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. 

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 

• https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-do-paediatricians-do
• https://medinav.health.qld.gov.au/careers/medicine/paediatrics-and-child-health/
• https://www.racp.edu.au/trainees/advanced-training/advanced-training-programs/general-paediatrics