Palliative Medicine

Specialty overview

Palliative medicine physicians provide specialist end-of-life care to patients who are suffering terminal illnesses and chronic health conditions.

Clinical practice

Palliative medicine physicians work as part of multidisciplinary teams within both public and private health care settings. Palliative medicine physicians provide care for their patients by relieving pain and symptoms of illness, optimising their quality of life. While Palliative medicine physicians treat the physical aspects of illness, they are also required to integrate psychological and spiritual aspects of care.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

15
eligible

11
selected

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

Number of QLD specialists

391

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

37.6

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

68

Number of QLD specialists
8

Number of QLD new fellows
37.6 hours

Average weekly hours QLD
50 years

Average age QLD

Specialists over 60

This donut chart shows that 22% of specialists are aged over 60 years.
Specialist intending to retire by 2032

This donut chart shows that 37% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.
Location in Queensland

This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 15.4% are located in regional Queensland, 84.6% 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

36.9%
male

63.1%
female

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 36.9%, Females are 63.1%.
Public vs Private

23%
private

77%
public

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 23%, Public is 77%.

Information on trainees

24

Number of Queensland trainees
16

Number of new Queensland trainees
126

Number of Australian trainees
52

Number of new Australian trainees

Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

37.5%
male

62.5%
female

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 37.5%, Females are 62.5%.
2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

15
eligible

11
selected

This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 15 Eligible applications were received, 11 of those were selected.

Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022

What our staff have to say

Dr Claus Bader

Director of Palliative Care
Townsville University Hospital

What attracted me to palliative medicine was the notion that rather than just treating illnesses, it is about celebrating the essence of life, even in its twilight. Choosing to specialise in this field is not just a career decision; it’s a profoundly human choice rooted in empathy, compassion, and the desire to make a difference in the most delicate moments of people’s lives. As palliative care physicians, we can rewrite the narrative of suffering and challenge the notion that illness is solely a battle to be won or lost. Instead, we redefine it as a journey to be travelled with comfort and dignity. We aim to assist individuals in discovering beauty and significance in a world that may feel increasingly limited. By doing so, we find fulfilment and the profound privilege of simply being present for them during their journey towards peace, dignity, and a life well-lived, right until the very end.

Training information

College

Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (RACP-AChPM)

Length of training

3 years full-time (adult palliative medicine advanced training) / 18 months full-time (paediatric palliative care 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 Palliative Medicine Advanced Training Pathway manages applications for advanced trainee positions from eligible applicants undertaking either palliative medicine advanced training or a Clinical Diploma of Palliative Medicine in Queensland.

Training program overview

Palliative medicine advanced training is overseen by the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (AChPM). Following completion of requirements for basic training, trainees may choose to focus on either adult or paediatric palliative medicine with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). Training incorporates work-based learning and assessment, with successful trainees attaining the qualification of Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) / Fellowship of the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (FAChPM) with accreditation to practise as a Palliative Care Physician in Australia or New Zealand. AChPM also offers a Clinical Diploma in Palliative Medicine which is a 6 month qualification designed to encourage medical practitioners to spend time in palliative medicine as part of their vocational training and continuing professional development.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold current medical registration, have completed either RACP Basic Training requirements (including Written and Clinical Examinations) or hold a 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

Last updated: September 2024