Welcome to Doc Direct

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How it works

 

Are you a specialist surgeon who occasionally finds yourself in need of a GP or MO to assist you in the operating theater when your regular assistant is unavailable? Perhaps you require an assistant but hesitate to approach someone new due to uncertainty about their surgical capabilities.

As a GP or MO, you may have a keen interest in participating in surgical procedures, but the challenge lies in being asked to assist on a theater schedule.

That’s where Surgical Assistant comes in. We offer a comprehensive platform where GPs/MOs can register their availability to provide assistance in the theater. Surgeons can then utilise our services to connect with vetted GPs/MOs who are ready to lend their support in the operating theater.

Surgical Assistant acts as a convenient one-stop solution for surgeons, ensuring they can find qualified theater assistants within a reasonable timeframe, regardless of the time of day.

We understand the importance of timely and reliable assistance in the surgical setting, and our platform is designed to meet those needs effectively.

Our Services

On-Demand Surgical Assistants

We connect surgeons with qualified GPs and MOs who are available to provide skilled assistance in the operating theater. Whether it’s a planned procedure or a last-minute need, we make sure support is just a request away.

GPs & MOs Availability Registry

GPs and MOs can register their availability on our platform, giving them the opportunity to gain valuable surgical exposure and broaden their professional experience.

Verified & Vetted Professionals

All assistants on our platform are carefully screened to ensure they meet the highest standards of capability and professionalism, giving surgeons peace of mind when selecting support.

One-Stop Solution

No more uncertainty or time-consuming calls. Our service provides a single, trusted point of contact for finding surgical assistants whenever you need them.

Reliable, On-Demand Surgical Support

We provide surgeons with immediate access to vetted GPs and MOs who are ready to step into the operating theater—ensuring procedures run smoothly without delays, even when regular assistants are unavailable.

Why Work With Us

Trusted Network

We carefully vet every GP and MO on our platform, ensuring surgeons are connected only with qualified, capable professionals

Time-Saving

No more last-minute scrambling or endless phone calls. With our platform, finding an assistant is quick, simple, and reliable.

Flexibility

Whether it’s an emergency case or an elective procedure, our service adapts to your schedule and connects you with support when you need it most.

Professional Growth

For GPs and MOs, this is a unique opportunity to gain surgical exposure, build skills, and collaborate directly with specialists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions, Answered

Our process is simple, but there are always questions that need answers to.
If though, the answers aren’t here, feel free to reach out and we’ll get you that answer.

How does registration work?

Simple. Step 1 is to register on our website.

After the site vetting procedure, our admin staff will send you a link to upload your documents and do the full registration.

Our 2nd step of vetting and verification will now take place. If you have been successfully vetted, our admin team will send you a follow up email with confirmation and instructions on what to expect.

What does the vetting process entail?

Vetting with TSA aligns with the vetting requirements of major hospital groups in South Africa, ensuring clinical governance and adequate risk mitigation. From a medico-legal perspective, each private hospital group conducts its own risk assessments for doctors wishing to practice or assist in their facilities. To streamline your registration journey, The Surgical Assistant has integrated vetting with all major groups.

To get started, simply register on our platform and follow the step-by-step guide. We require a certified copy of your ID, HPCSA registration, professional degree, two references, work and experiential documents.

You will also need general FICA documents, such as proof of residence, verification of your degree, and any additional courses or diplomas completed. TSA also requires experiential details to cross-reference whether you’re eligible to assist in theatre.

How will I be notified of cases?

All cases are currently communicated via WhatsApp Broadcast. When an opportunity arises, a message is sent to all eligible doctors on our platform. To receive these broadcasts, you need to save the Surgical Assistant Support number on your phone. Typically, we receive “for replies” within a minute or two of sending the WhatsApp. Candidates are then considered based on their experience, proximity to the hospital, and whether they have assisted the surgeon previously.

If the surgeon agrees, we notify the successful candidate directly via WhatsApp and send a meeting request via email, indicating the date, time, place, and the surgeon they will be assisting.

Will I get cases straight away?

Ideally, yes. We are building a platform that offers regular assisting opportunities for all assistants affiliated with TSA. Over the last 12 months, TSA has experienced significant growth, and we now have more than 1,000 registered doctors across Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban. Currently, supply exceeds demand, so the chance of an immediate opportunity is slim. Cases are allocated based on availability, experience, and proximity.

How often are cases available?

Cases are distributed frequently but depend on surgeon requests. Some surgeons request an assistant weekly, others monthly, while some only require cover when their regular assistant is unavailable.

Where is TSA based?

We currently have teams servicing Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, and Johannesburg — soon expanding to the Eastern Cape.

When can I expect payment?

Some surgeons pay directly after the procedure. Some groups pay monthly, while others pay on a 45–60-day cycle.
The WCA (Workmen’s Compensation Act) takes between 2–8 months.