Palliative Medicine
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Competition
Moderate
Qualification
FRACP (Palliative Medicine)
Training duration
3 years (36 months) full-time equivalent advanced training
Applications
Prospective approval has two annual deadlines: 28 February (for first-half or full calendar-year training) and 31 August (for second-half training). Late applications accepted up to one month after the deadline, fees may apply.
Selection format
No centralised interview round — the College sets and monitors standards; you must first secure an accredited training position, then submit your training program for prospective approval to the Training Program Committee (TPC) – Palliative Medicine.
When to apply
Two entry pathways: after completing RACP Basic Training (written and clinical exams passed), or as an existing Fellow of an eligible college (Adult Medicine stream only) such as ACEM, ANZCA, or CICM.
Competition
Less competitive relative to other physician subspecialties. Demonstrated commitment to end-of-life care and communication skills are the primary differentiators.
Selection criteria
Clinical experience
Rotations, logbooks, procedures, and exposure
- Palliative medicine or hospice rotations
- Communication skills (goals of care, family meetings)
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
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
Publications & research
Papers, impact factor, audits, and QI
- Research or audit in palliative care
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
- RACP Basic Training completed (written and clinical exams) OR fellowship from an eligible college (Adult Medicine stream: ACEM, ANZCA, CICM, ACRRM, RACS, RANZCOG, RANZCP, RCPA, RACGP)
- Accredited Advanced Training position secured before applying for prospective approval
- Nominated supervisors meeting RACP requirements
- Eligibility — training terms 1–3 must be completed in Australia and/or Aotearoa New Zealand
Entry tips
Sourced from Australian medical community discussion. Always verify with RACP.
Recent updates
Verified directly against the RACP Palliative Medicine page: confirmed 3-year (36-month) FTE duration, the two annual prospective-approval deadlines (28 Feb / 31 Aug), and the two entry pathways (post-BPT or existing Fellow of an eligible college).
Indicative only. Check the RACP website for current information.
Official resources
State workforce data
2026 first-year selection
18 of 24
eligible applicants selected
- Specialists in QLD
- 73 / 414 AU
- Trainees in QLD
- 29
- New fellows in QLD
- 16 / 51 AU
- Average week
- 38.1 hrs
How you reach a post
- A centrally coordinated Queensland Health pathway or network
Queensland Palliative Medicine Advanced Training Pathway
Manages applications both for advanced training positions and for the Clinical Diploma of Palliative Medicine, a six-month qualification.
- 24 applicants were eligible and 18 selected in the published 2026 Queensland round — a high proportion appointed
- Queensland recorded 16 new fellows against 51 nationally, close to a third of the national total from a state with under a fifth of the specialists
- Three years full-time for adult palliative medicine, or 18 months for paediatric, through the RACP Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine
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 Palliative Medicine 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.