Clinical Forensic Medicine Physician

Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM); Melbourne; On-site; AUD 343,000 - 471,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development and learning

Employee Assistance Program

Peer support programs

Flu vaccination program

Health insurance discounts

Social Club membership

Public transport benefits

Novated leasing options

Job summary

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) is hiring a Clinical Forensic Medicine Physician to provide expert clinical care and medico-legal opinions within a multidisciplinary team in Victoria.

You will contribute to clinical leadership, education, research and quality improvement while participating in after-hours and on-call service as part of VIFM’s 24-hour model.

Qualifications

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification.
• General or specialist registration with AHPRA, or eligibility to obtain registration.
• A forensic medical qualification from a relevant college or faculty, such as FFCFM (RCPA), FFLM (RCP UK) or an equivalent qualification, together with clinical forensic medicine experience.
• Applicants with other relevant postgraduate qualifications or recognised training may also be considered, including a postgraduate qualification in forensic medicine or satisfactory completion of a recognised forensic medical specialty training program.
• At least eight years of postgraduate clinical experience, including at least five years of full-time equivalent experience in clinical forensic medicine.
• Capacity to participate in after-hours and on-call service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert clinical forensic care and medico-legal opinions.
• Examine patients and document findings relating to physical and sexual assault.
• Assess people in police custody for fitness to be interviewed.
• Collect biological specimens within the scope of clinical forensic practice.
• Prepare medico-legal reports and statements.
• Provide oral and written expert evidence when required.
• Advise police, legal professionals and other authorised clients on clinical forensic matters.
• Supervise, support and mentor clinicians, strengthening professional capability and clinical practice.
• Contribute to education, training, research and evidence-informed practice.
• Participate in quality improvement, professional development, service planning and strategic initiatives.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external partners to support coordinated service delivery.
• Participate in the after-hours and on-call roster as part of the 24-hour service model.

Skills

Clinical forensic medicine

Leadership and supervision

Education

MBBS or equivalent medical qualification

AHPRA registration or eligibility

Forensic medical qualification (FFCFM/FFLM)

Postgraduate qualification in forensic medicine

Eight years postgraduate clinical experience (five in forensic medicine)

Job description

About Us

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) is a leading organisation at the intersection of science, medicine and justice. We provide independent forensic medical and scientific expertise to support the justice system, deliver crucial evidence that underpins safe convictions and appropriate acquittals, and contribute to public health and community safety through education, and research.

About Us

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) is a leading organisation at the intersection of science, medicine and justice. We provide independent forensic medical and scientific expertise to support the justice system, deliver crucial evidence that underpins safe convictions and appropriate acquittals, and contribute to public health and community safety through education, and research. Our work is complex and deeply meaningful. From investigating deaths reported to the Coroner, to supporting victims of crime and enabling life‑changing tissue donation through the Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria, VIFM plays a critical role in Victoria's justice and health systems. What truly sets VIFM apart is our people and our culture. Guided by our values of Respect, Openness, Service, Integrity and Innovation, we foster a workplace where expertise is valued, collaboration is encouraged, and purpose sits at the heart of everything we do.

About The Role

As a Clinical Forensic Medicine Physician, you will provide expert clinical care and medico-legal opinions while contributing to the leadership and development of the service. You will work with a multidisciplinary team and external partners across health, policing and the justice system. The role includes clinical supervision, report preparation, expert evidence, education and research. You will also contribute to quality improvement, strategic planning and the development of clinical practice. Participation in after-hours and on-call service delivery is required as part of VIFM's 24-hour service model.

An attractive salary package of $342,785–$471,324 will be offered, aligned to the successful candidate's skills and experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert clinical forensic care and medico-legal opinions
• Examine patients and document findings relating to physical and sexual assault
• Assess people in police custody for fitness to be interviewed
• Collect biological specimens within the scope of clinical forensic practice
• Prepare medico-legal reports and statements
• Provide oral and written expert evidence when required
• Advise police, legal professionals and other authorised clients on clinical forensic matters
• Supervise, support and mentor clinicians, strengthening professional capability and clinical practice
• Contribute to education, training, research and evidence-informed practice
• Participate in quality improvement, professional development, service planning and strategic initiatives
• Build effective relationships with internal and external partners to support coordinated service delivery
• Participate in the after-hours and on-call roster as part of the 24-hour service model

About You

You are an experienced medical practitioner with substantial expertise in clinical forensic medicine and a commitment to high-quality, victim-centred, trauma-informed care. You exercise sound judgement in complex and sensitive matters and communicate clearly with patients, clinicians, police, legal professionals and other partners.

You are also an inclusive clinical leader who supports colleagues, shares expertise and contributes constructively to service improvement. You value education, professional development and the careful application of evidence to practice.

Capabilities

Strong clinical forensic and medico-legal expertise. Clear written communication and confident professional engagement. Sound judgement, integrity and professional independence. An inclusive and collaborative approach to clinical leadership. Commitment to supervision, education, research and professional development. Ability to work effectively in complex clinical and operational environments.

Essential Qualifications And Experience

• MBBS or equivalent medical qualification
• General or specialist registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, or eligibility to obtain registration
• A forensic medical qualification from a relevant college or faculty, such as FFCFM (RCPA), FFLM (RCP UK) or an equivalent qualification, together with clinical forensic medicine experience
• Applicants with other relevant postgraduate qualifications or recognised training may also be considered, including a postgraduate qualification in forensic medicine or satisfactory completion of a recognised forensic medical specialty training program
• At least eight years of postgraduate clinical experience, including at least five years of full-time equivalent experience in clinical forensic medicine
• Capacity to participate in after-hours and on-call service delivery

What VIFM Offers

VIFM offers the opportunity to practise within an experienced clinical team and contribute to education, research, quality improvement and service development.

• Professional development and learning opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Peer support programs
• Annual influenza vaccination program
• Health insurance discounts through HCF
• Social Club membership
• Myki and V/Line Commuter Club access
• Novated leasing options

Diversity and Inclusion

VIFM is committed to an inclusive workplace where people are respected, valued and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, identities, experiences and abilities.

If you require an adjustment or an alternative format at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support your participation.

Recruitment Process

The successful candidate will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including reference checks, a national police check, a Working with Children Check and misconduct screening. Depending on the role, additional checks may include VicRoads and driver licence checks and a Declaration of Private Interests for executive and responsible officer roles.

Child Safe Statement of Commitment

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child-safe and child-friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to or who are impacted by our work.