Principal House Officer General Surgery

Why This Role Matters
Principal House Officers in General Surgery are integral to delivering safe surgical care, assisting in operative procedures, managing perioperative patients, and supporting specialist surgeons. In a major referral hospital such as Rockhampton Hospital, this role contributes to high-quality regional surgical services and supports multidisciplinary collaboration across Central Queensland.

Job Description
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service is seeking a Principal House Officer – General Surgery based in Rockhampton, Queensland. The successful candidate will assist Staff Specialists and senior medical staff in delivering General Surgery services and will also support visiting Urology services. Participation in the General Surgery on-call roster is required.

Key Features of the Role:
• Location: Rockhampton Region, Queensland
• Employer: Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service
• Facility: 305-bed tertiary referral hospital
• Integrated cancer care services
• Participation in General Surgery on-call roster
• Support to visiting Urology team
• Advert closes: 18 March 2026

Responsibilities
• Assist staff specialists in General Surgery services
• Participate in surgical procedures and perioperative care
• Manage inpatient and outpatient surgical cases
• Support visiting Urology services
• Participate in registrar on-call roster
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation
• Ensure compliance with Queensland Health policies and clinical governance standards

Required Qualifications
• MBBS or equivalent
• Eligibility for registration with AHPRA at Level 3 supervision
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Current Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification

For International Medical Graduates (if applicable):
• Eligibility for AHPRA registration (Level 3 supervision)
• Evidence of IELTS or equivalent English test (within last year)
• Successful completion of AMC MCQ (Part 1)
• Evidence of recent clinical practice with references

Experience and Skills:
• Experience in General Surgery preferred
• Ability to work within on-call surgical roster
• Strong clinical assessment and procedural skills
• Team collaboration and communication capability
• Commitment to patient safety and quality standards

Age Eligibility:
As per AHPRA registration requirements

Salary Insights
• Base Salary: $134,489 – $147,585 per annum
• Total remuneration up to $169,389 p.a.
• 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
• 17.5% leave loading
• Professional Development Leave and allowances

Location Overview
Rockhampton is a regional hub in Central Queensland offering access to coastal attractions, outdoor lifestyle, and a growing healthcare infrastructure. The hospital is a key referral centre providing advanced surgical and cancer care services.

FAQs

Is AHPRA registration mandatory?
Yes, eligibility for AHPRA registration at Level 3 supervision is required.

Are International Medical Graduates eligible?
Yes, subject to AHPRA eligibility, IELTS, and AMC requirements.

Is on-call required?
Yes, participation in the General Surgery registrar on-call roster is required.

What is the hospital capacity?
Rockhampton Hospital is a 305-bed facility.

When do applications close?
Applications close on 18 March 2026.

Application Tips
• Clearly mention AHPRA registration or eligibility status
• Include BLS and ALS certifications
• Highlight surgical and perioperative experience
• Attach AMC/IELTS documentation if applicable
• Quote Job Ad Reference (JAR) RK6B676282 when applying