Specialty overview

Specialist Pain Medicine Physicians serve both as consultants to other physicians and as primary treating physicians to patients who suffer from acute or chronic pain and reduced physical function and mobility. Specialist Pain Medicine Physicians coordinate personalised, multidisciplinary treatments which may incorporate medication and procedural interventions.

Clinical practice

Specialist Pain Medicine Physicians within both public and private facilities, provide care across a broad spectrum which includes education, rehabilitation coordination and counselling on pain management for patients and their families. Specialist Pain Medicine Physicians are required to work collaboratively with other health care professionals and agencies to coordinate management plans for their patients.

Key statistics

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

77

Number of QLD specialists

411

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

1

Number of QLD new fellows

21

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

19

Number of QLD trainees

40.2

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 77

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 1

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 40.2 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 52 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 21% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2034

    This donut chart shows that 44% of 2024 workforce intend to retire by 2034.

  • Location in QLD

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 17.9% are located in regional QLD, 82.1% are in major cities, and 0% are in remote regions. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.

  • Proportion Female/Male - QLD

    67.9%
    male

    32.1%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 67.9%, Females are 32.1%.

  • Public vs Private

    71.5%
    private

    28.5%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 71.5%, Public is 28.5%.

Information on trainees

  • 19

    Number of QLD trainees

  • 7

    Number of new QLD trainees

  • 74

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 22

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in QLD

    65%
    male

    35%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 65%, Females are 35%.

Number of QLD trainees 2016-2026

This line chart shows the trend of the number of QLD trainees from 2016 to 2026. The data points are: 2016 - 13 trainees, 2017 - 15 trainees, 2018 - 16 trainees, 2019 - 19 trainees, 2020 - 19 trainees, 2021 - 23 trainees, 2022 - 29 trainees, 2023 - 20 trainees, 2024 - 15 trainees, 2025 - 16 trainees, 2026 - 19 trainees.

Training information

College

Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, Faculty of Pain Medicine (ANZCA-FPM)

Length of training

2 years full-time

Method of allocation

College-selected trainees may be allocated to a training post by:

  • Queensland Health facility (accredited for training)

Program overview

Pain medicine training is a post-specialisation program, with applicants to have either completed or be training towards a primary specialist qualification. Trainees undertake two mandatory stages of approved clinical experience (core training and practice development) with training designed to develop practical clinical skills in a supervised learning environment. Upon completing all requirements of the training program, trainees may apply for admission to Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FFPMANZCA).

Training and assessment summary

For detailed information in relation to training and assessment requirements, please contact ANZCA Faculty of Pain Medicine.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold current medical registration, hold a primary specialist qualification or have completed at least 3 years full-time equivalent training within that specialty.

Flexibility

Minimum 50% of full-time commitment. Training must be completed within 5 years.

Interrupted training

Application for interrupted training must be made prospectively to the Director of Professional Affairs.

Training locations

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Last updated:   February 2026

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