Specialty overview

Infectious disease physicians deal with the diagnosis, treatment and control of infections, having extensive experience in all facets of infectious diseases, including HIV medicine and infections in immunocompromised patients. Infectious disease physicians are occupying an increasingly prevalent place in medicine, due to the increasing emphasis placed on the economic impact of infection and control measures, epidemiology and public health.

Clinical practice

Infectious disease physicians practice within various clinical, laboratory and public health aspects of infectious disease medicine and microbiology, playing a key role in both the management of acute problems, and in long-term chronic care of their patients. Infectious disease physicians additionally play a predominant role in the provision of consulting services and expertise on matters pertaining to infection and public health.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

20
eligible

9
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 20, Applicants selected is 9.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

56

Number of QLD specialists

414

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

8

Number of QLD new fellows

30

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

27

Number of QLD trainees

41.6

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 56

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 8

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 41.6 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 47 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 18% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2032

    This donut chart shows that 30% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.

  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 19.7% are located in regional Queensland, 80.3% 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

    53.5%
    male

    46.5%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 53.5%, Females are 46.5%.

  • Public vs Private

    26.5%
    private

    73.5%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 26.5%, Public is 73.5%.

Information on trainees

  • 27

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 7

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 169

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 45

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    59.3%
    male

    40.7%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 59.3%, Females are 40.7%.

  • 2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    20
    eligible

    9
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 20 Eligible applications were received, 9 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 - 39 trainees, 2016 - 28 trainees, 2017 - 26 trainees, 2018 - 25 trainees, 2019 - 31 trainees, 2020 - 31 trainees, 2021 - 24 trainees, 2022 - 27 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Christopher Heather

Director of Infectious Diseases
Townsville University Hospital

Being an infectious diseases specialist requires me to continuously be on my toes – taking into account clues from my patients, their environment and microbiology – to solve complex diagnostic problems. Working in North Queensland means that I see interesting and challenging clinical scenarios every day.

Training information

College

Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)

Length of training

6 years full-time (3 years basic training, 3 years advanced training) or 8 years full-time (3 years basic training, 2 years core infectious diseases training, 3 years core microbiology training)

Method of allocation

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

  • Queensland Health pathway/network (centrally coordinated)

Training and assessment summary

The Queensland Infectious Diseases Advanced Training Network oversees the recruitment, allocation and selection of infectious disease trainees in Queensland. A state-wide approach ensures that candidates will enjoy a rounded and complete training experience.

Training program overview

Infectious diseases advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). The infectious diseases training program incorporates work-based learning and assessment, with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practise as an Infectious Diseases specialist in Australia or New Zealand.

Trainees may elect to undertake the infectious diseases and microbiology joint RACP/RCPA advanced training program, with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP and Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists Australasia (FRCPA) with accreditation to practise as an Infectious Diseases specialist and Microbiologist 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. Joint trainees must be registered with both the RACP and the RCPA and are required to sit the same examinations as RCPA trainees in microbiology, with the same standards applying.

Flexibility

Minimum 0.2 full-time equivalent commitment. Core and joint training must be completed within 8 and 12 years respectively.

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