Specialty overview

Neurologists diagnose, treat and manage diseases affecting the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous systems and muscles. Neurologists care for patients with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and motor neurone disease and degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Neurologists additionally treat brain and spinal injuries, infections of the nervous systems such as meningitis, headaches and migraines, seizures, strokes and aneurysms.

Clinical practice

Neurologists work in both public and private health facilities, providing care for patients via treatments such as lumbar puncture, neuro-physiology and neuropsychology. Neurologists are often required to work as part of a team with other medical specialists and health care professionals, for example in a hospital stroke team or critical care team. Neurologists are also involved in patient rehabilitation and are often involved in the management of end-of-life care.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

12
eligible

5
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 12, Applicants selected is 5.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

85

Number of QLD specialists

619

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

7

Number of QLD new fellows

60

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

21

Number of QLD trainees

42.5

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 85

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 7

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 42.5 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 50 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 24% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2032

    This donut chart shows that 35% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.

  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 16.7% are located in regional Queensland, 83.3% 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

    72.2%
    male

    27.8%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 72.2%, Females are 27.8%.

  • Public vs Private

    42.6%
    private

    57.4%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 42.6%, Public is 57.4%.

Information on trainees

  • 21

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 7

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 166

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 63

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    38.1%
    male

    61.9%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 38.1%, Females are 61.9%.

  • 2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    12
    eligible

    5
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 12 Eligible applications were received, 5 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 - 9 trainees, 2016 - 12 trainees, 2017 - 13 trainees, 2018 - 15 trainees, 2019 - 20 trainees, 2020 - 22 trainees, 2021 - 20 trainees, 2022 - 21 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Helen Brown

Neurologist
Princess Alexandra Hospital

Clinical acumen, communication skills and an enquiring mind are exceptionally important attributes to make a good neurologist, in order to reach the correct diagnosis and to guide patient care. Neurology is a specialty where you will never get bored as even though patients may share a final common diagnosis it can present in a variety of different ways which always keeps it interesting.

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 facility (accredited for training)

Training and assessment summary

For detailed information in relation to training and assessment requirements, please contact RACP.

Training program overview

Neurology advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training, and trainees may choose to focus on either adult or paediatric neurology with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). The neurology training program incorporates work-based learning and assessment with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practise as a Neurologist 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