Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic surgeons diagnose, treat and manage patients with disorders and conditions which affect the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, ligaments. Orthopaedic surgeons use both surgical and non-operative means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumours, and congenital disorders.

Clinical Practice

Orthopaedic surgeons work within both public and private facilities, providing emergency and elective surgical services and outpatient care. Orthopaedic Surgeons often also provide outreach surgical services to regional, rural and remote patients. Procedures commonly performed by orthopaedic surgeons include total hip replacement, fracture repair, spinal fusion, shoulder arthroplasty and carpal tunnel release.

Statistics and information - Orthopaedic Surgery

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

40% 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 Surgeons (RACS)

Length of Training

5 years full-time

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 RACS.

Training program overview

Orthopaedic surgery trainees are selected directly into the sub-specialty and progress through the SET (Surgical Education and Training) program, an integrated program designed to provide clinical and operative experience to enable trainees to use surgical, medical, physical and rehabilitative methods in the care of the musculoskeletal system. The main components of SET training are placements in hospital posts, short courses (skills and specialty-specific), research and assessments. Upon completing all requirements of the training program, trainees may apply for admission to Fellowship of RACS.

Eligibility

Applicants must have permanent residency or citizenship of Australia and New Zealand at the time of registration and hold general (unconditional) medical registration in Australia or general scope or restricted general scope registration in the relevant specialty in New Zealand. Applicants are also required to have successfully completed the RACS Hand Hygiene Learning Module and RACS Let’s Operate With Respect eModule and have passed the RACS Generic Surgical Science Examination (GSSE). In addition, applicants must have completed a minimum of 26 working weeks of orthopaedic surgery experience in the 2 years immediately prior to application, successfully completed a state-licenced Radiation Safety Course. Further details are available from RACS.

Flexibility

Minimum 50% of full-time commitment however trainees must apply to the relevant specialty board at least 6 months prior to the proposed commencement of part-time training. Training must be completed within 9 years.

Interrupted training

Interruptions are permitted for a variety of reasons. Planned interrruptions should be applied for by the end of May the year piror. Unplanned interruptions can be applied for anytime.

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Northern Queensland

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Data Sources