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General Paediatrics

General Paediatrics

General Paediatrics

Your Pathway into General Paediatrics training in North Queensland

Entry Requirements for Advanced Training General Paediatrics

Total Training Time

Total: 6 years (full-time)

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

  • Minimum 24 months (full-time) core rotations including a minimum of 9 months in general paediatric medicine, 3 months in paediatric emergency medicine, 3 months of neonatology in a perinatal unit, and 3 months in a paediatric medical speciality
  • Minimum 9 months at a Level 3 teaching hospital over the duration of training
  • Maximum of 12 months (full-time) non-core training
  • For more information on basic training, visit RACP's Paediatrics and Child Health Handbook.

 Advanced General Paediatrics: 36 months (full-time)

  • 24 months (full-time) core training: including 12 months of General Paediatrics (6 months in a rural setting, 6 months at a setting with a perinatal component), 6 months of acute care training and 6 months of community/development training
  • 12 months (full-time) non-core training

How To Apply

In order to apply for a specialist training position in General Paediatrics, you will first need to complete Basic Physician Training. This can be applied for via the Queensland Basic Paediatric training network.

Applicants can secure an Advanced Training position at an accredited training site, by applying to the Queensland General Paediatric Advanced Training Network. The network offers an optional two-year program that allows trainees to meet all core requirements for general paediatric advanced training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), including the community/developmental component. Applicants must apply to the QLD General Paediatric Advanced Training Network online through the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) campaign. See the application guide for further details on how to preference the network.

Before applying, candidates should always discuss employment opportunities with their preferred facilities or training programs. The hospital within our region accepting applications is Townsville University 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 General Paediatrics trainee?

Those choosing to study General Paediatrics can expect to explore in-depth the expert diagnosis, treatment and care for infants, children and young people aged up to 19 years. The program uses applied learning through work-based learning and assessment tools to build the skills and experience of the trainee. By applying a variety of learnings and assessments, the program meets the requirements of a variety of trainees, their learning styles, and applicable real-life scenarios. Trainees will be supervised in practical applications of General Paediatrics until they are deemed ready for independent practice as a consultant. 

What is a General Paediatrician? 

Paediatricians are specially trained medical professionals who diagnose, treat, and provide medical care for infants, children, and adolescents (0-19 years old). The care provided by a Paediatrician can range from simple to complex medical issues relating to the child's physical, mental, and behavioural development. Additionally, Paediatricians are responsible for the identification, treatment, or management of acute or chronic illnesses in babies, children, and teenagers. The medical conditions overseen by Paediatricians include: 

  • cancer
  • genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome
  • disabilities such as cerebral palsy
  • developmental delays
  • chronic diseases such as diabetes
  • infectious diseases such as meningitis
  • asthma and allergies
  • autism spectrum disorder

What abilities are important in this specialty?

Apart from the obvious educational requirements of advanced training in General Paediatrics, Paediatricians must have a calm temperament and the ability to manage children and their families. The best Paediatricians are personable and strong communicators, with the ability to simplify and explain complex health conditions and their treatments to children. With many competing demands, Paediatricians are good at leading and organising other health care professionals. They work well under pressure and can make decisions that will enhance infants, children, and adolescents' quality of life. Finally, Paediatricians must be mentally capable of managing a high-stress occupation with highly sensitive patients and families. 

Can I break up my training over several years?

General Paediatrics is a comprehensive course with in-depth skills applied to diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders in children. Most people who study General Paediatrics typically have a high level of passion and dedication to the field and complete the course with one consistent stint of intensive hands-on training. With careful planning, trainees can manage to take breaks. However, breaks for more than one year will require some course material to be re-visited or re-assessed. 

How many applicants get selected per year?

In Australia, the number of applicants for the General Paediatrics Pathway changes annually. As an indicative number, 52 applicants were accepted for General Paediatrics Training in Queensland in 2021 out of 117 eligible applications received. As of 2019, 436 specialists practice in Queensland, and 2,197 specialists operate Australia-wide. The proportion of private vs public sector workers in Queensland is skewed, with approximately 27% of the specialists working in private practice and 73% working in public health facilities. 

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, all with a diverse case load and case mix. Our 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