Specialty overview

Clinical radiologists diagnose and treat diseases and injuries through the use of medical imaging techniques such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, position emission tomography (PET), fusion imaging or ultrasound. Interventionist radiologists carefully manipulate needles, catheters and wires around the body to treat a variety of conditions including tumours, kidney stones or blocked arteries. Some radiologists may additionally specialise in areas of interest including mammography, musculoskeletal imaging, cardiac imaging or paediatric imaging.

Clinical practice

Clinical radiologists work collaboratively with other medical practitioners and specialists to diagnose and treat patients through the use of medical imaging. Many clinical radiologists additionally pursue areas of interest, including interventional radiology, neuroradiology, breast imaging, paediatric imaging and musculoskeletal imaging.

Key statistics

2026 QLD Training program selections(first year)

168
eligible

29
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 168, Applicants selected is 29.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

397

Number of QLD specialists

2015

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

16

Number of QLD new fellows

76

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

128

Number of QLD trainees

40.3

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 397

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 16

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 40.3 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 50 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 20% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2033

    This donut chart shows that 34% of 2023 workforce intend to retire by 2033.

  • Location in QLD

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 17.1% are located in regional QLD, 82.7% are in major cities, and 0.2% are in remote regions. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.

  • Proportion Female/Male - QLD

    72.5%
    male

    27.5%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 72.5%, Females are 27.5%.

  • Public vs Private

    66%
    private

    34%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 66%, Public is 34%.

Information on trainees

  • 128

    Number of QLD trainees

  • 19

    Number of new QLD trainees

  • 636

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 89

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in QLD

    69%
    male

    31%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 68.3%, Females are 31.7%.

  • 2026 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    168
    eligible

    29
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2026 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 168 Eligible applications were received, 29 of those were selected.

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 - 88 trainees, 2017 - 92 trainees, 2018 - 98 trainees, 2019 - 102 trainees, 2020 - 103 trainees, 2021 - 89 trainees, 2022 - 101 trainees, 2023 - 95 trainees, 2024 - 128 trainees, 2025 - 125 trainees, 2026 - 128 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Kate McLean

Radiologist
Princess Alexandra Hospital

I love putting the pieces of the puzzle together and working out diagnoses for patients. Radiology offers an opportunity to be involved in interesting cases across all specialties – assisting clinicians to interpret the imaging too, so they can do what is best and safest for their patients.

Training information

College

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR)

Length of training

5 years full-time

Method of allocation

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

  • Queensland Health facility (accredited for training)

Training and assessment summary

For detailed information in relation to training and assessment requirements, please contact RANZCR.

Training program overview

Clinical radiology training provides broad experience in all current imaging modalities, commencing with general radiology training leading to more system-focused rotations in the final years to acquire the knowledge and experience required to become a competent and safe clinical radiologist. Training incorporates work-based learning and assessment within practice across a variety of settings, including metropolitan and regional/rural. Upon completing all requirements of the training program, trainees may apply for admission to Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) to practice as a Clinical Radiologist across a range of sub-specialty areas including interventional radiology, neuroradiology and breast imaging.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold registration as a medical practitioner and have completed at least 2 years in an approved hospital as a junior doctor.

Flexibility

Minimum 50% of full-time commitment.Training must be completed within 10 years.

Interrupted training

Allowed for up to 12 months at any one time, each case will be considered on an individual basis. A return to training plan may be required following an interrupted training period of 12 months or more.

Training locations

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Last updated: May 2026

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