Senior Medical Officer (SMO)
* Location: Charters Towers, Queensland
* Contract Type:
* Locum Roster: 10-hour shifts (weekdays weekends) with on-call requirements
* Start Dates: Multiple blocks available from January–March 2026
* About the Role
* Charters Towers Health Service is seeking experienced Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) to provide high-quality clinical care in a rural hospital setting.
* This role is ideal for doctors with strong rural, emergency, and generalist experience who thrive in autonomous environments and enjoy making a meaningful impact in regional communities.
* Key Responsibilities -
*
o Provide high-quality medical care across emergency and inpatient services
* Assess, diagnose, and manage a broad range of acute and chronic conditions
* Participate in on-call rosters and emergency response
* Collaborate with nursing, allied health, and visiting specialist teams
* Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation
* Ensure compliance with Queensland Health policies and clinical standards
* Support junior medical staff and contribute to a positive team culture
* Essential Requirements
*
o General registration (or specialist registration) with AHPRA
* FRACGP-RG / FACRRM OR FRACGP with rural/remote experience
* Current ALS2 certification
* Demonstrated experience working in rural and/or remote emergency departments
* Ability to work independently and manage a diverse caseload
* Desirable Skills Experience
*
o Advanced Skills Training (AST) in Emergency, Remote Medicine, or Internal Medicine
*
o Previous experience in rural hospitals or multipurpose health services - Strong clinical decision-making and leadership skill
* Hospital Location Overview
* Charters Towers Health Service is a Level 3 (CSCF) rural, non-birthing hospital with a 23-bed facility, emergency and ambulatory services, onsite X-ray, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and allied health. Typical ED occupancy is 60–70%, mostly Category 3 and 4 cases. Charters Towers is located 136 km west of Townsville and is a regional hub for mining, beef, and education, with a population of approximately 12,000.
* Roster On-Call
*
o 8 x 10-hour shifts per fortnight
* Weekday weekend on-call: 3–4 shifts per fortnight
* On-call ratio: 1:2 or 1:3 Travel Accommodation
* Onsite accommodation provided
* Travel arranged in line with Queensland Health guidelines
* Booked by the managing agency and reimbursed by the health service Mandatory Documentation for Submission
* Current CV
* Current CPD evidence
* Two (2) recent signed referee reports (within the last 6 months)
* At least one referee must be a direct supervisor or SMO with direct clinical observation