Specialty overview

Public health physicians work is complex, multi-disciplinary and collaborative to promote, protect and improve the health of whole populations. Public health medicine training combines experience in clinical medicine with specialist fields relevant to the health of populations, including responding to communicable disease outbreaks and environmental threats; implementing strategies to prevent chronic disease, injury or mental illness; conducting research to improve understanding of epidemiology and factors influencing health; and developing policies that improve the health of the population and prioritise health equity.

Clinical practice

Public health physicians practise in senior medical positions across a variety of settings, including state and territory health departments, research, non-government organisations and the private sector. The work of Public Health Physicians is embedded within the social determinants of health and they are responsible for activities to protect and promote population health, including service delivery and strategic reform.

Key statistics

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

54

Number of QLD specialists

370

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

5

Number of QLD new fellows

22

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

20

Number of QLD trainees

37.3

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 54

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 5

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 37.3 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 53 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 35% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2033

    This donut chart shows that 63% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2033.

  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 35% are located in regional Queensland, 65% 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

    35%
    male

    65%
    female

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

  • Public vs Private

    11.1%
    private

    88.9%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 11.1%, Public is 88.9%.

    • Information on trainees

    • 20

      Number of QLD trainees

    • 3

      Number of new QLD trainees

    • 166

      Number of Australian trainees

    • 36

      Number of new Australian trainees

    • Proportion female/male trainees in QLD

      30%
      male

      70%
      female

      This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 30%, Females are 70%.

    Number of QLD trainees 2015-2023

    This line chart shows the trend of the number of QLD trainees from 2015 to 2023. The data points are: 2015 - 8 trainees, 2016 - 10 trainees, 2017 - 11 trainees, 2018 - 10 trainees, 2019 - 11 trainees, 2020 - 12 trainees, 2021 - 20 trainees, 2022 - 17 trainees, 2023 - 20 trainees.

    Training information

    College

    Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (RACP-AFPHM))

    Length of training

    3 years full-time (advanced training)

    Method of allocation

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

    • Queensland Health pathway/network (centrally coordinated)
    • Queensland Health facility (accredited for training)

    Training and assessment summary

    The Queensland Public Health Medicine Training Program - selection to training positions in Queensland are managed centrally by a panel comprised of Public Health Medicine Unit Directors from accredited facilities. For detailed information on the training program, please contact AFPHM.

    Training program overview

    Public health medicine advanced training is overseen by the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (AFPHM) and incorporates work-based learning and assessment. Successful trainees attain the qualification of Fellow (FAFPHM), with accreditation to practise as a Public Health Physician in Australia or New Zealand.

    Eligibility

    Applicants must hold current general medical registration, have completed at least 3 years of postgraduate medical experience and have completed or be enrolled in a Master of Public Health that satisfies the Faculty’s compulsory core discipline areas and have secured appointment 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: February 2026

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