Medical Doctor: Antarctica at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Requirements:

•  In possession of an appropriate medical qualification (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery or relevant qualification) recognised to practice as a General Practitioner in South Africa.
•  At least 5 years of experience and registered with the medical board HPCSA or similar authoritative body.
•  Must have practical experience in, and/or be able to respond to, the following fields.
•  General Medicine, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, ENT, Psychiatry and Mental Health Counselling.
•  Secondary areas include: Emergency Management, Anaesthetics and Intensive Care, Basic Surgery, Orthopaedics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Occupational and Industrial Medicine, Dentistry, Radiography, Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine.
•  Training may be provided in some of these areas before departure.
•  Applicants must provide proof of registration as a medical practitioner and details of any suspensions or other actions from relevant medical registering bodies.

Duties:

•  The Medical Doctor will be the sole medical practitioner to provide complete generalist medical, surgical and emergency dental care, to about 12 expedition members for up to 15 months, at SANAE Base in Antarctica.
•  This station accommodates about 12 people in winter and about 40 during summer (December to March).
•  He/She will also be required to render occupational medicine, nutrition, preparation of first-aids kits, inventory control of pharmaceuticals and equipment.
•  Medical support includes remote support from South African Military Health Service.
•  Additionally he/she will provide instruction and advice to fellow expeditioners on matters of health, medical procedures and first-aid.
•  Preparation of monthly and annual reports, do stock-takes to order supplies and equipment and do other common “non-medical” duties performed by expedition members.
•  Should the incumbent present a befitting profile, he/she could be nominated as
• the team leader of the expedition.
•  The successful incumbent will be required to perform the role of the onboard ship doctor en-route to Antarctica including pre-departure preparations.
•  During this period the Doctor will need to undergo the requisite training provided and comply with all policies and regulations governing the ship’s crew.