Specialty overview

Clinical pharmacologists are experts in the science of pharmaceuticals and how they interact with humans. Clinical pharmacologists play a key role in improving patient care through the safe and effective use of medicines.

Clinical practice

Clinical pharmacologists work in a wide variety of clinical settings, providing academic leadership through education and research, developing national prescribing curricula and guidelines and providing expert advice to hospital, state and national drug regulation procedures.

Key statistics

2024 QLD Training program selections(first year)

1
eligible

0
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 1, Applicants selected is 0.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

14

Number of QLD specialists

68

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

0

Number of QLD new fellows

3

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

2

Number of QLD trainees

38

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 14

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 0

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 38 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 36 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 0% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2033

    This donut chart shows that 0% of 2024 workforce intend to retire by 2034.

  • Location in QLD

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 0% are located in regional QLD, 100% 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

    0%
    male

    100%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 50%, Females are 50%.

  • Public vs Private

    25%
    private

    75%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 0%, Public is 100%.

Information on trainees

  • 2

    Number of QLD trainees

  • 1

    Number of new QLD trainees

  • 12

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 3

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in QLD

    50%
    male

    50%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 50%, Females are 50%.

  • 2024 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    1
    eligible

    0
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 1 Eligible applications were received, 0 of those were selected.

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 - 4 trainees, 2016 - 3 trainees, 2017 - 2 trainees, 2018 - 2 trainees, 2019 - 3 trainees, 2020 - 4 trainees, 2021 - 7 trainees, 2022 - 4 trainees, 2023 - 2 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Joel Iedema

Clinical Pharmacologist
Redland Hospital

Clinical pharmacology is a specialty like no other. The opportunities to engage with colleagues across all specialties and all levels of experience, to make an impact at the population through to the individual patient level, to participate in diverse and interesting national, state and health district medicines policy discussions and combine all this with another specialty of your choice is genuinely unique. No week is ever the same and no two Clinical Pharmacologists perform exactly the same job. I quickly became hooked – it is well considering in your career path.

Training information

College

Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)

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 facility (accredited for training)

Training and assessment summary

For detailed information in relation to training and assessment requirements, please contact RACP or RCPA.

Training program overview

Clinical pharmacology advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). Training incorporates work-based learning and assessment, with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practice as a Clinical Pharmacologist 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: February 2026

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