Orthopaedic Surgical Fellow (521985)

Department of Health; Launceston; On-site; AUD 193,000 - 212,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Health Tasmania invites applications for the Launceston Arthroplasty and Trauma Fellowship, a 12‑month post‑FRACS program based at Launceston General Hospital with private hospital exposure. The role offers advanced training in hip/knee arthroplasty, knee reconstructions, trauma, research and teaching, under a team of AOA‑accredited surgeons.

The position includes fixed-term, full‑time hours, on‑call duties, and a salary of approximately $193,083–$212,180 per year plus

Qualifications

• Fellowship with FRACS or nearing completion
• General or limited registration with the Medical Board of Australia
• Desirable: FRACS completed or waiting to be awarded Fellowship

Job description

Launceston Arthroplasty and Trauma Fellowship Fellowship Overview - The Role & Team

The Launceston Arthroplasty and Trauma Fellowship is a 12-month post-FRACS fellowship based primarily at Launceston General Hospital (LGH), with additional clinical experience within the private hospital system in Launceston. The Fellowship provides advanced clinical and operative training in primary and revision hip and knee arthroplasty, complex knee surgery (soft tissue and osteotomy) and orthopaedic trauma, together with opportunities in clinical research, teaching and professional development. The Fellow will work within the LGH Orthopaedic Unit alongside nine Australian Orthopaedic Association-accredited orthopaedic surgeons. The consultant group has broad lower‑limb, upper‑limb and trauma expertise, providing exposure to a diverse range of elective and emergency orthopaedic practice.

Clinical and Operative Training

The Fellowship provides substantial operative exposure across both elective and trauma surgery. Clinical experience will include:

• Primary hip and knee arthroplasty
• Complex and revision arthroplasty
• Knee reconstruction and complex knee pathology
• Orthopaedic trauma
• Periprosthetic fractures and complications of arthroplasty
• Periprosthetic joint infection
• Pre-operative assessment, surgical decision-making and postoperative management
• Outpatient assessment and longitudinal follow‑up of elective and trauma patients

Education and Teaching

The Fellow will participate in the academic activities of the LGH Orthopaedic Department, including:

• Weekly orthopaedic radiology/X-ray and clinical meetings
• Case discussions and operative planning
• Teaching of orthopaedic trainees, junior medical staff and medical students
• Departmental educational activities
• Opportunities to participate in University of Tasmania undergraduate and postgraduate teaching

Research

Clinical research is an important component of the Fellowship. The Fellow will be encouraged to participate in existing research programs and to develop a research project aligned with their own clinical interests. The Launceston Orthopaedic unit has an active research program encompassing arthroplasty, trauma, periprosthetic joint infection, patient‑reported outcomes, surgical technology and orthopaedic education. Research opportunities are supported through collaboration with the University of Tasmania and the Clifford Craig Foundation, as well as participation in multicentre and registry‑based research. The expectation is that the Fellow will contribute meaningfully to at least one research project during the Fellowship, with the aim of presentation at a scientific meeting and, where appropriate, peer‑reviewed publication.

Fellowship Objective

The overall objective of the Launceston Arthroplasty and Trauma Fellowship is to provide a broad but individually tailored transition from specialist orthopaedic training to independent consultant practice, with particular expertise in hip and knee arthroplasty, complex knee surgery and orthopaedic trauma. By completion of the Fellowship, the Fellow should have developed increased operative independence, sound clinical judgement in complex elective and trauma cases, experience in teaching and research, and the skills required to establish and contribute to a high‑quality contemporary orthopaedic practice.

Why Tasmania

The Department of Health Tasmania oversees various hospitals across the state, including the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, Northwest Regional Hospital, and Mersey Community Hospital, as well as district hospitals and ambulance services. Additionally, it provides community health, mental health, and primary healthcare services to the Tasmanian community through more than 300 sites. Tasmania, Australia's only island state, offers unparalleled natural beauty and a luxurious lifestyle. Pursuing your health career in Tasmania’s public health system means building strong connections with colleagues and patients. It also means embracing a lifestyle where you can enjoy extraordinary experiences outside of work while making a significant impact on the community during work.

Details of Appointment

Fixed term full time, day worker (with on-call) position, working 76 hours per fortnight, commencing on 07 February 2028 until 04 February 2029. *Notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time and casual vacancies.

Salary

Senior Career Medical Officer Level 1-3$193,083 - $212,180 per annum, pro rata + 12% superannuation + access to salary packaging

• Salary range is in accordance with Medical Practitioners Agreement 2025
• Salary packaging options include a range of benefits like living expenses up to $9,010 and $2,650 in meals and entertainment every year
• Professional development and accelerated pathways.
• A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
• Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.
• other allowances as applicable.

More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here

Eligibility

Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria:

• General or limited registration with the Medical Board of Australia.

Applicants should note that the following criteria are desirable:

• Recently gained Fellowship of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) or completion of training for FRACS and waiting to be awarded Fellowship. Note: Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.

Statement of Duties

Statement of Duties:

• Orthopaedic Surgical Fellow Application Guide:
• Applicant Guide 2026.docx

What it is like working at the Department of Health?

Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellent are the key values to work in in Department of Health. listening to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania! Move to Tasmania | Tasmanian One Health Podcast - Spotify One Health Podcast - Apple Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act2023). Respecting diversity is the foundation of everything that Department of Health do. This allows us to instil trust and collaborate through honest and fair communication and helps cultivate an environment of growth and innovation. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.

Important information

The email account you provide when submitting job applications will be used in correspondence to you. It is important that this is kept up to date and monitored regularly. To update your email address(or contact number), log in to www.jobs.tas.gov.au and look for “Existing applicant login” where you can update your details. The Department of Health values workforce diversity and recognises the value each person offers which is shaped by their unique characteristics, background, experiences, knowledge, skills, values and perspectives.

Name: Megan Wheeler Position: Administrative Officer (Registrars) Phone number: [phone] Email address: [e-mail]