Palliative Medicine

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

What attracted me to palliative medicine was the notion that rather than just treating illnesses, it is about celebrating the essence of life, even in its twilight. Choosing to specialise in this field is not just a career decision; it’s a profoundly human choice rooted in empathy, compassion, and the desire to make a difference in the most delicate moments of people’s lives. As palliative care physicians, we can rewrite the narrative of suffering and challenge the notion that illness is solely a battle to be won or lost. Instead, we redefine it as a journey to be travelled with comfort and dignity.

We aim to assist individuals in discovering beauty and significance in a world that may feel increasingly limited. By doing so, we find fulfilment and the profound privilege of simply being present for them during their journey towards peace, dignity, and a life well-lived, right until the very end.

Dr Claus Bader
Director of Palliative Care - Townsville University Hospital

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.

Palliative Medicine – 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

37% 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.

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College

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

Length of Training

3 years full-time (adult palliative medicine advanced training) / 18 months full-time (paediatric palliative care 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, trainees may choose to focus on either adult or paediatric palliative medicine 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. AChPM also offers a Clinical Diploma in Palliative Medicine which 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 (including Written and Clinical Examinations) or hold a Fellowship of a chapter approved college or faculty and have secured appointment 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.

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Regional Training Pathways

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Northern Queensland

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