Top End Health Service specialities and rotations

Addiction medicine is the comprehensive care of people with a wide range of addiction disorders.It involves primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of harm related to the non-medical use of drugs, management of acute drug related problems and rehabilitation of people who have become dependent on drugs. Addiction medicine Physicians work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians to improve health outcomes for patients.

Addiction medicine also plays an important role in shaping public policy in the areas of health protection, prevention and health promotion for improved public and population health outcomes.

Addiction medicine provides unique, rewarding and interesting career opportunities and provides accessibility to science-driven prevention and treatment for patients, families and communities.

Unhealthy substance use and addiction is one of the nation’s largest preventable health problems. You will be rewarded by knowing you are making a difference and helping eliminate the personal and public health consequences and the associated stigma of this preventable disease.

Working in the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) team at TEHS enables good exposure to all AOD substance issues as well as opportunities to practice addiction medicine across the various realms of sociocultural, geographical and age backgrounds.

TEHS AOD service is accredited to provide the entire requirements and training time needed to complete advanced training in addiction medicine.

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting

Entry requirements

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Dr Christine Watson, Director of AOD by emailing DivMedRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

Cardiology at Royal Darwin Palmerston Hospital (RDPH) is a strong and growing department. The high burden of cardiovascular disease and rheumatic heart disease remains an attraction for those interested in making a difference in the Territory.  We value professionalism, medical practice based on evidence, and running the Division on a collegiate basis. We are committed to providing holistic and safe medical care to our patients.

On site cardiologists provide services throughout the Territory including Central Australia. There is a strong working relationship with Cardiology services at Flinders Medical Centre, SA. They provide RDPH with revascularisation services, visiting services, back filling, weekly cardiac conference as well as advanced trainee cardiology registrars.

Other services we provide in conjunction with Darwin Private Hospital are echocardiograms (transthoracic and trans oesophageal) which frequently reveal the high burden of valvular heart disease, diagnostic coronary angiogram (more than 700 per year) with approximately 50% of patients requiring revascularisation, pacing services (permanent pacemakers and defibrillators are implanted at Royal Darwin Hospital).

We also provide an outreach service which consists of a cardiologist, registrar, echocardiogram technician, and a nurse educator. This service regularly visits indigenous communities to provide clinical and echocardiography services. Visiting cardiology services are also provided to other regional hospitals in the territory.

Education

Formal Teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing DivMedRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

The Medicine-DPH RMO provides general medical ward cover for both medical and surgical patients admitted to DPH under the supervision of the Admitting Specialist.  The position provide a unique learning and training opportunity to work in the private sector and interact directly with broad range of DPH Specialists.  The RMO works a seven day 12 hour shift rotating roster (one week on / one week off).

Clinical experience

The Medicine-DPH RMO is exposed to variety of acute and subacute medical conditions, and assists in the medical management of surgical patients that require stabilisation.  The most common medical admissions to Medicine-DPH are those related to chronic diseases such as ischaemic heart disease and diabetes and acute medical conditions including infections such as pneumonia, or the acute exacerbations of chronic conditions.

The Medicine-DPH RMO carries out the same general roles as a medical RMO including clinical assessment and admissions, investigation, prescribing, and fluid and electrolyte management.

The RMO gains experience in:

• the recognition, assessment and management of common medical presentations, medical problems in surgical patients including perioperative medicine.
• the recognition, assessment and management of critically ill medical patients both at presentation and as a result of deterioration during admission and gains practical experience in their initial investigation and treatment.

The RMO has the opportunity to observe and develop skills in common medical procedures similar to those of a general medical RMO.

Medicine-DPH has a dedicated allied health team which enables the RMO to develop an understanding of the roles and functions of the multidisciplinary clinical team in the management of complex medical problems.

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing DivMedRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

RDPH provides the opportunity for RMOs, and Basic Physician Training (BPT) trainees the opportunity to diagnose, treat and manage a variety of skin diseases including skin cancer, crusted scabies, acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin infections, and  childhood skin conditions. As dermatologists have a wide variety of treatments at their disposal (creams, liquid nitrogen, various types of surgery), they are able to deliver specific treatment for skin cancers.

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting

Entry requirements

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing DivMedRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

During the six months of Public Health experience the trainee will be attached to the Darwin Public Health Unit (PHU). The PHU in the Northern Territory provides a range of services to monitor, control and prevent communicable and non-communicable diseases that affect the population of the NT and also our international neighbours in the region.

The position addresses the public health training needs of future general physicians who will work in remote and resource limited settings, including internationally. The PHU placement will afford exposure to clinical management of cases of TB, leprosy, non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease, HIV and other STIs, hepatitis B and C as well as programmatic control via public health responses for more than 60 different notifiable conditions.

This will include community involvement, health promotion, healthcare colleague support and education around conditions such as measles, mumps, meningococcal disease, malaria, arbo-viral diseases, rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, acute post streptococcal glomerulonephritis and trachoma. The experience will provide an invaluable public health perspective aimed at enhancing a physician's day to day clinical practice.

In addition to the clinical service related to TB diagnosis and treatment there will be involvement in protocol based screening of illegal fisherpersons apprehended in Northern waters. It will also involve clinics in the regional centres of Katherine, Gove and Maningrida. There will be an educational component to this position with trainees expected to teach medical students, physician trainees, nurses and aboriginal health workers.

The trainee will gain experience in writing ministerial and press briefings, as well as fact sheets. Project work will also be undertaken with an expectation of publication in the "NT Disease Control Bulletin".

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly MDM
• Weekly Radiology meeting

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing DivMedRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

This is an exciting opportunity for advanced training in endocrinology in Darwin and is accredited as one year core training by endocrine SAC.

Our endocrinology and diabetes team at RDPH consists of 3 consultants, a diabetes educator and an Aboriginal health worker. We also have strong links to the Menzies School of Health Research.

Inpatient responsibilities

• Provide consultation service to inpatients at RDPH as a member of the multi-disciplinary diabetes team. This includes patients under care of medical, surgical, orthopaedic and obstetric teams. Approximately 60% of diabetic inpatients at RDPH are Aboriginal people hence a large amount of work in the area of Indigenous Health.
• Manage inpatients admitted under endocrine team, especially patients with DKA or hyperosmolar states.

Outpatient responsibilities

• RDPH
  • Diabetes Clinic- weekly
  • High-risk foot clinic- weekly
  • Endocrine Clinic- weekly
  • High-risk medical antenatal clinic- weekly
• Community
  • Urban Outreach- monthly diabetes clinic with Louise Maple-Brown at Danila Dilba Aboriginal Medical Service
  • Remote Outreach- opportunities for general medical and diabetes outreach to regional hospitals and larger Aboriginal communities are available
  • Liaison with primary care - telephone advice to urban and remote GPs and other health professionals on endo/diabetes management

Likely clinical cases

• Plenty of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, PCOS - forms majority of inpatient work and 50% of outpatient work
• Large amount of thyroid - approximately 30% of outpatient work
• Other endo (pituitary, osteoporosis, reproductive) - forms remaining 20% of outpatient.

This job includes the potential for flexibility within the above structure depending on particular interests of the registrar (eg. Obstetric medicine, paediatric endocrinology, general medicine).

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting
• Weekly endo clinical meeting/journal club
• Weekly general medicine clinical meeting

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact the Director of Physician training by emailing DivMedRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au, or the Head of Endocrinology at anna.wood@nt.gov.au.

The Division of Medicine at RDPH is committed to providing training opportunities to general practice trainees and has a special mission to provide appropriate hospital experience to practitioners who wish to work remotely. We are happy to work with other areas of the hospital to facilitate a broad training program which may be required for people who will work in an environment where a skills set across medicine, surgery, obstetrics and paediatrics are required.

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting
• Specialist training dependant on rotation
• Research opportunities

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing DivMedRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

In Advanced Training in Geriatric Medicine (GEM), you will explore in-depth specialty training in the diagnosis and management of complex and/or multifactorial internal medicine disorders that impact the cognition and functional status of the older person. Although the population of the NT is generally younger than in other states, the complexity of medical conditions experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians adds a unique case mix to this speciality.

The Geriatric service is based at the Palmerston Regional Hospital and has a 24 bed purpose build ward for Geriatric patients.  Palmerston’s GEM service aims to improve the quality of life and functionality of geriatric patients who have been affected by serious illness. It provides short term inpatient rehabilitation care by a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and allied health staff.

Services consist of specialist consultation and assessment, inpatient and ambulatory (outpatient) services including a dedicated constant care team, and community outreach support services.

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing DivMedRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

The haematology position at RDPH is unique. It is a combined clinical and laboratory training experience affording excellent exposure to a wide range of malignant and non-malignant haematological diseases. Additionally there is an active Territory wide transfusion service.

RDPH is a major trauma centre and the haematology department provides high-level transfusion medicine input into this integrated service.

Imported malaria is of major public health interest in the Top End due to our geographical location. Trainees have the opportunity to improve their malaria microscopy skills.

Trainees participate in consultant lead outreach haematology clinics to Alice Springs.

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing DivMedRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

RDPH offers clinicians the opportunity to diagnose, treat and manage patients will allergies and other immune diseases.  Our immunologists treat all allergic and autoimmune conditions, including:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Sarcoidosis
• Scleroderma
• Raynaud’s disease
• CREST syndrome
• Sjogrens syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Other arthritis
• Allergy
• Urticaria
• Anaphylaxis
• Chronic fatigue syndrome

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing DivMedRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

Positions within the Infectious Diseases team are highly sought after due to the unique opportunity of gaining exposure to rare tropical and infectious disease within Australia. The unit is staffed by clinician researchers who also conduct research out of the Menzies School of Health Research.  Within Menzies the research is separated into two divisions: Tropical and Emerging Infectious Diseases Division and the International Health Division. Through working with this team of clinicians you will gain exposure to diseases such as melioidosis, cryptococcal meningitis, rheumatic heart disease, crusted scabies, tuberculosis, endocarditis rheumatic fever, pneumonia, HIV, hepatitis, malaria, dengue and much more.

The Infectious Diseases team has a strong academic and research culture within the unit with multiple teaching sessions per week and opportunities to participate in research activities and local guideline development.

The team is comprises of two unit heads, 12 consultants, three accredited registrars and a basic physician trainee (BPT) RMO.

Key learnings from this rotation

• Unique Infectious diseases experience
• Strong links to Microbiology department, CDC and Menzies school of health research.
• Opportunities to participate in research activities
• Opportunities for outreach clinics
• Cultural diverse population

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting
• Multiple education and teaching opportunities with weekly case presentation meetings, journal club and registrar teaching sessions.

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing SurgicalRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

If you are a skilled decision maker, team builder, strategic thinker and lead clinical and medical services in a health organisation, then you should consider training towards Fellowship in the specialty of Medical Administration. RACMA Fellowship is a specialist qualification recognised by the Australian and New Zealand Medical Councils.

RDPH offer one Medical Administration Register training position.

To apply for Fellowship Training Program, go to the RACMA website.

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting
• Speciality Teaching via video conference from Queensland

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact the Director of Medical Services by emailing SurgicalRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

The role of the Medical Education Registrar (MER) is to participate in a range of academic development activities, and professional development programs designed to promote excellence in clinical teaching with the Royal Darwin Hospital Palmerston Regional Hospital (RDPH) Clinical Dean and other Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP) staff by coordinating teaching provided by medical staff at RDPH to students from the NTMP and other Australian medical schools.

Under the direction of the Clinical Dean, the MER will work with the Medical Education Unit to contribute to the delivery of the education program for medical students. This interaction involves, co-ordinating the delivery of teaching by RDPH clinicians to all NTMP students, providing teaching, mentoring and supervision of students at RDPH, providing oversight of the year four preparedness for Internship program, facilitating interactive sessions with groups of students to support achievement of learning objectives, contributing to the preparation of written examinations and practical clinical examinations, participation as an examiner, participation in team meetings and participation in health service teaching programs. Responsibilities are inclusive of but not limited to the coordination of clinical placements, planning of ward based medical student assessment processes, Contribution to curriculum development, and Policy development relevant to medical student placements.

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact the Director of Medical Services by emailing SurgicalRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

Renal medicine is one of the most fascinating areas of medical practice in the Territory. In addition to ward-based care the renal team provides a clinical service to a large geographical region across the top end. Registrars travel to Gove, Katherine and the Tiwi Islands to conduct clinics.

As well as a 10 bed dialysis unit within the hospital there are patients on home dialysis and satellite dialysis units in Nightcliff and Palmerston which the registrar and consultants visit regularly.

A collaborative project with the palliative care services exists to provide sensitive end of life care when required. The registrar participates in this service using teleconferencing as a tool to facilitate communication with patients in remote communities.

Registrar clinics include a weekly chronic kidney disease clinic, a transplant clinic and an immunosuppression clinic. The trainee will become skilled in vascular access techniques, renal biopsies, management of peritoneal dialysis catheters and fistulas. There is also a weekly vascular access round with the surgical team. There is a traditional weekly teaching ward round held on Wednesdays.

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting
• Weekly teaching ward rounds

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing SurgicalRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

The Neurology team provide expertise in Neurology for General Medicine and other departments including ED. We support the investigation and management of patients with neurological conditions.

The growing neurological service provides research opportunities to develop and implement programs and initiatives including protocols.

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting
• Weekly lectures

Testimonial

Provided by Dr Benjamin Watson, Advanced Trainee General Medicine, 2019:

“The Neurology rotation at RDPH allowed me to become comfortable and proficient investigating and managing neurological conditions in a supportive environment. It is a great rotation for a Gen Med Trainee but would also be invaluable as a specialty Neurology trainee. The opportunity to manage the acute neurological conditions such as stroke and status along with more complex conditions including inflammatory encephalitis and myelitis, as well as numerous learning opportunities to perform and interpret tests such as NCS and EMG, and interpreting EEGs. Furthermore, the outpatient clinics provide an environment of supervised assessments, also allowing procedures such as Botox injections or nerve blocks. Depending on an area of interest there are plenty of opportunities to develop skills and knowledge.

The Top End Health Service provides medical care to a large and diverse population including a high proportion of Aborigines. Diseases more common in the Top End include neurological manifestations of autoimmune disease, in very atypical forms, as well as delayed presentations with significant illness. There are always patients on the Neurology consulting list that are interesting and challenging diagnostically, the team frequently have discussions that are intellectual stimulating with good comradery within the unit. After my experience in Darwin, I plan to complete specialty training and return to the Top End as a consultant."

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing SurgicalRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

The Cancer service at RDPH has expanded in recent years, the team consists of an Oncologist, Haematologist, a McGrath Foundation Breast Care nurse, Cancer Support Nurse, Chemotherapy nurses, Clinical Trials nurse, Dietitian, Social Worker and Administrative Officer.

Multi-disciplinary meeting (MDM)

Each week the Surgical Oncology MDM is held and many of the new cancer cases in the Top End are discussed to form a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. The MDM in Darwin includes: oncologist, haematologist, general surgeons, palliative care, nursing, dietetics, social work and the visiting radiotherapist when he is in Darwin.

Chemotherapy

Cancer patients receive most of their chemotherapy as outpatients enabling them to have as little disruption to everyday life whilst undergoing treatment. Symptom management is improving continually and chemotherapy is better tolerated. The Cancer Support Nurse and the Chemo Suite nurses support patients throughout their chemotherapy treatment. Currently chemotherapy is only administered in Darwin but as part of the CanNET project the team is working toward the safe delivery of chemotherapy for patients closer to home and community. The Chemo suite is located at Darwin Private Hospital on the first floor as a public hospital service.

Radiotherapy

RDPH offers patients radiotherapy treatment for patients in the Northern Territory.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are offered at Royal Darwin Hospital, two are available to Oncology patients and two for Haematology patients.

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly MDM
• Weekly Radiology meeting

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing SurgicalRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au or the Head of Medical Oncology at narayan.karanth@nt.gov.au.

Palliative Care is a multidisciplinary specialty, providing superior holistic care and treating patients rather than diseases. Palliative care has four main dimensions in patient care: Physical, Psychological, Social and Spiritual.  Each of these areas is addressed (where appropriate) during a patient’s hospice admission.

Territory Palliative Care (TPC) Top End consists of a multidisciplinary team based at RDPH and provides palliative services to the Darwin, Katherine, Arnhem, Daly River and Port Keats regions.

TPC offers inpatient and outpatient consultations to patients in RDPH, together with community palliative care support, in both urban and remote settings. Patients are accepted on to the program with both malignant and non-malignant conditions when they are unlikely to live longer than twelve months. We provide specialist palliative input to manage significant symptomatic problems or complex care issues.

TPC Top End comprises of a dynamic and diverse team of professionals with Palliative Care Consultants, medical registrar and resident, a Clinical Nurse Manager, Clinical Nurse Consultants, Social Workers, an Aboriginal Health Worker, Bereavement, Pastoral Care and Volunteer Coordinators, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and dietician, a Palliative Care Network and Quality Coordinator, together with a fully staffed in-patient hospice unit. The case-mix and diversity of patients is unique in Australia with more than 40% of referrals being Aboriginal and 40% of referrals coming from rural/ remote communities.

The clinical work is challenging and exciting requiring the full range of palliative care knowledge and skills, with a 65: 35 malignant to non-malignant ratio of patients. TPC works closely with haematology, oncology, medicine, surgery, anaesthetic pain services and the chronic disease networks. TPC encourages continuing General Practitioner involvement with all patients throughout the end-stage care period.

Objectives

The goal of Territory Palliative Care is to provide high quality palliative care throughout the Territory, which is responsive to cultural and spiritual needs of clients.

Palliative Care objectives:

• Affirms life and regards dying as a normal process
• Neither hastens nor postpones death
• Provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms
• Interrelates the psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects of patient care
• Offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death
• Offers a support system to help the family cope during the patient’s illness and in bereavement.

The Hospice

Territory Palliative Care Hospice is a 12 bed in-patient facility which is available to palliative patients for symptom management, end of life care and more recently – respite admissions. The Hospice is a subsection of the RDPH medical division. All patients have a single room with a private bathroom and double doors opening to a patio. Visiting hours are unrestricted however we often request that families and carers restrict numbers to two for overnight stays.

Aims of the Hospice:

• To allow patient to die with dignity in comfortable surroundings.
• To provide quality of life as defined by patient.
• To provide an environment that promotes family/carer involvement in care.
• To provide access to a multi-disciplinary team.
• To provide bereavement support to families before and after death

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting
• Weekly MDM

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing SurgicalRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

The RDPH Pathology Department offers tertiary level care to patients throughout the Northern Territory. We accept referrals from Katherine, East Arnhem, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.

We are the only National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)/RCPA Laboratory Accreditation Program accredited Category GY laboratory within the Northern Territory Government Pathology Service (NTGPS) that consists of laboratories located at hospitals in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Gove, and Tennant Creek.

Our service includes microbiology (bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, molecular microbiology, parasitology, and serology), anatomical pathology, haematology, chemical Pathology and blood transfusion.

The types of conditions you are likely to see at RDPH include Malignant and non-malignant haematology, thromboembolism, bleeding disorders, critical blood loss, and laboratory interpretation of results.

A PC3 laboratory has recently been officially opened. Tests that cannot be performed on-site are referred to experts interstate. The tropical location combined with our patient population ensures medical staff will be exposed to a wide range of interesting and varied Pathology presentations.

Facility

The RDPH Pathology Department is linked to Royal Darwin hospital by a Lamson pneumatic delivery system. Blood gas analysers managed by the Pathology Department are also located in ICU, ED and SCN.  An outpatient collection centre is located on the ground floor of the main hospital block.

Consultants

The team comprises of positions covering each discipline: Director of Pathology, Director Anatomical Pathology, Director Microbiology, Director Forensic Services.

Registrars

The team consists of anatomical Pathology trainees and microbiology trainee. The Colleges currently recognise up to two years of service as part of their training program.

Medical Laboratory Scientists

We have a Supervising Scientist for each discipline as well as a manager for our client services area. Each area has a manager for our client services area. Each discipline has a range of scientific and technical staff.

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing SurgicalRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

The RAPU is designed to provide care for both medical and surgical patients admitted to the RAPU and there is no distinction between the assistance provided to the different specialties.

The RAPU RMO is exposed to variety of acute and subacute medical conditions. The scope is not dissimilar to that seen in a general medical rotation however the focus is more on the initial care and development of treatment plan. The most common clinical admissions to RAPU are those related to chronic diseases such as ischaemic heart disease and diabetes and acute medical conditions including infections such as pneumonia, or the acute exacerbations of chronic conditions.

Patients in RAPU remain under the care of the admitting general physician, and management plans are established on the post take ward round.

Supervision

Level one supervision of the RMO is provided by the Medical Division

There is a dedicated  RAPU medical registrar ( mostly a senior registrar) to manage both medical patients as well as medical problems  related to the surgical patients and provide supervision to the RMO. There is also a dedicated Consultant Physician who provides supervision in this unit.

Clinical Experience

The RAPU RMO carries out the same general roles as a medical RMO including clinical assessment and admissions, investigation, prescribing, and fluid and electrolyte management. The RMO

• gains experience in the recognition, assessment and management of common medical presentations
• the recognition, assessment and management of critically ill medical patients both at presentation and as a result of deterioration during admission and gains practical experience in their initial investigation and treatment
• has the opportunity to observe and develop skills in common medical procedures similar to those of a general medical RMO

The unit has dedicated allied health team which enables the RMO to develop an understanding of the roles and functions of the multidisciplinary clinical team in the management of complex medical problems.

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting
• On Low Activity Friday, 2 hours dedicated teaching

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing SurgicalRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

The Rehabilitation Service at the RDPH is located on the new Palmerston hospital campus and provides a wide range of services with a variety of case mix. These include: stroke, amputees, brain injury, orthopaedic injury, multi-trauma, spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions. Some of the unique cases include CNS, melioidosis, Hansen's disease and embolic stroke due to rheumatic heart disease. There is a high burden of illness among the indigenous population who represent over half of the inpatients.

There are fulltime specialists (AFRM fellows) who supervise the accredited registrar, registrar and RMO positions. There is also a multidisciplinary therapy team with its own therapy centre and access to hydrotherapy.

Palmerston Regional Hospital has a purpose built ground floor rehabilitation facility including a dedicated therapy space, a gym and hydrotherapy pool.

The rehabilitation service assists patients over the age of 14 years to regain or improve their function due to injury or disease and to help improve their quality of life. This includes assessment, triage, treatment, inpatient and outpatient services for conditions such as:

• acquired brain injury
• spinal cord injury
• stroke and neurological conditions
• vascular conditions and amputation
• post-surgical and medical deconditioning
• major burns
• deconditioning.

Multi-trauma or orthopaedics injuries at Palmerston Regional Hospital’s rehabilitation service are provided by a multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation medical specialists, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, dieticians and social workers.

Outpatient clinics are held involving chronic pain, amputees, spasticity and rehabilitation. Other services provided include botulinum injections for adults and paediatrics and Baclofen pump refills. Outreach clinics are held regularly to Katherine and Nhulunbuy (Gove).  The registrar is required to work Monday to Friday with no after hour’s responsibilities.

Medical students from Flinders and James Cook University spend time with the unit. There is a strong liaison with the Division of Medicine, Orthopaedic, High Risk Foot Service and Prosthetic/Orthotic Service.

Regular weekly education sessions are conducted and there is ample opportunity to access other education opportunities.

Entry Requirements

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting
• Weekly team education

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing SurgicalRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

The Respiratory and Sleep Medicine service at the RDPH provides a wide range of services with a variety of case mix. You are likely to treat Acute and Chronic Respiratory and Sleep Disorders. The team frequently travel to remote and regional communities to conduct regular clinics. This provides an excellent opportunity to coordinate with local medical teams and work with large Indigenous population.

Clinical Experience

Key learnings from the Respiratory and Sleep Medicine service include:

• In-patient, out-patient and remote / outreach clinics
• Assist / Learn pleural procedures
• Lung function / Sleep study reporting
• Bronchoscopy

Learning opportunities are widened by strong links and collaboration between:

• Infectious Diseases unit (including tuberculosis services)
• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Radiotherapy
• ICU
• Oncology
• Thoracic Surgical Services.

Opportunities at TEHS

• TEHS Accredited Training: TEHS is accredited for 1 FTE BPT position
• TEHS non Accredited positions: TEHS offers 1 non accredited Registrar position

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing SurgicalRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

At RDPH you will explore a new depth of specialty training in the diagnosis and holistic management of people with diseases that affect joints, muscles and bones.  You will treat joint disease similar to orthopedists but do not perform surgeries. Common diseases treated by rheumatologists include osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, tendinitis, and lupus.

Education

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds
• Weekly RDPH Division of Medicine Grand Rounds
• Weekly Division of Medicine Journal Club
• Weekly Radiology meeting

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing SurgicalRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au

Katherine

Katherine Hospital (KH) services 19,000 people over a geographical area of 220,000km in the Northern Territory. It has a busy 24hr emergency department with over 16,000 presentations per year. KH ED treats many complex patients including trauma, medical and surgical and interacts with aero-retrieval services on a daily basis.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Fellows interested in rural ED work or in utilising their skills in other areas of the hospital are encouraged to consider Katherine Hospital.

Recognised advanced skills qualifications in areas such as anaesthetics, obstetrics, ED, surgery, mental health or paediatrics are particularly welcome and attract additional allowances.

We believe our hospital provides an excellent environment for utilizing and developing these skills, and we consider the training and development of exceptional rural generalists a key hospital function.

Primary health care positions in NT Government Health Centres in the Katherine region (Pine Creek, Borroloola and Robinson River) are also available and may be combined with hospital work, and we are always very happy to discuss GP and RG options and opportunities.

Training positions

Depending on availability, trainee positions may include Medical Officer or Registrar positions in ED, General Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics or Anaesthetics.

All trainees require the capacity to be able to work in in a rural emergency department and with occasions of off-site supervision.

With excellent local general practice and Aboriginal primary health care services, it is possible for RACGP and ACRRM trainees to undertake all of their training within the Katherine region.

From time to time, trainees taking a 24-month contract with Katherine Hospital may be supported to undertake 12 months of procedural skills training in either anaesthetics (JCCA) or obstetrics and gynaecology (Adv. DRANZCOG) at the Royal Darwin Hospital, followed by 12 months of consolidatory service at Katherine Hospital. Some positions are highly sought after and we suggest that you make enquiries as early as possible.

Gove

Gove District Hospital (GDH) in East Arnhem Land welcomes rural generalists, GP registrars and RMOs who choose to work with our team of procedural GPs in this beautiful cooler coastal region of the Northern Territory.

GDH is a 30-bed hospital providing Medical, Surgical, Paediatric, Obstetric and Emergency services to the mining town of Nhulunbuy and the remote Aboriginal communities of East Arnhem Land.

Education at Katherine and Gove

Formal teaching opportunities include:

• Weekly RDPH Hospital Grand Rounds (video conference)

For further information on resident or registrar positions you can contact Director of Physician Training by emailing SurgicalRecruitment.THS@nt.gov.au