Job Details: Medical Specialist (Orthopedic) Grade 1–3
Free State Department of Health
- Reference Number: H/M/38/2026
- Position: Medical Specialist (Orthopedic)
- Number of Posts: 1
- Institution: Bongani Regional Hospital
- Location: Welkom
Salary Package
Grade 1
- R1,395,528 – R1,479,723 per annum
Grade 2
- R1,592,274 – R1,688,553 per annum
Grade 3
- R1,884,151 – R2,301,186 per annum
Remuneration Package
The all-inclusive package consists of:
- 70% basic salary
- 30% flexible portion (structured according to applicable government rules)
- Optional Medical Aid benefits (subject to qualifying requirements)
Main Purpose of the Position
To provide specialised orthopedic medical services, including diagnosis, treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, clinical leadership, teaching, supervision, quality assurance, and outreach services. The incumbent will ensure the delivery of high-quality orthopedic healthcare services while supporting training, governance, research, and clinical excellence within the hospital and the broader Free State health system.
Key Responsibilities
1. Specialist Orthopedic Clinical Services
- Diagnose and manage orthopedic conditions and injuries.
- Provide specialist consultation services to inpatients and outpatients.
- Assess, investigate, and formulate treatment plans.
- Perform orthopedic surgical procedures and interventions.
- Manage trauma-related orthopedic emergencies.
- Monitor patient progress and rehabilitation outcomes.
- Ensure continuity of care and appropriate follow-up treatment.
2. Patient Care and Management
- Deliver comprehensive specialist orthopedic care.
- Counsel patients and family members regarding:
- Diagnosis
- Treatment options
- Surgical procedures
- Potential complications
- Recovery and rehabilitation
- Ensure ethical and patient-centred care.
- Promote patient safety and quality healthcare outcomes.
3. Emergency and Critical Care Support
- Participate in emergency and trauma management.
- Apply advanced life support principles where required.
- Support resuscitation and critical care management of severely injured patients.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during emergencies.
4. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services
- Order and interpret:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- Laboratory investigations
- Other diagnostic procedures
- Prescribe appropriate medications and treatment interventions.
- Assist with specialised medical and surgical procedures.
5. Teaching and Training
- Supervise junior doctors, interns, community service officers, and medical officers.
- Participate in clinical teaching and mentoring activities.
- Support continuous professional development programmes.
- Transfer clinical knowledge and specialist skills to healthcare personnel.
6. Leadership and Supervision
- Provide leadership within the orthopedic unit.
- Guide clinical decision-making and patient management.
- Support departmental service delivery objectives.
- Promote teamwork and collaboration among healthcare professionals.
7. Clinical Governance and Quality Assurance
- Participate in clinical governance activities.
- Conduct clinical audits and quality improvement initiatives.
- Monitor healthcare outcomes and performance indicators.
- Ensure compliance with healthcare quality standards.
- Promote evidence-based clinical practice.
8. Documentation and Medico-Legal Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate patient records and documentation.
- Complete medico-legal reports and documentation.
- Ensure compliance with legal and professional standards.
- Minimise medico-legal risks through proper clinical practice and record keeping.
9. Outreach and Support Services
- Provide outreach services to healthcare facilities within the Free State Province.
- Support district and regional healthcare institutions.
- Assist with specialist consultations and capacity building in referral facilities.
- Strengthen specialist healthcare services across the province.
10. Research and Continuous Improvement
- Participate in clinical research activities.
- Analyse clinical data and outcomes.
- Support innovation and service improvement initiatives.
- Contribute to evidence-based healthcare practices.
11. Administrative Responsibilities
- Participate in departmental meetings and planning activities.
- Assist with operational management within the clinical unit.
- Submit reports and performance information as required.
- Perform reasonable duties assigned by:
- Head of Department
- Head of Clinical Unit
- Senior Medical Specialists
12. Commuted Overtime Duties
- Perform compulsory commuted overtime duties in accordance with departmental policies.
- Participate in after-hours, weekend, and emergency service rosters.
Minimum Requirements
Educational Qualifications
Applicants must possess:
- Senior Certificate (Grade 12).
- MBChB degree or equivalent medical qualification.
- Appropriate specialist qualification in Orthopedic Surgery that allows registration as a Medical Specialist in Orthopedics.
Professional Registration
Applicants must have:
- Current registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Specialist in Orthopedics.
- Current HPCSA annual registration for 2026/2027.
Experience Requirements
Grade 1
- No post-registration specialist experience required.
Grade 2
- Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience after registration as a Medical Specialist in Orthopedics with the HPCSA.
Grade 3
- Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience after registration as a Medical Specialist in Orthopedics with the HPCSA.
Required Knowledge
The successful candidate should possess knowledge of:
Clinical Orthopedics
- Trauma and fracture management.
- Joint and bone disorders.
- Musculoskeletal conditions.
- Orthopedic surgical techniques.
- Rehabilitation principles.
Healthcare Legislation and Governance
Knowledge of:
- Public Service regulations.
- Clinical governance frameworks.
- Professional healthcare ethics.
- Medico-legal requirements.
- Quality assurance standards.
Professional Regulatory Requirements
Understanding of standards and requirements of:
- Health Professions Council of South Africa
- Colleges of Medicine of South Africa
- Office of Health Standards Compliance
- University of the Free State
Essential Clinical Certifications
The following certifications are advantageous and relevant:
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
- Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS)
Required Skills and Competencies
Clinical Skills
- Specialist orthopedic diagnosis and treatment.
- Surgical competence.
- Trauma management.
- Clinical decision-making.
- Patient assessment and management.
Leadership Skills
- Team leadership.
- Clinical supervision.
- Mentoring and coaching.
- Service coordination.
Communication Skills
- Excellent verbal communication.
- Medical report writing.
- Patient counselling.
- Interpersonal effectiveness.
Analytical Skills
- Clinical problem-solving.
- Research and analysis.
- Critical thinking.
- Clinical audit participation.
Personal Attributes
- Compassion and empathy.
- Professional integrity.
- Stress tolerance.
- Commitment to excellence.
- Adaptability and resilience.
- Attention to detail.
Teamwork Skills
- Ability to function within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Collaborative approach to patient care.
- Effective stakeholder engagement.