About the Role
The Eastern Cape Department of Health is seeking a dedicated Medical Officer (Grade 1-3) to join their Buffalo City Metro Forensic Pathology Services team located in Ku Gompo. This vital role contributes significantly to public health by performing medico-legal post-mortem examinations and ensuring thorough investigations into causes of death. The work you do will not only impact the lives of families seeking closure but will also uphold the integrity of the justice system in South Africa.
As a Medical Officer in this prestigious department, you will be at the forefront of forensic medicine, playing a crucial role in the community by providing expert evidence in court and formulating forensic second opinions. Your expertise will support the Clinical Unit and the Department, as you collaborate with Medical Specialists and contribute to the education of students in forensic pathology. This position is essential in providing a high standard of forensic pathology services, which ultimately serve the public and enhance community safety.
About the Department
The Eastern Cape Department of Health is committed to delivering accessible, effective, and comprehensive health services to all residents. The department’s mission focuses on improving health outcomes and ensuring a well-functioning health system that meets the needs of the community. Working here means being part of a dedicated team that strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of South Africans through quality healthcare services and public health initiatives.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct medico-legal post-mortem examinations and complete all necessary documentation and investigations.
- Prepare and finalize post-mortem reports within a defined turnaround period.
- Provide expert testimony in court regarding autopsies and related cases.
- Engage in the examination of incident cases and provide support to medical specialists.
- Assist in the education and training of medical students and forensic pathology officers.
- Participate in academic activities and contribute to the department’s training initiatives.
- Maintain high standards of clinical, professional, and ethical practices.
What You’ll Need
- An appropriate qualification allowing registration as a Medical Practitioner with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
- Grade 1: No post-registration experience required for SA qualified practitioners; 1-year relevant experience for foreign qualified practitioners.
- Grade 2: Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Medical Practitioner post-registration for SA qualified individuals; 6 years for foreign qualified.
- Grade 3: At least 10 years’ experience as a Medical Practitioner post-registration for SA qualified individuals; 11 years for foreign qualified.
- Ability to work independently and perform autopsies and crime scene investigations.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and forensic pathology theory and practice.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Resilience and capability to handle complex and sensitive situations.
How to Apply
Please refer to the application instructions below for submission details.
Requirements
Appropriate qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as Medical Practitioner.Registration with a professional council: Registration with the HPCSA as Medical Practitioner.
Experience: Grade 1: None after registration as Medical Practitioner with HPCSA in respect to SA qualified employees.
1-year relevant experience after registration as Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa.
Grade 2: A minimum of 5 years’ appropriate experience as Medical Practitioner after registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner in respect of SA qualified employees.
A minimum of 6 years’ relevant experience after registration as Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa.
Grade 3: A minimum of 10 years’ appropriate experience as a Medical Practitioner after registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner in respect of SA qualified employees.
A minimum of 11 years’ relevant experience after registration as Medical Practitioner with a recognised foreign Health Professional Council in respect of foreign qualified employees, of whom it is not required to perform Community Service as required in South Africa.
Ability to work independently to autopsies and crime scene investigation.
Good practical knowledge of forensic pathology (theory and practice).
Knowledge of the relevant legislations.
The incumbent to the post is expected to participate in weekend and after-hours work.
The incumbent may be required to undergo further training in the medico—legal investigation of un-natural death.
Knowledge of applicable parts Of Occupational Health Act and Risk assessment process.
Knowledge, Skills, Training and competencies: Ability to perform medico-legal post-mortem examinations and crime scene investigations.
Ability to work in multi-disciplinary team setting.
A certificate of competence as a forensic medical Officer or work experience in forensic pathology.
Excellent communication skills, including computer literacy.
Basic knowledge of forensic photography.
Ability to make well-founded decisions and conclusions.
Resilience and ability to work with fragmented and decomposed remains.
Ability to make a positive contribution in a busy department.
The incumbent is expected to partake in all the department's academic and training activities.
Provision Of a Forensic Pathology Service at a district level as delegated.
Produce reports of high quality.
Satisfactory level of professional Court attendance.
Maintain satisfactory clinical, professional and ethical standards related to Forensic Pathology Services.
Attend to administrative matters as required.
Job Duties
To perform medico-legal post-mortem examinations, complete all related investigations and documentation, and finalise post-mortem reports within a 12-week turnaround period.Compile and complete post-mortem reports and all related medico-legal documentation accurately and timeously.
Provide conclusion of causes of death based on ancillary investigation reports, as well as efficient expert evidence in court related to all autopsied above cases, 101 including formulating forensic second opinions as requested by the Department of Justice.
Attendance of and examination of incident cases.
Support to the Heads: Clinical Unit and Department, Medical Specialists and Safe Practices.
Personal development and academic contributions: Assist with teaching and training of medical and forensic students, forensic pathology officers in medico-legal autopsies and related investigations.
