Specialty overview

Addiction medicine physicians provide comprehensive care to patients who suffer from a range of addiction disorders, including patients who suffer drug and alcohol addiction or pharmaceutical dependency.

Clinical practice

Addiction medicine physicians work within both public and private facilities to improve the health outcomes of their patients. Addiction medicine physicians also play an important role in shaping public policy in the areas of health protection, prevention and health promotion, thereby improving public and population health outcomes.

Key statistics

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

28

Number of QLD specialists

160

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

0

Number of QLD new fellows

13

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

5

Number of QLD trainees

29.6

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 28

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 0

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 29.6 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 63 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 73% of specialists are aged over 60 years.
  • Specialist intending to retire by 2032

    This donut chart shows that 73% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.
  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 9.1% are located in regional Queensland, 90.9% are in major cities, and 0% are in remote areas. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.
  • Proportion Female/Male - QLD

    72.7%
    male

    27.3%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 72.7%, Females are 27.3%.
  • Public vs Private

    9.1%
    private

    90.9%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 9.1%, Public is 90.9%.

Information on trainees

  • 5

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 2

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 55

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 15

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    0%
    male

    100%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 0%, Females are 100%.

Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022

This line chart shows the trend of the number of Queensland trainees from 2015 to 2022. The data points are: 2015 - 3 trainees, 2016 - 2 trainees, 2017 - 3 trainees, 2018 - 2 trainees, 2019 - 3 trainees, 2020 - 4 trainees, 2021 - 3 trainees, 2022 - 4 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Jeremy Hayllar

Director of Alcohol & Drug Services
Biala Community Health Service

Seeing change happen and witnessing people getting back on track is very rewarding. Of course each patient has agency, however good management of their substance use disorder can really support their recovery.

Training information


College

Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine (RACP-AChAM)


Length of training

6 years full-time (3 years basic training, 3 years advanced training)


Method of allocation

College-selected trainees may be allocated to a training post by:

  • Queensland Health facility (accredited for training)

Training and assessment summary

For detailed information in relation to training and assessment requirements, please contact RACP-AChAM.


Training program overview

Addiction medicine advanced training is overseen by the Chapter of Addiction Medicine (AChAM) following completion of requirements for basic training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). Training incorporates work-based learning and assessment which builds on existing cognitive and practical skills, with successful trainees attaining the qualification of Fellowship of AChAM.


Eligibility

Applicants must hold current medical registration, have completed either RACP Basic Training requirements or hold fellowship of a chapter approved college or faculty, and have secured appointment to an appropriate Advanced Training position.


Flexibility

Minimum 0.2 full-time equivalent commitment. Training program must be completed within 8 years.


Interrupted training

Allowed. Interruptions of more than 12 continuous months may require the development of a Return to Training Plan in collaboration with a supervisor and approval from the relevant training committee.

Training locations

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Last updated: September 2024