Specialty overview
Rehabilitation medicine physicians assess, diagnose and treat a patient’s mobility and function after injury, illness or a chronic condition, to maximise the patient’s independence and to maintain or improve their quality of life.
Clinical practice
Rehabilitation physicians work collaboratively with other health professionals, carers and families to develop patient-centred, individualised treatment plans. Rehabilitation physicians maximise the restoration of the physical, cognitive, psychosocial and vocational functions of their patients, to maintain their health and prevent secondary complications of disability.
Key statistics
Number of Queensland and Australian specialists
Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows
Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours
Information on specialists
-
Specialists over 60
This donut chart shows that 13% of specialists are aged over 60 years. -
Specialist intending to retire by 2033
This donut chart shows that 28% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032. -
Location in QLD
This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 113.3% are located in regional QLD, 86.7% 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
42.2%
male57.8%
femaleThis doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 42.2%, Females are 57.8%. -
Public vs Private
40.4%
private59.6%
publicThis doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 40.4%, Public is 59.6%.
Information on trainees
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Proportion female/male trainees in QLD
35%
male65%
femaleThis doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 35%, Females are 65%.
What our staff have to say
Dr Leslie Gan
Rehabilitation Medicine Physician
Logan Hospital
Rehabilitation medicine allows me an opportunity to help disabled people regain meaning and quality of life. As a rapidly growing area of health care, it allows me to think and work in innovative ways to promote good mental and physical health.
Training information
College
Length of training
4 years full-time (general rehabilitation medicine advanced training) / 3 years full-time (paediatric rehabilitation medicine 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 on the training program, please contact AFRM.
Training program overview
Rehabilitation medicine advanced training is overseen by the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFRM) and may be undertaken in either General or Paediatrics. The program includes a series of training modules to build core competencies in rehabilitation medicine and work-based learning and assessment requirements. Successful trainees attain the qualification of Fellow (FAFRM), with accreditation to practise as a Rehabilitation Physician in Australia or New Zealand.
Eligibility
To register for general rehabilitation medicine, applicants must hold current medical registration, have completed 2 years of postgraduate supervised training in general medical and surgical areas in the last 5 years and have secured appointment to an appropriate advanced training position. To register for paediatric rehabilitation medicine, applicants must hold current medical registration, have completed RACP Basic Training requirements (including the Written and Clinical Examinations) and have secured appointment to an appropriate advanced training position.
Flexibility
Minimum 0.2 full-time equivalent commitment. Training must be completed within 10 years for general rehabilitation medicine and 8 years for paediatric rehabilitation medicine.
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.