Specialty overview

Medical oncologists investigate, study, diagnose, treat and manage benign and malignant growth, tumours, cancers and diseases.

Clinical practice

Medical oncologists work within both public and private facilities to provide holistic, multimodal care to patients with cancer. Medical Oncologists treat their patients through preventative and palliative medicine, using treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, molecular targeted agents and analgesics.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

10
eligible

10
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 10, Applicants selected is 10.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

126

Number of QLD specialists

790

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

3

Number of QLD new fellows

53

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

23

Number of QLD trainees

40.9

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 126

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 3

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 40.9 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 47 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 10% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2032

    This donut chart shows that 38% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.

  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 21.7% are located in regional Queensland, 78.3% 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

    60%
    male

    40%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 60%, Females are 40%.

  • Public vs Private

    31.1%
    private

    68.9%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 31.1%, Public is 68.9%.

Information on trainees

  • 23

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 6

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 204

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 51

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    43.5%
    male

    56.5%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 43.5%, Females are 56.5%.

  • 2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    10
    eligible

    10
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 10 Eligible applications were received, 10 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 - 28 trainees, 2016 - 21 trainees, 2017 - 19 trainees, 2018 - 20 trainees, 2019 - 22 trainees, 2020 - 22 trainees, 2021 - 23 trainees, 2022 - 23 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

A/Prof Melissa Eastgate

Medical Oncologist
RBWH

I enjoy the combination of a specialty where there is significant patient engagement over time, as well as the continuous exposure to new treatments and clinical trials. I appreciate the opportunity to engage with patients about their treatment choices and supporting them through their cancer journey as part of a multidisciplinary team.

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)

Training and assessment summary

The Queensland Medical Oncology Advanced Training Network oversees the recruitment, allocation and selection of medical oncology trainees in Queensland. The training program emphasises state-wide consistency and quality, in association with trainee equity, flexibility and choice. For detailed information in relation to training and assessment requirements, please contact RACP.

Training program overview

Medical oncology advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training, and trainees may choose to focus on either adult or paediatric medical oncology with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). The medical oncology training program incorporates work-based learning and assessment, with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practise as a Medical Oncologist 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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