Armidale Rural Referral Hospital is recruiting a fourth General Surgeon as the surgical unit continues to expands. This is a permanent consultant post in a modern, purpose-built hospital redeveloped in 2019, serving a referral population of over 55,000 across the Northern Tablelands in this beautiful part of New South Wales.
Community highlights
- A real alternative to the NHS grind , consultant autonomy from day one, with a 1:4 on-call roster.
- Four proper seasons! Northern Tablelands climate feels more familiar to UK arrivals than the heat of coastal or northern Australia, with genuine autumn colour and cool winters, with much longer summers and shorter, warmer winters.
- Heritage streetscapes, Armidale's Victorian-era architecture and walkable centre feels natural and close knit.
- University town culture - home to University of New England (hospital links to University of Newcastle (NSW) for medicine) with level of intellectual and social life (cafés, festivals, lectures, arts) not always found in other locations.
- Strong schooling without major metro private school premium.
- No capital city price tag - property and living costs are a fraction of Sydney or Melbourne.
- Genuine registrar and teaching involvement.
- Beaut national parks.
You'll join an established team supported by three registrars and a resident medical officer, with a 1:4 on-call roster and a broad general surgical case mix. The unit works closely with the University of Newcastle (NSW)/UNE Joint Medical Program via the Tablelands Clinical School, so there's genuine scope for teaching and registrar supervision alongside clinical work, plus outreach to surrounding district hospitals.
The role suits either a newly fellowed surgeon looking for a well-supported first consultant post, or an experienced general surgeon wanting a genuine regional lifestyle without sacrificing case volume or variety.
Armidale itself sits in the Northern Tablelands in NSW with really good schools, café and arts scene, and easy access to national parks and sensational countryside. It can provide a great lifestyle for families, singles and couples alike.
Selection criteria
- FRACS (General Surgery) or eligibility via the overseas-trained specialist pathway.
- Demonstrated clinical leadership and commitment to education, research and quality improvement.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills which would enhance the multidisciplinary team.
- Willingness to participate in education and teaching initiatives.
- A track record in clinical governance.
- Ability to work across a cross-cultural context.
Note: as with all NSW Health specialist positions, remuneration for this role sits under the NSW Staff Specialists (State) Award, which remains under IRC arbitration — only interim 3% increases (July 2024 and July 2025) are confirmed, with final rates still pending. Worth flagging to candidates that current figures may adjust once the Commission rules.
For more information please contact Alasdair Spinner at alasdair@spinnermedical.com or +447414531583.
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