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Emergency Medicine

Emergency Medicine

Emergency Medicine

Your Pathway into Emergency Medicine training in North Queensland

Entry Requirements

  • Full general medical registration at the time of application  
  • Have citizenship or permanent residency or, have approval to undertake training by date of commencement of training, including appropriate visa. 
  • Completion of PGY2 
  • Have completed the following placements:  
    • (a) a minimum of six (6) FTE months in a single1 Emergency Department in Australia and/ or New Zealand, during or after PGY2, of which each contributing placement must have a minimum duration of two (2) consecutive FTE months and be completed entirely within the date range specified by the College; and  
    • (b) a minimum of three (3) full postgraduate terms in three (3) different disciplines other than emergency medicine, at least one (1) of which must be completed during or after PGY2, where a full term is defined as a minimum of eight (8) FTE weeks of continuous clinical work. 

Refer to the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine for further information on selection and eligibility criteria

Total Training Time

Total: 5 years (full time)

Trainees have 12 years to complete the FACEM Training Program, of which:

  • Up to 3 years may be spent in Training Stage One.
  • Up to a combined total of 8 years may be spent in Training Stages Two and Three.
  • Trainees have any remaining time of the overall 12 years to complete Training Stage 4.

Please see here for details of the Training stage program 

How to Apply

Prospective trainees must first apply for selection into the FACEM Training Program and may apply in either Round 1 or Round 2 but may submit only one application per year. Once selected into FACEM Training, registrars can apply for positions through the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) campaign.  

When applying to the Queensland Health RMO Campaign, candidates can preference up to five hospitals at step 10 in the process. Before applying, candidates should always discuss employment opportunities with their preferred facilities or training programs. The hospitals within our region accepting applications are Townsville University Hospital, Mackay Base Hospital, Cairns Hospital and Mt Isa Hospital. For more information on the campaign and application process, go to the Queensland Health website. 

Application Deadline

There are two rounds each year:  

Round 1: May  

Round 2: August  

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect as an Emergency Medicine trainee?

As an Emergency Medicine (EM) trainee, you can expect a variety of in-depth training in the acute care of children, adolescents, and adults. You will learn how to manage the full spectrum of medical emergencies, becoming an expert in making quick decisions to provide immediate and safe care.

You will work with a variety of other health professionals to coordinate urgent care.

Can I break up my training over several years?

Although trainees can break up their training across several years, it is not advised to do so. 
Pausing the training for 1 year or more will mean the trainee must re-sit some assessments. Meanwhile, taking a break for 2 years or more may result in the trainee revisiting old content and material. Therefore, most trainees complete the Emergency Medicine training program in one block. 

Can I do part-time training?

Yes. College approval to work part-time is not required. Part-time training must meet minimum placement duration requirements and be undertaken at a minimum of 0.5 FTE of the full-time position. Trainees who train part-time must also remain within the maximum limits allowed for completion of all requirements of all Stages of Training and the FACEM Training Program as a whole. 

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