Nephrology

Specialty overview

Nephrologists diagnose, treat and manage patients with diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, and treat the medical problems related to these diseases.

Clinical practice

Nephrologists work within both public and private facilities, often caring for patients over a long period of time, and are required to coordinate patient care with primary care physicians, surgeons and other health professionals.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

26
eligible

6
selected

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

Number of QLD specialists

589

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

Number of QLD new fellows

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

Number of QLD trainees

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

99

Number of QLD specialists
7

Number of QLD new fellows
44 hours

Average weekly hours QLD
48 years

Average age QLD

Specialists over 60

This donut chart shows that 13% of specialists are aged over 60 years.
Specialist intending to retire by 2032

This donut chart shows that 28% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.
Location in Queensland

This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 26% are located in regional Queensland, 72.1% are in major cities, and 1.9% are in remote areas. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.
Proportion Female/Male - QLD

65.4%
male

34.6%
female

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 65.4%, Females are 34.6%.
Public vs Private

27.9%
private

72.1%
public

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 27.9%, Public is 72.1%.

Information on trainees

22

Number of Queensland trainees
7

Number of new Queensland trainees
138

Number of Australian trainees
44

Number of new Australian trainees

Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

45.5%
male

54.5%
female

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 45.5%, Females are 54.5%.
2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

26
eligible

6
selected

This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 26 Eligible applications were received, 6 of those were selected.

Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022

What our staff have to say

Professor David Johnson

Nephrologist
Princess Alexandra Hospital

Nephrology has offered me exposure to inspiring role models, intellectually stimulating and challenging cases, abundant teaching and strong research opportunities and career flexibility. I appreciate the ability to make an important difference to people’s lives – providing holistic continuity of care with ongoing relationships with patients over many years and often different treatment modalities.

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 Nephrology Advanced Training Pathway is a state-wide centralised process that supports applicants through a 3 year training program including 1 year guaranteed training in a transplant service. There still remain opportunities to be an advanced trainee in nephrology medicine in Queensland outside of this process. Applicants that are not successful in securing a position on the centralised pathway are still eligible for existing advanced training accredited positions that are within Queensland using this process. However a position on a transplant service will not be guaranteed.

Training program overview

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

Last updated: September 2024