Specialty overview

Rheumatologists diagnose, treat and manage patients who suffer diseases that affect joints, muscles and bones, including arthritis, musculoskeletal conditions and autoimmune diseases.

Clinical practice

Rheumatologists provide care within both public and private health care settings, working collaboratively with other doctors and health professionals to help their patients manage pain and preserve musculoskeletal function.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

18
eligible

6
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 18, Applicants selected is 6.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

60

Number of QLD specialists

367

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

4

Number of QLD new fellows

11

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

18

Number of QLD trainees

33

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 60

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 4

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 33 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 49 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 25% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2032

    This donut chart shows that 39% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.

  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 13.8% are located in regional Queensland, 86.2% 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

    52.3%
    male

    47.7%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 52.3%, Females are 47.7%.

  • Public vs Private

    58.7%
    private

    41.3%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 58.7%, Public is 41.3%.

Information on trainees

  • 18

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 7

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 79

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 33

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    38.9%
    male

    61.1%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 38.9%, Females are 61.1%.

  • 2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    18
    eligible

    6
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 18 Eligible applications were received, 6 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 - 6 trainees, 2016 - 8 trainees, 2017 - 9 trainees, 2018 - 12 trainees, 2019 - 14 trainees, 2020 - 13 trainees, 2021 - 17 trainees, 2022 - 18 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Paul Kubler

Rheumatologist
RBWH

  • As a rheumatologist, you can look forward to developing genuine long-term treatment relationships with a diverse group of patients, take part in exciting research opportunities and enjoy a good work-life balance. Many of the conditions we deal with are chronic multisystem conditions that require a broad knowledge of medicine. Rheumatologists are often asked to figure out the most difficult diagnostic cases. Choosing rheumatology could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make!

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:

  • College

Training and assessment summary

The Queensland Rheumatology Advanced Training Network is a centralised recruitment and selection process that is coordinated by the Australian Rheumatology Association Queensland.

Training program overview

Rheumatology advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). The rheumatology training program incorporates work-based learning and assessment, with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practise as a Rheumatologist in Australia or New Zealand.

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

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Last updated: September 2024