Palliative Medicine

Palliative medicine physicians provide specialist end-of-life care to patients who are suffering terminal illnesses and chronic health conditions.

I was drawn to Palliative Medicine whilst living in Borneo where I witnessed suffering in all its dimensions at the end of life. Witnessing also the restoration of quality of life through the provision of palliative care was life changing. Seeking to provide holistic care by understanding the person in the context of their progressive life-limiting illness goes to the very essence of why one chooses to practice medicine.

 

It is a privilege to be part of a palliative care team where there are great challenges and yet rewarding experiences improving end of life care.

Associate Professor Carol Douglas
Palliative Medicine Physician

Clinical Practice

Palliative medicine physicians work as part of multidisciplinary teams within both public and private health care settings. Palliative medicine physicians provide care for their patients by relieving pain and symptoms of illness, optimising their quality of life. While Palliative medicine physicians treat the physical aspects of illness, they are also required to integrate psychological and spiritual aspects of care.

Statistics and information - Palliative Medicine

Number of specialists - QLD

Number of new fellows - QLD

Number of specialists - AUS

Number of new fellows - AUS

Average weekly hours
QLD

Average Age
QLD

% Aged 60+
QLD

44% of 2018 workforce intend to retire by 2028

Proportion Female/Male - QLD

Male
Female

Location - QLD

Regional
Major cities
Remote

Public/Private QLD

Private
Public

Number of trainees - QLD

Number of new trainees - QLD

Number of trainees - AUS

Number of new trainees - AUS

PGY new trainees - QLD

Proportion Female/Male - QLD

Female
Male

College

Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (RACP-AChPM)

Length of Training

3 years full-time (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

The Queensland Palliative Medicine Advanced Training Pathway manages applications for advanced trainee positions from eligible applicants undertaking either palliative medicine advanced training or a Clinical Diploma of Palliative Medicine in Queensland.

Training program overview

Palliative medicine advanced training is overseen by the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (AChPM), 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 Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) / Fellowship of the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine (FAChPM) with accreditation to practise as a Palliative Care Physician in Australia or New Zealand. Diploma of Palliative Medicine - The Clinical Diploma in Palliative Medicine is a 6 month qualification designed to encourage medical practitioners to spend time in palliative medicine as part of their vocational training and continuing professional development.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold current medical registration, have completed either RACP basic training requirements or hold fellowship of a chapter approved college or faculty and have secured appointment to an appropriate advanced training position.

Flexibility

Minimum 40% of full-time commitment. Training must be completed within 8 years.

Interrupted training

Allowed. Interruptions of more than 12 continuous months may require additional assessments (determined on a case-by-case basis). Interruptions of more than 24 continuous months may require additional training time and/or assessments (determined on a case-by-case basis).

Click a location to learn more
Regional Training Pathways

Explore postgraduate training pathways in regional Queensland.

Northern Queensland

Visit Northern Queensland Regional Training Hubs

Visit The University of Queensland Regional Training Hubs

Data Sources