Senior Registrar (Sub-Speciality): Paediatric Haematology Oncology
Advance Your Medical Career While Transforming Children’s Lives
Are you a qualified paediatric specialist ready to take your expertise to the next level? This Senior Registrar (Sub-Speciality) in Paediatric Haematology Oncology position offers a unique opportunity to deepen your clinical knowledge, gain sub-specialist training, and make a lasting difference in children’s healthcare. Based at the renowned Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Rondebosch, this 24-month contract is designed for dedicated professionals who are passionate about paediatric care and oncology.
With a competitive annual salary of R1,341,855, this role also provides flexibility, allowing a portion of the package to be structured according to your personal financial needs.
Key Opportunity Overview
This position is more than just a job—it is a career-defining training pathway toward becoming a certified Paediatric Oncologist. You will work within a highly respected healthcare environment while gaining exposure to complex and meaningful cases in both haematology and oncology.
The role combines clinical service delivery, teaching, research, and leadership, making it ideal for professionals who want a well-rounded and impactful medical career.
Minimum Requirements
Educational Qualifications
To qualify for this position, candidates must have:
- A qualification that allows registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Specialist in Paediatrics
- FCPaed and MMed (Paediatrics) as mandatory credentials
- Eligibility or current registration as a Specialist in Paediatrics with HPCSA
Academic Commitment
Successful applicants will be required to register as postgraduate students with the University of Cape Town, in line with academic programme requirements and institutional guidelines.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Willingness to participate in after-hours emergency services, including commuted overtime (up to 16 hours per week)
- Commitment to continuous professional development and training
Key Skills and Competencies
Clinical Expertise in Paediatrics
A strong foundation in general paediatrics at a postgraduate level is essential. Experience or a demonstrated interest in paediatric haematology and oncology will be highly advantageous.
Patient-Centred Care
Candidates must show a genuine passion for working with children and their caregivers. This includes understanding the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of paediatric care.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are critical. The role requires effective interaction with patients, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
The ability to respect and adapt to diverse cultural backgrounds is essential. This includes tailoring communication and care approaches to meet the needs of different patient groups.
Attention to Detail and Ethical Practice
Strong attention to detail, combined with a commitment to ethical conduct, patient safety, and confidentiality, is non-negotiable in this role.
Teaching and Leadership Ability
Candidates should be willing and able to supervise medical students and junior registrars, contributing to the development of future healthcare professionals.
Core Responsibilities
Clinical Service Delivery
You will provide comprehensive clinical care in paediatric haematology and oncology, as well as general paediatrics, across the Western Cape. This includes managing both inpatients and outpatients under the supervision of experienced sub-specialists.
You will also participate in after-hours duties, ensuring continuous, high-quality patient care.
Supervision and Team Coordination
A key part of your role will involve supervising junior medical staff, ensuring that patient care meets the highest standards. You will also coordinate with nurses and allied health professionals to ensure seamless service delivery.
Teaching and Mentorship
You will actively contribute to the training and education of undergraduate medical students and paediatric registrars. This includes facilitating learning sessions, bedside teaching, and clinical guidance.
Learning and Professional Development
This role is structured to support your sub-specialist training in paediatric haematology and oncology. You will rotate through different units within the hospital to gain comprehensive exposure.
You will also be required to:
- Maintain a training logbook.
- Prepare for and pass the College of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) Certificate Examination.
- Attend and present at academic meetings, journal clubs, and departmental discussions.
Research and Academic Growth
Research plays a central role in this position. You will:
- Participate in clinical research projects, audits, and trials.
- Conduct your own research project leading to a Master’s (MPhil) thesis through the University of Cape Town.
- Provide proof of research output as part of your certification requirements.
This ensures that you not only practice medicine but also contribute to advancing knowledge in the field.
Management and Administrative Responsibilities
You will be responsible for efficient administration within the paediatric haematology/oncology unit, including:
- Maintaining accurate patient records and clinical notes
- Generating medical reports and correspondence
- Providing feedback to referring doctors
- Contributing to clinical databases and ensuring the correct use of ICD-10 coding
Strong organisational skills are essential to manage these responsibilities effectively.
Work Environment and Expectations
This role is based in a high-performance clinical setting, where teamwork, dedication, and professionalism are essential. The hospital is known for its commitment to excellence in paediatric care, offering a supportive environment for learning and growth.
The position also requires flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to work in demanding situations, particularly during after-hours shifts.
Equity, Inclusion, and Application Notes
The Department of Health is committed to Employment Equity and transformation. Applications from candidates with disabilities are strongly encouraged, and representation across all groups is actively supported.
Important notes for applicants:
- No payment is required when applying for this position.
- Candidates currently employed who wish to retain pension benefits may need to resign upon completion of the registrarship if not appointed to a sub-specialist post.
- Ensure that you submit a comprehensive and updated CV.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via the Western Cape Government Health Jobs portal. Candidates are encouraged to apply early and ensure that all required documentation is included.
For further enquiries, you may contact:
- Prof A Davidson
- Tel: (021) 658-5570
- Email: alan.davidson@uct.ac.za
Why This Role Matters
This position offers the rare opportunity to combine clinical excellence, academic advancement, and meaningful impact. As a Senior Registrar in Paediatric Haematology Oncology, you will play a critical role in diagnosing, treating, and supporting children facing serious health challenges.
Your work will not only save lives but also bring hope to families and contribute to the future of paediatric medicine.
Final Thoughts
If you are driven by purpose, committed to excellence, and ready to specialise in one of the most impactful areas of medicine, this opportunity provides the perfect platform. With structured training, research opportunities, and hands-on clinical exposure, you will be well-positioned to become a leader in paediatric oncology.
Take the next step in your medical journey and be part of a team that is shaping the future of children’s healthcare.