Dermatology
Your Pathway into Dermatology training in North Queensland
Entry Requirements
- General medical registration
- Completion of PGY2
- Refer to the Australasian College of Dermatologists for further information on selection criteria and eligibility for the program.
Total Training Time
Total: 4 years (full-time)
- 24 months (full-time) Basic Training
- 24 months (full-time) Advanced Training
How To Apply
Prospective trainees must apply online via the Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD). Applications for selection into the training program are advertised in January/February each year for admission to the program the following year.
QLD Applicants must also submit an application through the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) campaign listing Dermatology as their primary preference in order for an employment contract to be issued by your allocated training facility.
Candidates should always discuss employment opportunities with their preferenced facilities or training programs before submitting an application. The hospital within our region accepting applications is Cairns Hospital. For more information on the campaign and application process go to the Queensland Health website.
Application Deadline
Key dates for application submission, assessment and selection rounds are available on the Queensland Health Recruitment Campaign website for application through the RMO campaign. Once the campaign closes, only your preferenced facilities or training programs can access your online application and attachments to assess and conduct meritorious recruitment activities. The facility or training program may contact candidates to discuss applications, employment opportunities or organise interviews.
Each specialty training college has different application dates so ensure you refer to the individual website for information. Consider these dates in conjunction with the RMO campaign key dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dermatologist?
A Dermatologist specialises in treating and resolving conditions of the hair, nails, and skin. The study of Dermatology is varied, involving the identification, therapy, and prevention of over 3,000 skin diseases and skin cancers. A significant focus of Dermatologists is treating diseases caused by sun exposure, for example melanoma diagnosis and treatment.
The skin problems Dermatologists treat and prevent include skin infections, monitoring of moles, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, problematic sweating, hair and nail disorders, and acne. Some Dermatologists also perform cosmetic procedures or treatments to recover the skin from damage from the sun, such as removing or enhancing the appearance of sunspots. Dermatologists can treat patients from newborns to adolescents to senior adults.
What abilities are important in this speciality?
Aside from the motivation, technical skills and knowledge there are several personal attributes which are highly regarded in top-performing Dermatologists:
- Empathy and compassion: treating patients with respect, especially when delivering complex or delicate news.
- Strong communicator: with the ability to deliver findings and treatment recommendations clearly and accurately to both patients and other health professionals such as nurses, pharmacists, and GPs.
- The ability to multi-task: the ability to balance supporting wider facility departments whilst managing patients in a high-demand role.
Can I break up my training over several years?
Most clinical Dermatology pathway programs are completed over several consistent years of training, and there’s good reason for this. While it is possible to break up your training across a longer timeframe, it is not recommended. When trainees break for periods greater than 12-24 months, some examinations and course materials will need to be re-completed or re-examined.
How many applicants get selected per year?
Approximately 3 trainees were chosen for the Dermatology training program in 2021 out of 89 eligible applicants. There are currently 552 specialists in Australia.
What is it like living in North Queensland?Â
There are countless reasons why North Queensland is one of the best places on the planet to work, live, and study. No matter what stage or age you are in, North Queensland offers a great balance between work and leisure.
Visitors and residents find the North Queensland lifestyle relaxed and laid-back. The people are friendly and welcoming. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, and hiking, and when the sun goes down, there are also many bars, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy.
North Queensland has the convenience of cities close by, all of which have reasonable housing costs and expansive landscapes to explore nearby. The region combines quality education and the chance to pursue a relaxed or adventurous lifestyle, depending on your preference. The area has a warm climate all year round, beautiful beaches and rainforests, and is home to a diverse range of cultures and lifestyles, making Northern Queensland hard to beat.
Each regional centre in North Queensland is small enough to escape the crowded nature of big city living, but they still have enough going on for you to socialise and entertain yourself. And with short commute times putting more hours back into your workday, you’ll have plenty of time to explore when offered the chance.
Networking and industry social opportunities frequently happen due to the tight-knit and collaborative nature of the health and hospital communities here. The vision to improve the health of the communities throughout the region, unites the students, interns, junior doctors, and specialists training and working here. Together we hope to address the shortage of doctors in North Queensland.
Our training region ensures trainees have access to a wide range of hospital and health settings of varying sizes and capabilities offering a diverse case load and case mix. These training areas include the following health service areas: Cairns, Central West, Mackay, North West, Torres and Cape, and Townsville.
References
- https://southderm.com.au/about/what-is-a-dermatologist/#:~:text=Dermatologists%20%E2%80%93%20An%20Overview,nail%20disorders%2C%20and%20occupational%20dermatitis
- https://www.aad.org/public/fad/what-is-a-derm
- https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/for-health-professionals/becoming-a-dermatologist/the-training-program/
- https://medinav.health.qld.gov.au/careers/dermatology/dermatology/
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website aims to assist medical students and doctors in training with medical career planning. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is current and accurate, all details should be verified through the relevant Specialist College.
NQRTH is an initiative of the Australian Government's Integrated Rural Training Pipeline (IRTP) and is facilitated by James Cook University in partnership with public and private hospitals, Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC), health services, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and GP clinics.
Cairns region
(07) 4226 8187
Central West region
(07) 4764 1547
Mackay region
(07) 4885 7122
North West region
(07) 4764 1547
Torres and Cape region
(07) 4095 6103
Townsville region
(07) 4781 3424