a five-year contract arrangement. The role is situated within a major academic and training hospital and forms part of the broader Western Cape Department of Health training platform. Registrars appointed here may be expected to work across the department’s ecosystem, including rotations at Metro West and Rural East hospitals such as Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, New Somerset Hospital, Mitchells Plain District Hospital, Victoria Hospital, and George Provincial Hospital. The post is structured as an OSD-graded position with a competitive package, and a portion of the package can be tailored to individual needs.

Candidates must hold an appropriate qualification that permits registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Practitioner, and must be registered with the HPCSA in Independent Practice. The role requires the FCS (SA) primary examination as an inherent requirement, with the FCS (SA) intermediate examination also listed among the desired competencies. Applicants need to demonstrate sufficient and appropriate clinical experience since obtaining their MBChB degree, including completion of internal rotations, and must have post-community service experience specifically in General Surgery. Prior research involvement, such as publications or conference presentations, is also expected. Commuted overtime is compulsory, and candidates must be available for emergency and after-hour call cover.

The duties of the Registrar span clinical service, operative surgery, patient care, teaching, leadership, innovation, research, and clinical governance. This means the successful candidate will provide surgical care to patients, perform operative procedures, contribute to the teaching of junior staff and students, engage in research activities, and participate in governance structures to ensure high standards of care. The role is designed to develop specialists who can contribute to a representative specialist cadre.

Applicants who do not yet have the stipulated registration may still apply, provided they submit proof of application for registration and payment of fees before the interview, but this concession applies only to those registering for the first time in a specific category. Registrars will need to register as postgraduates with the University of the Western Cape in line with the relevant yearbook and guidelines, and appointments may discontinue if that registration lapses. Employment equity principles apply, with specific registrar posts identified for affirmative action; candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference is given to South African citizens or permanent residents with a valid ID. Existing employees on higher salary packages may retain their current salary and receive pay progression. Appointees should note that if they are already in service and opt to continue pension benefits, they may be required to resign after the registrarship if they are not appointed to specialist posts. Applicants must also disclose any bursary obligations. This is a demanding but rewarding training position for surgeons committed to public sector service.