Neurosurgery

Specialty overview

Neurosurgeons diagnose, treat and manage patients who suffer from diseases and conditions affecting the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system. A neurosurgeon's scope of work includes treating head and spinal trauma, brain tumours, spinal stenosis, metastatic lesions, hydrocephalus, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.

Clinical practice

Neurosurgeons perform a range of procedures on the head, spine and peripheral nerves. Examples of commonly performed procedures include; traumatic haematomas, cerebral aneurysms, spinal discectomies, laminectomy and laminoplasty, spinal fusion, nerve repair and neurectomy. Examples of common conditions treated by neurosurgeons include; head and spinal trauma, brain tumours, spinal stenosis, metastatic lesions, hydrocephalus, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.

Key statistics

2024 QLD Training program selections(first year)

11
eligible

2
selected

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

Number of QLD specialists

282

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

Number of QLD new fellows

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

Number of QLD trainees

44.5

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

56

Number of QLD specialists
3

Number of QLD new fellows
44.5 hours

Average weekly hours QLD
54 years

Average age QLD

Specialists over 60

This donut chart shows that 25% of specialists are aged over 60 years.
Specialist intending to retire by 2032

This donut chart shows that 49% of 2023 workforce intend to retire by 2033.
Location in Queensland

This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 5.5% are located in regional Queensland, 94.5% 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

85.5%
male

14.5%
female

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 85.5%, Females are 14.5%.
Public vs Private

64.3%
private

35.8%
public

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 64.3%, Public is 35.8%.

Information on trainees

9

Number of Queensland trainees
2

Number of new Queensland trainees
51

Number of Australian trainees
8

Number of new Australian trainees

Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

89%
male

11%
female

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 89%, Females are 11%.
2024 QLD Training program selections (first year)

11
eligible

2
selected

This doughnut chart shows the number of 2024 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 9 Eligible applications were received, 3 of those were selected.

Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022

What our staff have to say

Neurosurgeon

Metro South Hospital and Health Service

I love the fast pace of neurosurgery and the enormous physical and emotional challenges the specialty presents. The night I put my first external ventricular drain in a critical patient and realised I intervened quickly enough to save her life – was the event that had me sold on neurosurgery.

Training information

College

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

Length of training

5 years full-time

Method of allocation

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

College

Training and assessment summary

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

Training program overview

Neurosurgery trainees are selected directly into the sub-specialty and progress through the Surgical Education and Training (SET) program, an integrated program designed to provide clinical and operative experience to enable trainees to engage in the comprehensive care of neurosurgical patients. The main components of SET training are placements in hospital posts, short courses (skills and specialty-specific), research and assessments. Upon completing all requirements of the training program, trainees may apply for admission to Fellowship of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).

Eligibility

Applicants must have permanent residency or citizenship of Australia and New Zealand at the time of registration and hold general (unconditional) medical registration in Australia or general scope or restricted general scope registration in the relevant specialty in New Zealand. Applicants must have completed the Introduction to Operating with Respect module, and applicants must have at least 70% in the NSA Neurosurgery Anatomy Exam at the time of application. Further details are available from RACS.

Flexibility

Minimum 50% of full-time commitment and applied for as far in advance as possible. Training must be completed within 9 years.

Interrupted training

Applications for interruption not related to parental responsibilities, carer responsibilities or health reasons must be submitted prior to 31 May in the year prior to the proposed start of the period of interruption. In all other circumstances, applications must be submitted as far in advance as possible. Except for interruption for parental responsibilites, carer responsibilities or health reasons, trainees cannot apply for interruption commencing in their first year of training.

Training locations

Last updated: December 2024