Clinical Pharmacology

Clinical pharmacologists are experts in the science of pharmaceuticals and how they interact with humans. Clinical pharmacologists play a key role in improving patient care through the safe and effective use of medicines.

Clinical pharmacology is a specialty like no other. The opportunities to engage with colleagues across all specialties and all levels of experience, to make an impact at the population through to the individual patient level, to participate in diverse and interesting national, state and health district medicines policy discussions and combine all this with another specialty of your choice is genuinely unique.

 

No week is ever the same and no two Clinical Pharmacologists perform exactly the same job. I quickly became hooked – it is well considering in your career path.

Dr Joel Iedema
Clinical Pharmacologist

Clinical Practice

Clinical pharmacologists work in a wide variety of clinical settings, providing academic leadership through education and research, developing national prescribing curricula and guidelines and providing expert advice to hospital, state and national drug regulation procedures.

Clinical Pharmacology – Information

Number of specialists - QLD (2021)

Number of new fellows - QLD

Number of specialists - AUS (2021)

Number of new fellows - AUS

Average weekly hours
QLD

Average Age
QLD

% Aged 60+
QLD

0% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032

Proportion Female/Male - QLD

Male
Female

Location - QLD

Regional
Major cities

Public/Private QLD

Private
Public

Number of trainees - QLD

Number of new trainees - QLD

Number of trainees - AUS

Number of new trainees - AUS

Proportion Female/Male trainees - QLD

Female
Male

2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year)

Eligible Applications Received
Applicants Selected

The data on this page compares the number of applicants that were selected to commence their first year of training in Queensland in 2023 to the total number of eligible applications*

The data was sourced from the relevant medical specialist college, or from selection committees coordinated by a Queensland Health pathway/network, or an individual facility.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This data reflects a point in time figure for the selection of applicants commencing the first year of an accredited training program in the 2023 clinical year.

* eligible applications are determined by selection committees according to the eligibility criteria and required documentation prescribed by the relevant medical specialist college.

The data on this page compares the number of applicants that were selected to commence their first year of training in Queensland in 2023 to the total number of eligible applications.

See more.

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
  • Queensland Health pathway/network (centrally coordinated)
  • 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

Clinical pharmacology advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). Training incorporates work-based learning and assessment, with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practice as a Clinical Pharmacologist 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.

Click a location to learn more
Regional Training Pathways