Public Health Medicine

Public health physicians work is complex, multi-disciplinary and collaborative to promote, protect and improve the health of whole populations. Public health medicine training combines experience in clinical medicine with specialist fields relevant to the health of populations, including responding to communicable disease outbreaks and environmental threats; implementing strategies to prevent chronic disease, injury or mental illness; conducting research to improve understanding of epidemiology and factors influencing health; and developing policies that improve the health of the population and prioritise health equity.

Clinical Practice

Public health physicians practise in senior medical positions across a variety of settings, including state and territory health departments, research, non-government organisations and the private sector. The work of Public Health Physicians is embedded within the social determinants of health and they are responsible for activities to protect and promote population health, including service delivery and strategic reform.

Public Health 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

69% 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 Faculty of Public Health Medicine (RACP-AFPHM))

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 Public Health Medicine Training Program - selection to training positions in Queensland are managed centrally by a panel comprised of Public Health Medicine Unit Directors from accredited facilities. For detailed information on the training program, please contact AFPHM.

Training program overview

Public health medicine advanced training is overseen by the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (AFPHM) and incorporates work-based learning and assessment. Successful trainees attain the qualification of Fellow (FAFPHM), with accreditation to practise as a Public Health Physician in Australia or New Zealand.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold current general medical registration, have completed at least 3 years of postgraduate medical experience and have completed or be enrolled in a Master of Public Health that satisfies the Faculty’s compulsory core discipline areas 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

Explore postgraduate training pathways in regional Queensland.

Visit Northern Queensland Regional Training Hubs

Visit The University of Queensland Regional Training Hubs