Respiratory and Sleep Medicine

Specialty overview

Respiratory physicians diagnose, treat and manage patients with diseases of the respiratory system, including diseases of the lungs, chest wall, pulmonary circulation and ventilatory control system. Sleep physicians diagnose, treat and manage patients with sleep-related conditions, including excessive snoring, sleep apnoea, insomnia, narcolepsy, circadian rhythm disorders and other abnormal conditions or events that occur during sleep.

Clinical practice

Respiratory and sleep physicians provide care within both public and private health care settings, working collaboratively with a variety of other specialists, including neurologists, psychiatrists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, surgeons and other physicians. Respiratory and sleep physicians provide care for their patients through respiratory function assessment, fibreoptic bronchoscopy, sleep monitoring, lung oncology as well as through the clinical management of all respiratory disorders.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

22
eligible

5
selected

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

143

Number of QLD specialists

761

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

41.2

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

143

Number of QLD specialists
12

Number of QLD new fellows
41.2 hours

Average weekly hours QLD
49 years

Average age QLD

Specialists over 60

This donut chart shows that 17% of specialists are aged over 60 years.
Specialist intending to retire by 2032

This donut chart shows that 32% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.
Location in Queensland

This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 14.1% are located in regional Queensland, 85.9% 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

78.5%
male

21.5%
female

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 78.5%, Females are 21.5%.
Public vs Private

39.6%
private

60.4%
public

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 39.6%, Public is 60.4%.

Information on trainees

26

Number of Queensland trainees
13

Number of new Queensland trainees
180

Number of Australian trainees
88

Number of new Australian trainees

Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

69.2%
male

30.8%
female

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 69.2%, Females are 30.8%.
2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

22
eligible

5
selected

This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 22 Eligible applications were received, 5 of those were selected.

Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022

What our staff have to say

Dr David Mackintosh

Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Specialist
Townsville University Hospital

Respiratory and sleep medicine is a profoundly impactful specialty which lends itself to clinicians interested in both diagnostic and procedural medicine. Our patients are frequently disadvantaged and often present with extreme health challenges, requiring careful manipulation of cardiorespiratory physiology as well as understanding of their psychosocial circumstances to achieve optimal outcomes. In addition to developing long term, meaningful relationships with people suffering chronic health conditions, there is also a great exposure to acute critical care, and we often need to work hand in hand with our critical care colleagues and perform timely procedural interventions which have an immediate clinical impact. There truly is something for everybody in this specialty!

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 Respiratory Medicine Advanced Training Pathway is a centralised state-wide recruitment process for advanced training positions in respiratory medicine and is supported by the Heads of Respiratory Medicine and/or Directors of Advanced Training at accredited Queensland hospitals.

Training program overview

Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Medicine advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). The respiratory medicine and sleep medicine training program incorporates work-based learning and assessment with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practise as a Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Medicine Specialist in Australia or New Zealand. Training is available in 3 different pathways - respiratory medicine, sleep medicine or dual training in respiratory medicine and sleep medicine.

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