Specialty overview

Otolaryngology head and neck surgeons diagnose, treat and manage patients of all ages who suffer from a broad range of diseases and conditions involving the ear, nose, throat, head and neck. Otolaryngology head and neck surgeons use both surgical and non-operative means to treat a range of conditions, including nasal and sinus conditions, snoring and breathing problems, tonsillitis, cancers of the head and neck, voice problems and hearing difficulties, including deafness.

Clinical practice

Otolaryngology head and neck surgeons work within both public and private facilities to treat both adult and paediatric patients. Procedures commonly performed by Otolaryngology head and neck surgeons include tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, septoplasty, microlaryngoscopy, oesophagoscopy, endoscopic sinus surgery, tympanomastoid surgery, removal of neck lumps and salivary gland tumours and tracheostomy.

Key statistics

2026 QLD Training program selections(first year)

12
eligible

4
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 12, Applicants selected is 4.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

107

Number of QLD specialists

504

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

7

Number of QLD new fellows

17

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

21

Number of QLD trainees

45.1

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 107

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 7

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 45.1 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 52 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 22% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2033

    This donut chart shows that 44% of 2023 workforce intend to retire by 2033.

  • Location in QLD

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 21.6% are located in regional QLD, 78.4% 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

    18.6%
    female

    81.4%
    male

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 81.4%, Females are 18.6%.

  • Public vs Private

    75.8%
    private

    24.2%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 75.8%, Public is 24.2%.

Information on trainees

  • 21

    Number of QLD trainees

  • 6

    Number of new QLD trainees

  • 81

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 17

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in QLD

    66%
    male

    34%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 66%, Females are 34%.

  • 2026 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    12
    eligible

    4
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2026 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 12 Eligible applications were received, 4 of those were selected.

Number of QLD trainees 2015-2024

This line chart shows the trend of the number of QLD trainees from 2015 to 2024. The data points are: 2015 - 13 trainees, 2016 - 14 trainees, 2017 - 16 trainees, 2018 - 17 trainees, 2019 - 17 trainees, 2020 - 16 trainees, 2021 - 16 trainees, 2022 - 18 trainees, 2023 - 16 trainees, 2024 - 21 trainees.

Training information

College

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

Length of training

Approximately 4-5 years full-time (competency based program rather than time based program)

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

Otolaryngology surgery trainees are selected directly into the sub-specialty and progress through the SET (Surgical Education and Training) program, an integrated program designed to provide clinical and operative experience to enable trainees to investigate and treat conditions of the ear, nose, throat, head and neck. 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 are also required to have successfully completed the RACS Introduction to Operating with Respect module, and have passed the RACS Generic Surgical Sciences Examination (GSSE) at time of registration or by close of SET applications. In addition, applicants must have completed a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks in a Otolaryngology Head and Neck Unit (completed between 1/1/2023 to 20/4/2025), a minimum 20 weeks of surgical experience (completed between 1/1/2023 to 20/4/2025), a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks in a dedicated Emergency Department, and a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks in a dedicated Intensive Care Unit. Further details are available from RACS.

Flexibility

Minimum 50% of full-time commitment however trainees must apply to the relevant Specialty Board at least 6 months prior to the proposed commencement of part-time training. Training must be completed within 9 years.

Interrupted training

Interruptions are permitted for a variety of reasons and are allowed for periods in multiples of 6 months. Except for medical, carers or parental leave, trainees cannot apply for interruption during the first 6 months of training.

Training locations

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

Last updated: February 2026

Back to top