Specialty overview

Gastroenterologists diagnose, treat and manage patients with disorders affecting the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine and the biliary system, which includes the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts.

Clinical practice

Gastroenterologists work within both public and private facilities to provide high quality, comprehensive care for their patients. Many Gastroenterologists additionally work within academic settings, performing the bulk of research into gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures, as well as the interpretation of results. Because of this, Gastroenterologists are often required to provide consultant services to other physicians and surgeons who perform these procedures.

Key statistics

2025 QLD Training program selections(first year)

47
eligible

11
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 44, Applicants selected is 11.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

208

Number of QLD specialists

966

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

17

Number of QLD new fellows

17

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

29

Number of QLD trainees

41.3

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 208

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 3

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 41.3 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 49 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 18% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2034

    This donut chart shows that 39% of 2024 workforce intend to retire by 2034.

  • Location in QLD

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 15.2% are located in regional QLD, 84.8% 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

    73%
    male

    27%
    female

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

  • Public vs Private

    48.5%
    private

    51.5%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 48.2%, Public is 51.8%.

Information on trainees

  • 29

    Number of QLD trainees

  • 9

    Number of new QLD trainees

  • 157

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 62

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in QLD

    62%
    male

    38%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 62%, Females are 38%.

  • 2025 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    47
    eligible

    11
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2025 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 47 Eligible applications were received, 11 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 - 20 trainees, 2016 - 21 trainees, 2017 - 25 trainees, 2018 - 22 trainees, 2019 - 25 trainees, 2020 - 26 trainees, 2021 - 32 trainees, 2022 - 26 trainees, 2023 - 29 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Ruth Hodgson

Gastroenterologist
The Prince Charles Hospital

The holistic nature of gastroenterology appealed to me over other procedural specialties, and since I started it has only grown in scope and relevance. It is the perfect mix of intellectual stimulation and practical activity. Within gastroenterology there are many varied subspecialties, so there is something for everyone. I appreciate being able to help people and improve their quality of life, often with quite simple interventions. I have never regretted choosing gastroenterology over other career paths, and would do the same again.

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 pathway/network (centrally coordinated)

Training and assessment summary

The Queensland Gastroenterology Advanced Training Program facilitates centralised recruitment to gastroenterology registrar positions across the state. For detailed information in relation to training and assessment requirements, please contact RACP.

Training program overview

Gastroenterology and Hepatology 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 an Gastroenterologist 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

Use arrow keys to navigate and plus/minus keys to zoom in and out.

Last updated: February 2026

Back to top