Registrar (Medical) – General Surgery

Reference: POST 04/230
Contract Type: 5-Year Contract Post
Location: Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Western Cape, South Africa
Closing Date: 20 February 2026 at 17:00

Job Overview

Groote Schuur Hospital invites applications from suitably qualified medical practitioners for the position of Registrar (Medical) in General Surgery. This post forms part of an accredited surgical training platform and offers extensive exposure to tertiary, regional, and rural hospital environments, supporting clinical excellence, academic development, and research.

Salary Package

• Annual Salary: R1,001,349 per annum

A portion of the remuneration package may be structured according to the individual’s personal needs. Successful candidates will be required to participate in a system of remunerated commuted overtime.

Minimum Requirements

Educational Qualification

• An appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Practitioner.

Professional Registration

• Registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner (Independent Practice).

Inherent Job Requirements

• Compulsory participation in commuted overtime.
• Emergency and after-hours call cover.
• FCS (SA) Primary Examination.

Competencies and Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge, expertise, and experience in General Surgery clinical services.
• Appropriate and sufficient clinical experience post-MBChB and after completion of internal rotations.
• Post-community service experience in General Surgery.
• Previous research experience, including publications or conference presentations.
• Strong clinical judgement, problem-solving ability, and professional ethics.
• Ability to function effectively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Services

• Provision of operative general surgery services.
• Comprehensive patient care across inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Participation in emergency surgical services and on-call rotations.

Academic and Professional Responsibilities

• Teaching and supervision of junior medical staff and students.
• Participation in research, innovation, and academic development initiatives.
• Contribution to clinical governance, quality improvement, and patient safety.
• Leadership within the surgical service and training platform.

Training Platform and Rotations

Groote Schuur Hospital has adopted an ecosystem-based training platform. Registrars may be required to rotate across Metro West and Rural East hospitals, including:

• Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital
• New Somerset Hospital
• Mitchells Plain District Hospital
• Victoria Hospital
• George Provincial Hospital

Enquiries

• Contact Person: Prof L Cairncross
• Telephone: (021) 406 6229
• Email: melissa.mohamed@uct.ac.za

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online only via the Western Cape Government Health Jobs portal:

• Website: www.westerncape.gov.za/health-jobs
• Select “Online Applications”

Applicants must attach a current and comprehensive CV.

Important Notes

• No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post.
• Appointment as a Registrar is limited to a maximum contract period of five (5) years.
• Registrars are required to register as postgraduate students with the University of the Western Cape, in line with institutional guidelines.
• Applicants must indicate any bursary obligations.
• Existing employees on higher salary packages may retain their current salary level and will continue to receive pay progression.
• Employees who continue pension benefits during registrarship may be required to resign if not appointed to a Specialist post after completion.
• Should registration with the higher education institution be discontinued, the Registrar appointment will also terminate.
• Preference will be given to South African citizens or permanent residents with a valid identity document.
• Employment Equity principles apply. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Affirmative Action measures will be implemented to ensure a representative Specialist workforce.

Applicants who do not yet meet the stipulated registration requirements may apply, provided that proof of application for registration and proof of payment of the prescribed registration fees are submitted on or before the interview date. This concession applies only to first-time applicants for registration or changes in registration status.

Applications will be retained in a recruitment pool for three months from the date of the advert and may be considered for similar vacancies at Groote Schuur Hospital.