Position overview

Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focussed on the delivery of high quality, effective, person-centred care. We provide acute, sub-acute, primary and community‐based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions. More information can be found on the CHS website.

Applications are sought for a February 2027 commencement. An initial contract will be issued for a two‑year period, with possible extension. To be eligible to apply for this position you must be PGY3+ by February 2027.

Canberra Hospital’s Basic Physician Training program provides high quality clinical training and educational opportunities for trainees with subspecialty and general medicine rotations within the Network (Canberra Hospital, North Canberra Hospital, Goulburn Base Hospital and South-East Regional Hospital). The training program has an established track record and a structure that supports trainee preparation for success at the RACP Fellowship examination. Educational support and training opportunities include a mentorship program and numerous formal and informal learning forums for junior medical staff, including a well-attended morning clinical handover, grand rounds, regular unit scientific meetings as well as protected teaching time to attend formal tutorials and lectures.

Overall, the training is well integrated with the clinical service requirements of the hospital. Our training program has maintained an excellent record of consistent success at the written and clinical RACP Examination. There is active and enduring commitment of our senior clinical staff to the physician training program.

The Basic Physician Trainee position is accredited by the Royal Australian College of Physicians (RACP).. The position is suitable for applicants entering into their third postgraduate year, or above, and who have previous experience or training in a hospital-based internal medicine training program.

Eligibility for unconditional registration as a Medical Practitioner with the Medical Board of Australia is essential.

Further information about the ACT Physician Training Program may be found on the website www.actphysiciantraining.com

Key responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide competent and efficient clinical management of patients of the Health Directorate under the supervision and direction of Consultant Physicians. Clinical duties will include assessment and management of acute presentations, inpatient care, diagnosis and management of patients in outpatient clinics, consultations, and attending and actively participating in clinical handover according to organisational requirements.
• Participate in the supervision, training and professional development of junior medical staff, allied health professionals and medical students.
• Actively participate in and progress through the Basic Physician Training program.
• Demonstrate commitment to training and continuing professional development including participation in relevant teaching programs, activities, and feedback opportunities, involvement in research, and teaching of junior medical staff and/or medical students
• Participate in the general medical registrar rosters, including evening, overnight, weekend shifts and on-call commitments as required and according to changing organisational needs including rotations outside of the primary campus to North Canberra Hospital, Goulburn Base Hospital and Sout-East Regional Hospital.
• Comply with the policies and requirements of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the policies of the Health Directorate.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

About you

CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ are particularly encouraged to apply.

Competencies

• A drive to excel.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with an ability to negotiate and manage conflict.
• Self-reflective, with a capacity to scan for new ideas.
• Capacity to actively participate in and progress through Basic Physician Training

Qualifications

Essential

• An Australian MBBS medical degree, or equivalent
• Registered or eligible for general registration or provisional registration via the competent authority pathway with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
• Advanced life support certificate is preferred and required by the second year of Basic Physician Training.
• A current Advanced Life Support certificate if the first year of Basic Physician Training has already been completed.
• Clinical competence at a level commensurate with a postgraduate year three or above.
• A minimum of postgraduate year three including two years’ experience working as a medical professional in a hospital-based environment.

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, and all other related frameworks.

Please note prior to commencement, successful candidates will be required to:

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct
• act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.
• Be available for weekend and/or after-hours work.
• Applicants unable to demonstrate enrolment in vocational training program will be reclassified as a Senior Resident Medical Officer.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you require (key selection criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé, experience and referee reports.

1. Proven commitment to the RACP professional qualities curriculum and continued professional development and appropriate annual progress in training.  Annual progress includes active participation in the formal RACP program, completion of self-directed training requirements, attend unit meetings, grand rounds and other learning and professional development activities as required within the training network.
2. Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to liaise effectively with other health professionals.
3. Demonstrated ability to ensure timely completion of RACP assessments, learning and professional development requirements and completion of research commitments.
4. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.