Specialty overview

Rehabilitation medicine physicians assess, diagnose and treat a patient’s mobility and function after injury, illness or a chronic condition, to maximise the patient’s independence and to maintain or improve their quality of life.

Clinical practice

Rehabilitation physicians work collaboratively with other health professionals, carers and families to develop patient-centred, individualised treatment plans. Rehabilitation physicians maximise the restoration of the physical, cognitive, psychosocial and vocational functions of their patients, to maintain their health and prevent secondary complications of disability.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

15
eligible

13
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 15, Applicants selected is 13.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

85

Number of QLD specialists

554

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

7

Number of QLD new fellows

32

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

61

Number of QLD trainees

38.9

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 85

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 7

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 38.9 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 47 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 14% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2032

    This donut chart shows that 23% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.

  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 15.2% are located in regional Queensland, 84.8% 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

    39.2%
    male

    60.8%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 39.2%, Females are 60.8%.

  • Public vs Private

    38.5%
    private

    61.5%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 38.5%, Public is 61.5%.

Information on trainees

  • 61

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 15

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 268

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 60

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    36.1%
    male

    63.9%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 36.1%, Females are 63.9%.

  • 2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    15
    eligible

    13
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 15 Eligible applications were received, 13 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 - 39 trainees, 2016 - 47 trainees, 2017 - 47 trainees, 2018 - 44 trainees, 2019 - 46 trainees, 2020 - 46 trainees, 2021 - 52 trainees, 2022 - 61 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Leslie Gan

Rehabilitation Medicine Physician
Logan Hospital

  • Rehabilitation medicine allows me an opportunity to help disabled people regain meaning and quality of life. As a rapidly growing area of health care, it allows me to think and work in innovative ways to promote good mental and physical health.

Training information

College

Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (RACP-AFRM)

Length of training

4 years full-time (general rehabilitation medicine advanced training) / 3 years full-time (paediatric rehabilitation medicine advanced training)

Method of allocation

College-selected trainees may be allocated to a training post by:

  • College

Training and assessment summary

For detailed information on the training program, please contact AFRM.

Training program overview

Rehabilitation medicine advanced training is overseen by the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFRM) and may be undertaken in either General or Paediatrics. The program includes a series of training modules to build core competencies in rehabilitation medicine and work-based learning and assessment requirements. Successful trainees attain the qualification of Fellow (FAFRM), with accreditation to practise as a Rehabilitation Physician in Australia or New Zealand.

Eligibility

To register for general rehabilitation medicine, applicants must hold current medical registration, have completed 2 years of postgraduate supervised training in general medical and surgical areas in the last 5 years and have secured appointment to an appropriate advanced training position. To register for paediatric rehabilitation medicine, applicants must hold current medical registration, have completed RACP Basic Training requirements (including the Written and Clinical Examinations) and have secured appointment to an appropriate advanced training position.

Flexibility

Minimum 0.2 full-time equivalent commitment. Training must be completed within 10 years for general rehabilitation medicine and 8 years for paediatric rehabilitation medicine.

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