Supernumerary Fellowship/Speciality Training Program
Supernumerary Fellowship Training in the Department of Surgery, University of the
Witwatersrand.
Thank you for your enquiry regarding Specialist General Surgery training. The Department is
committed to training specialist General Surgeons and Other Subspecialists from underserved
countries, primarily low-income countries. Doctors from these countries must arrange their
own funding for this training as no formal employment opportunities exist in South Africa.
Should you be interested in pursuing this opportunity, the application process, including
meeting the regulatory requirements, is a long process and can take up to 9 months to
complete. The University will assist you with this process.
Admission requirements.
The applicant must have completed a recognized medical degree and be registered as a doctor.
The completed application process must be followed and includes
1. ECFMG registration of your medical training
2. SNR Application form to be completed and submitted to the Faculty of Health Science Post
Graduate OWice. (download form: /media/wits-university/faculties-andschools/
health-sciences/student-documents/postgraduate/SNR%20Application%20-
%20Formal%20Degree%20studies.pdf)
3. Registration with the HPCSA in the appropriate category
4. Valid work permit and Visa for the duration of the training.
5. Pass the relevant Recognised Surgical Exit exam
6. Proof of registration of good standing in your current (or most recent if unemployed )
professional body
Training Program
You will be incorporated into the full registrar training. The training platform includes up to four
Academic Central Hospitals, 3 State Facilities Hospitals, and one Private Hospital. Impeccable
surgical skill set and professional excellence are not negotiable. You have to be able to
converse freely in English.
The training program lasts 2 years; however, you will be asked to complete a 3-4 month
evaluation period working in a designated unit, which will lengthen your training period to at
least 2.5 years. This may also facilitate your integration into the Training platform. At the end of
the 3-4 months period, you will again be evaluated, and a determination will be made regarding
your suitability to join the appropriate Fellowship Training program.
Therefore, the final decision regarding your acceptance onto the program will only be made at
this stage of the process and may include a formal interview. Your specific rotation will be
tailored according to the fellowship program you will be involved in.
You are expected to make your own arrangements for financial support. This includes the
accommodation, sustenance finances, registration expectations, and examination payments.
You are allocated 4 weeks of annual leave a year, which can only be taken as a maximum of 2
weeks in a block. If more extended leave is required, this should be arranged so that you
take 2x 2 weeks in consecutive blocks. This request should be submitted to the HOD at least 6
months in advance.
You will be expected to sit for the Fellowship exit examination or certification after satisfactory
performance during the 2-year program.
You are accepting this training as part of the university’s outreach program to improve care in
underprivileged regions outside South Africa. By joining this program, you undertake to
continue serving in your community outside this country. You will, therefore, not be seeking to
join the HPCSA or serve in South Africa.
The Department reserves the right to decide on your application without prejudice.
Useful contacts:
Prof MS Moeng: HOD
Maeyane.moeng@wits.ac.za
Tel : +27 -11 -717-2010/2570
Ms D Subroyen: Senior Administrator
Dyanadree.subroyen@wits.ac.za
Tel: +27-11-717-2080
Ms K Dow, Departmental Secretary
Karen.dow@wits.ac.za
Tel : +27 -11 -717-2010/2570
Faculty of Health Science Postgraduate Office
Ms Naomi Senamela – Administrative Assistant – Supernumerary Registrars
Naomi.senamela@wits.ac.za
Tel: +27-11-717-2098
Professor MS Moeng,
Academic Head, Department of Surgery,
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Head of Trauma
Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital