EOI - Physician/Specialist/GP Ideally Certified in Medical Oncology or Haematology

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA CANCER SERVICES

Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) is seeking a motivated doctor to work in our cancer care service. We currently have a fly in fly out specialist model for both medical oncology and haematology, supported by local chemotherapy nurses, care coordinators, a chemotherapy pharmacist and a medical registrar. Whilst we are ideally looking for a physician with specialist recognition in either medical oncology or clinical haematology, we are flexible with our service design and provision – a general physician or other specialist, rural generalist or general practitioner with an interest in management of malignancy and cancer services would also be welcome. This local role would continue to be supported by a visiting medical oncology and haematology service.

Alice Springs Hospital is a 183-bed Level 2 teaching hospital affiliated with Flinders University and Charles Darwin University. We work closely with Tennant Creek Hospital and Royal Darwin Hospital, with strong links to Royal Adelaide Hospital and Flinders Medical Centre as tertiary referral centres. Visiting specialists help deliver a range of sub-speciality outpatient services. We support both basic and advanced physician trainees.

Alice Springs Hospital is the home of true general medicine with a broad case-mix and incredibly interesting clinical work. There is an established and growing health research hub at ASH with strong links with larger research organisations. There are excellent opportunities for cancer research in Central Australia. First Nations Australians make up about 85% of our inpatients – working with patients who make up one of the oldest continuing living cultures in the world is an incredible experience.

The Oncology unit is part of the Department of Medicine - a mix of General Physicians and other Specialists, many with dual training. We provide onsite chemotherapy managing around 70-90 new cancer patients per year. Chemotherapy is administered within a modern, purpose-built infusion suite. 

The roles involved in the position would depend on the candidate, but would likely include

• Co-ordination of cancer care services within Central Australia

• Provision of chemotherapy (if a non-specialist in the role chemotherapy prescriptions would continue be done by visiting medical oncologists and haematologists)

• Outpatients clinics with potential for outreach clinics

• Inpatient consults (no oncology inpatient bed card)

• Liaison with Royal Adelaide Hospital and Royal Darwin Hospital (tertiary referral centres) to ensure continuity of patient care

• Potential General Medicine ward service (this component of the position dependant on candidate skillset)

Well-established in-patient, consult and community palliative care services are available for cancer patients, and the palliative care service works closely with the oncology team.

This role is an ideal opportunity for an early phase through to experienced consultant Oncologist or other specialist– mentoring, support and guidance are on offer from our visiting oncologists and the wider Cancer Services Network in the Northern Territory and South Australia.

Alice Springs is the regional hub of Central Australia with an urban population of approximately 30,000 people.  Alice Springs has a vibrant community with a strong arts, music and café culture and plenty of adventure on your doorstep – camp under the stars, swim through gorges, explore rocky mountain ranges and hit world-class mountain bike trails. Alice Springs itself is an excellent place for families; many consultants in our department have young kids with various primary care arrangements – definitely conducive to a good work family life balance.

Alice Springs Hospital has a very competitive remuneration package (Estimated Remuneration Package Range: $425,822 First year Staff Specialist - $581,423 Senior Staff Specialist) PLUS Generous annual leave entitlements (6 weeks plus per year plus 2 weeks professional development leave). We also have a substantial relocation package and initial waivered accommodation making the move here easier.

There is also capacity for shorter term work if you would like to experience medicine in the Red Centre before making the leap of moving here – with travel and accommodation packages available.

For further information contact Dr. Anna Holwell, Head of Department of Medicine, Alice Springs Hospital anna.holwell@nt.gov.au