Specialty overview
Public health physicians work is complex, multi-disciplinary and collaborative to promote, protect and improve the health of whole populations. Public health medicine training combines experience in clinical medicine with specialist fields relevant to the health of populations, including responding to communicable disease outbreaks and environmental threats; implementing strategies to prevent chronic disease, injury or mental illness; conducting research to improve understanding of epidemiology and factors influencing health; and developing policies that improve the health of the population and prioritise health equity.
Clinical practice
Public health physicians practise in senior medical positions across a variety of settings, including state and territory health departments, research, non-government organisations and the private sector. The work of Public Health Physicians is embedded within the social determinants of health and they are responsible for activities to protect and promote population health, including service delivery and strategic reform.
Key statistics
Number of Queensland and Australian specialists
Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows
Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours
Information on specialists
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Specialists over 60
This donut chart shows that 45% of specialists are aged over 60 years. -
Specialist intending to retire by 2032
This donut chart shows that 69% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032. -
Location in Queensland
This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 31% are located in regional Queensland, 69% 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
42.9%
male57.1%
femaleThis doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 42.9%, Females are 57.1%. -
Public vs Private
11.1%
private88.9%
publicThis doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 11.1%, Public is 88.9%.
Information on trainees
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Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland
23.5%
male76.5%
femaleThis doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 23.5%, Females are 76.5%.
Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022
Training information
College
Length of training
3 years full-time (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 Public Health Medicine Training Program - selection to training positions in Queensland are managed centrally by a panel comprised of Public Health Medicine Unit Directors from accredited facilities. For detailed information on the training program, please contact AFPHM.
Training program overview
Public health medicine advanced training is overseen by the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (AFPHM) and incorporates work-based learning and assessment. Successful trainees attain the qualification of Fellow (FAFPHM), with accreditation to practise as a Public Health Physician in Australia or New Zealand.
Eligibility
Applicants must hold current general medical registration, have completed at least 3 years of postgraduate medical experience and have completed or be enrolled in a Master of Public Health that satisfies the Faculty’s compulsory core discipline areas 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.