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Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Your Pathway into Gastroenterology training in North Queensland

Entry Requirements

  • General medical registration
  • Completion of Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Basic Physician Training, including the RACP written and clinical examinations
  • Employment in an accredited Advanced Training position
  • Refer to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians for further information about selection into the training program

Total Training Time

Total: 6 years (full-time)

Basic Adult Medicine: 36 months (full-time)

  • 24 months (full-time) core training (including 3 months of General and Acute Care Medicine and 12 months in medical specialities)
  • Maximum of 12 months of non-core training

OR

Basic Paediatric and Child Health: 36 months (full-time)

  • Minimum of 24 months (full-time) core training (including a minimum of nine months in General Paediatric Medicine, three months in Paediatric Emergency Medicine, three months of Neonatology in a perinatal unit, and three months in a Paediatric medical speciality)
  • Maximum of 12 months (full-time) non-core training

THEN

Advanced Gastroenterology Training: 36 months (full-time)

  • 24 months (full-time) core training
  • 12 months maximum (full-time) non-core training

How To Apply

Applicants will first need to complete Basic Physician training through either the Queensland Basic Physician Training (Adult Medicine) Network or Queensland Basic Paediatric Training Network. Applications to either network must be submitted through the Resident Medical Officer (RMO Campaign).Advanced Gastroenterology training positions are managed centrally through the Queensland Gastroenterology Training network and applicants must submit an application to the network through the  Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Campaign. See the application guide for further details on how to preference the network.

Applicants must also apply to the Advanced Training in Gastroenterology Program through RACP.

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 the Townsville University Hospital and 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 and 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 can I expect as a Gastroenterology trainee?

A Gastroenterology trainee can expect to have specialised training in the prevention, investigation, treatment, and research into illnesses involving the gastrointestinal tract and liver. The training combines practical learning and assessment tools to prepare you for independent practice.

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A Gastroenterologist is a specialist physician in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. Gastroenterologists are trained to conduct investigative diagnostic procedures such as gastroscopy, X-rays, CT scans, blood and stool tests, colonoscopy, or endoscopy. These procedures help pinpoint the cause of stomach and intestinal conditions and diseases. Among other diagnostic indicators, these tests are designed to understand digestive system motility and how well someone’s body absorbs and utilises nutrients. Gastroenterologists help their patients overcome coeliac disease, hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, colitis, gastro-oesophageal disease, gallbladder and biliary tract diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease.

What abilities are important in this specialty?

Gastroenterology is a complex and varied specialty field. Apart from the applied learning and technical skills gained in the advanced training, there are several attributes of reputable Gastroenterologists, which are listed below.  

Good leadership

Great Gastroenterologists are excellent leaders who can direct and coordinate other health professionals. Effective communication and coordination will help health professionals to work as a team to produce positive health outcomes for patients.  

Attention to detail 

Attention to detail is critical in the identification and diagnosis of medical conditions. Gastroenterologists need to meticulously understand and interpret results to identify, diagnose, and ultimately improve their patient’s quality of life. 

Decision making & problem-solving 

To successfully manage patients’ gastrointestinal problems or diseases, Gastroenterologists need to make quick decisions whilst managing multiple patients at a time. These specialists need to be effective problem solvers to coordinate care for patients safely and efficiently.

Can I break up my training over a number of years?

Although you can break up your training, it is not advised. Pausing the training for one year or longer will mean re-sitting some assessments. Meanwhile, taking a break for longer than two years may mean some examinations and course materials will need to be re-completed or re- examined. Therefore, most trainees complete the Gastroenterology training in one block. 

How many applicants get selected per year?

The number of trainees selected per year varies. In 2021, 6 applicants were chosen to enter their first year of training in Queensland from 36 eligible applications. Across Australia, there were 143 trainees in 2019, with 56 of those new to the trainee program. In total, there were 895 specialists in Australia in 2019. 

What is it like living in North Queensland?

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, Northern 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

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