Infectious Diseases

Infectious disease physicians deal with the diagnosis, treatment and control of infections, having extensive experience in all facets of infectious diseases, including HIV medicine and infections in immunocompromised patients. Infectious disease physicians are occupying an increasingly prevalent place in medicine, due to the increasing emphasis placed on the economic impact of infection and control measures, epidemiology and public health.

Infectious Diseases provides continuous diversity – both in ever-changing clinical presentations and the rich diversity of patients and their stories. This means that decades after starting my career, I still feel pumped up and excited at work almost every day!

Dr Krispin Hajkowicz
Infectious Diseases Physician

Clinical Practice

Infectious disease physicians practice within various clinical, laboratory and public health aspects of infectious disease medicine and microbiology, playing a key role in both the management of acute problems, and in long-term chronic care of their patients. Infectious disease physicians additionally play a predominant role in the provision of consulting services and expertise on matters pertaining to infection and public health.

Infectious Diseases – 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

30% 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) or 8 years full-time (3 years basic training, 2 years core infectious diseases training, 3 years core microbiology 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

The Queensland Infectious Diseases Advanced Training Network oversees the recruitment, allocation and selection of infectious disease trainees in Queensland. A state-wide approach ensures that candidates will enjoy a rounded and complete training experience.

Training program overview

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

Trainees may elect to undertake the infectious diseases and microbiology joint RACP/RCPA advanced training program, with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP and Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists Australasia (FRCPA) with accreditation to practise as an Infectious Diseases specialist and Microbiologist 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. Joint trainees must be registered with both the RACP and the RCPA and are required to sit the same examinations as RCPA trainees in microbiology, with the same standards applying.

Flexibility

Minimum 0.2 full-time equivalent commitment. Core and joint training must be completed within 8 and 12 years respectively.

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.

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Regional Training Pathways