Specialty overview

Geriatricians provide comprehensive care for patients who are later in life, and have expertise in the diagnosis and management of complex and multifactorial internal medicine disorders that impact on their patients cognitive and functional status.

Clinical practice

Geriatricians work within both public and private health care settings, occupying a unique and expanding level of importance in health care delivery due to Australia’s ageing population. Geriatrician’s are required to work collaboratively with other physicians, with surgeons and with other health care professionals to manage a range of diverse presentations.

Key statistics

2025 QLD Training program selections(first year)

20
eligible

20
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 20, Applicants selected is 20.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

154

Number of QLD specialists

1074

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

16

Number of QLD new fellows

88

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

20

Number of QLD trainees

39.5

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 154

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 16

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 39.5 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 47 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 12% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2032

    This donut chart shows that 29% of 2023 workforce intend to retire by 2033.

  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 19% are located in regional Queensland, 81% are in major cities, and 0% are in remote areas. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.

  • Proportion Female/Male - QLD

    43.8%
    male

    56.2%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 46.2%, Females are 53.8%.

  • Public vs Private

    22.6%
    private

    77.4%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 22.6%, Public is 77.4%.

Information on trainees

  • 65

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 20

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 376

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 110

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    28
    male

    72%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 28%, Females are 72%.

  • 2025 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    20
    eligible

    20
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2025 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 20 Eligible applications were received, 20 of those were selected.

Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022

This line chart shows the trend of the number of Queensland trainees from 2015 to 2022. The data points are: 2015 - 38 trainees, 2016 - 32 trainees, 2017 - 42 trainees, 2018 - 38 trainees, 2019 - 31 trainees, 2020 - 34 trainees, 2021 - 57 trainees, 2022 - 61 trainees, 2023 - 65 trainees.

Training information

College

Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA)

Length of training

6 years full-time (3 years basic training, 3 years advanced training)

Method of allocation

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

  • Queensland Health pathway/network (centrally coordinated)

Training and assessment summary

The Queensland Geriatric Medicine Advanced Training Pathway is a centralised state-wide recruitment process for advanced training positions in geriatric medicine in accredited Queensland hospitals.

Training program overview

Geriatric medicine advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). The geriatric medicine program incorporates work-based learning and assessment, with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practise as a Geriatrician in Australia or New Zealand.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold current medical registration, have completed RACP Basic Training (including Written and Clinical Examinations), and been appointed to an appropriate Advanced Training position.

Flexibility

Minimum 0.2 full-time equivalent commitment. Training program must be completed within 8 years.

Interrupted training

Allowed. Interruptions of more than 12 continuous months may require the development of a Return to Training Plan in collaboration with a supervisor and approval from the relevant training committee.

Training locations

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Last updated: September 2024

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