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

61

Number of QLD specialists

393

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

0

Number of QLD new fellows

17

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

17

Number of QLD trainees

35.1

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 61

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 0

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 35.1 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 56 years

    Average age QLD

  • 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%
    male

    57.1%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 42.9%, Females are 57.1%.

  • Public vs Private

    11.1%
    private

    88.9%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 11.1%, Public is 88.9%.

Information on trainees

  • 17

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 4

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 106

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 40

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    23.5%
    male

    76.5%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 23.5%, Females are 76.5%.

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 - 8 trainees, 2016 - 10 trainees, 2017 - 11 trainees, 2018 - 10 trainees, 2019 - 11 trainees, 2020 - 12 trainees, 2021 - 20 trainees, 2022 - 17 trainees.

Training information

College

Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (RACP-AFPHM))

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.

Training locations

Last updated: September 2024