Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Competition
Very high
Qualification
FRACP (Gastroenterology)
Training duration
3 years BPT + 3 years Advanced Training in Gastroenterology (36 months FTE, minimum 24 months in Australia/New Zealand) = approximately 6 years total
Applications
BPT: state/hospital network selection, typically September–November for February start. Advanced Training: register with RACP by 28 February or 31 August (annual re-registration). Gastroenterology AT positions are applied for directly at accredited hospitals and are highly competitive.
Selection format
BPT selection is hospital-based. Gastroenterology AT positions are secured at the hospital/department level — each centre runs its own selection. Procedural skills (endoscopy) and research output are primary differentiators.
When to apply
FRACP Written and Clinical Examinations must be completed. Gastroenterology and hepatology exposure during BPT is important for AT applications.
Competition
Gastroenterology is among the most competitive FRACP subspecialties. Endoscopy procedural exposure and a research publication record are near-expected for competitive Advanced Training applications.
Selection criteria
Clinical experience
Rotations, logbooks, procedures, and exposure
- Gastroenterology rotations during BPT — endoscopy exposure, gastroenterology and hepatology ward terms
- Procedural exposure — upper and lower endoscopy; documented procedural logbook
Rural & regional
Rural, regional, and remote experience
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
First Nations
Selection points and pathways for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori applicants
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
Academic
Exams, qualifications, courses, and teaching
- FRACP Divisional Written Examination — sat during Basic Training (sitting early is strongly recommended)
- FRACP Divisional Clinical Examination — both Divisional exams must be passed to complete Basic Training and become eligible for Advanced Training
Publications & research
Papers, impact factor, audits, and QI
- Research publications — first-author publication in gastroenterology/hepatology differentiates applicants
Extracurricular
Leadership and roles beyond clinical work
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
Distinction
Prizes, awards, and academic standing
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
Eligibility & application
Prerequisites, referees, interviews, and fees
- 36 months FTE Advanced Training, minimum 24 months in AU/NZ, three structured phases
Entry tips
Sourced from Australian medical community discussion. Always verify with RACP.
Recent updates
New curriculum for Advanced Training in Gastroenterology implemented from 2024. Three structured phases with updated work-based assessment requirements. Trainees starting from 2024 follow the new curriculum.
Indicative only. Check the RACP website for current information.
Official resources
State workforce data
2025 first-year selection
9 of 34
eligible applicants selected
- Specialists in QLD
- 208 / 966 AU
- Trainees in QLD
- 30
- New fellows in QLD
- 17 / 70 AU
- Average week
- 41.3 hrs
How you reach a post
- A centrally coordinated Queensland Health pathway or network
Queensland Gastroenterology Advanced Training Program
Facilitates centralised recruitment to gastroenterology registrar positions across the state.
- Queensland Health publishes the selection figures for gastroenterology against 2025, a year earlier than most other specialties
- Eligibility — completed RACP Basic Training including the Written and Clinical Examinations, and appointment to an advanced training position
- Flexibility — minimum 0.2 full-time equivalent; the training program must be completed within eight years
- Interrupted training — allowed, but interruptions of more than 12 continuous months may require a Return to Training Plan agreed with a supervisor and approved by the relevant training committee
Queensland figures published by Queensland Health (medi-nav). Selection numbers are for first-year entry and vary year to year — confirm the current round with the college and with Queensland Health before relying on them.
Community discussions
Recent discussion about Gastroenterology and Hepatology training from Australian doctors.
Search r/ausdocs and r/doctorsofaustraliaRequirements, windows, and criteria change annually. Verify with Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) before making career decisions. Report an error on this page.