Senior Medical Officer / Staff Specialist

Why This Role Matters
Palliative Medicine Specialists play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses. By providing compassionate, patient-centred care and supporting families through complex health journeys, these specialists help ensure dignity, comfort, and holistic care across hospital, community, and outpatient settings.

Job Description
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service is seeking a Senior Medical Officer / Staff Specialist in Palliative Medicine to join its expanding healthcare team in Central Queensland, Australia. This role involves delivering specialist palliative care services across hospital, outpatient, and community settings while supporting the development of regional palliative care services.

The successful candidate will also mentor junior medical staff, contribute to service development, and support outreach and telehealth programs aimed at strengthening palliative care across the region.

Key Features of the Role
• Position: Senior Medical Officer / Staff Specialist – Palliative Medicine
• Organization: Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service
• Location: Central Queensland, Australia
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Work Setting: Hospital, community, and outpatient services

Responsibilities
• Deliver inpatient, community, and consultative palliative care services
• Lead multidisciplinary teams in delivering patient-centred care
• Oversee the organization and delivery of specialist palliative care programs
• Manage patient assessment, admission, ongoing treatment, and discharge planning
• Conduct regular outpatient palliative care clinics and outreach services
• Support telehealth services across regional healthcare facilities
• Mentor junior doctors and healthcare staff
• Contribute to service development and clinical governance initiatives

Required Qualification

For Staff Specialist
• MBBS or equivalent medical degree
• Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FAChPM – Australian Chapter of Palliative Medicine)
• Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency

For Senior Medical Officer
• Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) or
• Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM)
• Eligibility for registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
• Experience in palliative medicine (Clinical Diploma desirable)

Important Requirements
• Participation in ongoing Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs
• Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams
• Strong clinical leadership and decision-making skills
• Commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centred care

Employment Options
• Full-time specialist medical role
• Opportunities to participate in outreach and telehealth services
• Leadership and mentoring responsibilities within the clinical team

Salary Insights
• Total remuneration package up to AUD $550,085 per year
• Salary ranges based on experience:
• AUD $259,072 – $274,678 (L25–L27)
• AUD $216,643 – $251,642 (L18–L24)
• AUD $187,569 – $259,072 (L13–L25)
• Employer superannuation contribution: 12.75%
• Leave loading: 17.5%

Employee Benefits
• Professional development leave and allowances (approx. $22,145 annually)
• Overtime and on-call allowances
• Attraction and retention incentive allowances
• Accommodation and relocation support
• Paid parental leave
• Salary sacrificing options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Discounted private health insurance
• Fitness Passport program

Company Overview
Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service provides public healthcare services across Central Queensland, Australia. The organization is currently expanding and modernizing its palliative care services to create a stronger regional healthcare network focused on patient-centred care.Through multidisciplinary collaboration and innovative programs such as telehealth and outreach clinics, the service aims to improve access to specialist palliative care across the region.

FAQs

1. What qualifications are required for this role?
   Candidates must hold an MBBS or equivalent and have specialist fellowship such as FAChPM (RACP) or FRACGP/FACRRM with palliative medicine experience.

2. What is the salary for this role?
   The total remuneration package can reach up to AUD $550,085 per year depending on experience and position level.

3. What type of work will the specialist perform?
   The role involves delivering palliative care across inpatient, outpatient, community, outreach, and telehealth settings.

4. Are there additional benefits provided?
   Yes, benefits include professional development funding, relocation assistance, salary sacrificing, allowances, and health programs.

5. Where is the role located?
   The position is based within Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service facilities in Queensland, Australia.

Application Tips

• Highlight your MBBS or equivalent and fellowship such as Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FAChPM) or Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP), along with registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

• Emphasize your experience in palliative care, including inpatient, community, and end-of-life care management.

• Highlight leadership and teamwork, especially mentoring junior doctors and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

• Mention experience with outreach, telehealth, or regional healthcare services if applicable.

• Show your compassionate communication skills when supporting patients and families.

• Tailor your CV and cover letter to explain why you want to work with Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service.