Specialty overview

General medicine physicians diagnose, treat and manage patients with complex, chronic and multi-system disorders. A General Medicine Physician’s clinical practice is not limited by patient age, diagnostic category, stage of disease, treatment intent or clinical setting.

Clinical practice

General medicine physicians coordinate patient care across acute hospital and ambulatory settings. General medicine physicians work collaboratively with other specialists from a variety of disciplines, as well as with primary care providers and allied health professionals.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

58
eligible

26
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 58, Applicants selected is 26.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

391

Number of QLD specialists

1.331

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

36

Number of QLD new fellows

169

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

151

Number of QLD trainees

41.1

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 391

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 36

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 41.1 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 50 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 20% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2032

    This donut chart shows that 31% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.

  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 31.9% are located in regional Queensland, 67% are in major cities, and 1% are in remote areas. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.

  • Proportion Female/Male - QLD

    65.6%
    male

    34.4%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 65.6%, Females are 34.4%.

  • Public vs Private

    23.5%
    private

    76.5%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 23.5%, Public is 76.5%.

Information on trainees

  • 151

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 37

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 764

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 213

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    47%
    male

    53%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 47%, Females are 53%.

  • 2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    58
    eligible

    26
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 58 Eligible applications were received, 26 of those were selected.

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 - 153 trainees, 2016 - 141 trainees, 2017 - 153 trainees, 2018 - 151 trainees, 2019 - 148 trainees, 2020 - 137 trainees, 2021 - 193 trainees, 2022 - 151 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

A/Prof Manjit Pawar

General Medicine Physician
Townsville University Hospital

I chose general medicine for the sheer breadth of pathology and system knowledge needed to treat complex medical patients with multiple issues. I enjoy acute front door medicine with a focus on using my diagnostic skills like Dr House MD and treating critically ill patients and assessing their need for higher acuity care. This is allied with the care of complex patients in the internal medicine sphere, both inpatient and outpatient, with a need to focus on organic pathology, as well as understanding the psychosocial burden of these diseases and their effect on the individual. The beauty of this long term, holistic approach is the relationship built up with the patient to help them achieve their best health state, both physical and mental. Internal medicine is for the curious clinician with excellent communication skills who doesn’t like to be pigeon-holed to a single organ.

Training information

College

Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)

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 pathway/network (centrally coordinated)
  • Queensland Health facility (accredited for training)

Training and assessment summary

The Queensland General Medicine Advanced Training Network is a centralised state-wide recruitment process for advanced training positions in general medicine in accredited Queensland hospitals.

Training program overview

General and Acute Care Medicine advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). The general medicine program incorporates work-based learning and assessment with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practise as a General Medicine Physician in Australia or New Zealand.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold current medical registration, have completed RACP Basic Training (including Written and Clinical Examinations), and been appointed 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

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