Visiting Medical Officer in Orthopaedic Surgery (Upper Limb Surgery)
Hunter New England Local Health District
Zero-Hour VMO Appointment (VMO Sessional/Fee for Service Determination)
Hunter New England Local Health District is seeking a highly skilled Visiting Medical Officer in Orthopaedic Surgery – Upper Limb to join our specialist Orthopaedic service. This role contributes to the delivery of high-quality, contemporary specialist care across multiple HNELHD facilities including John Hunter Hospital, Belmont District Hospital and Maitland Hospital, with clinics and operating time as rostered.
About The Role
The VMO will provide safe, effective, evidence-based and patient centred Orthopaedic Services for the Hunter New England community, including:
Admitting, consultative, diagnostic, procedural, outpatient and telehealth services as required by HNELHD. Participation in acute/on-call general orthopaedic trauma coverage as rostered, as well as ad-hoc shoulder elbow sub-specialty coverage as required. Delivery of elective operating sessions, district wide. Providing clinics across district sites (John Hunter Hospital, Belmont District Hospital and Maitland Hospital as per service needs). Attendance during rostered work hours, on-call periods, clinical handover, supervision, teaching and emergency care.
The appointed surgeon would initially undertake the following proposed clinical responsibilities:
Two outpatient clinics per month at Belmont District Hospital. Aligned elective operating sessions at Belmont District Hospital. One session per month at John Hunter Hospital/Royal Newcastle Centre, providing tertiary level shoulder and elbow services including arthroplasty and management of complex referrals. Participation in the general orthopaedic on call roster in an equitable manner.
About You
A primary medical degree registrable with AHPRA and Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Australian Orthopaedic Association. Recent comprehensive experience in Orthopaedic shoulder and elbow surgery. Post fellowship trauma experience (desirable)
About Us
Hunter New England Local Health District is one of the largest and most diverse health districts in NSW, delivering care to more than 970,000 people across the Hunter, New England and Lower Mid North Coast regions. John Hunter Hospital is a Level 6 tertiary referral, major trauma and teaching hospital and the largest facility in HNELHD. We are proud of our strong academic partnerships with the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute, fostering innovation, research and world class clinical practice.
Why join us?
John Hunter Hospital Health and Innovation Precinct: Work within a major teaching hospital and innovation hub supporting education, research and multidisciplinary excellence. Sustainability focus: John Hunter Hospital is committed to environmentally sustainable healthcare through energy-efficient and waste-reduction initiatives. Staff wellbeing supports: Access to Fitness Passport, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and a range of wellbeing initiatives. Medical Settlement Concierge: Personalised assistance with onboarding, relocation and settling into the district – for clinicians, families and even pets. Find out more
The Lifestyle You’ve Been Craving
From scrubs to sand in 20 minutes - Newcastle offers the perfect mix of professional impact and personal wellbeing. Whether it’s surf, wine country, coastal walks or community life you’re after, you’ll find it here. Come for the job, stay for the lifestyle.
Need more information?
Click here for the Position Description Find out more about applying for this position
Applications close: 5 April 2026
For more information about the role contact: Dr Minas Petrelis – Visiting Medical Officer in Orthopaedic Surgery, John Hunter Hospital
Ph: (02) 4922 3510 E:
For application related enquiries contact: Sally Jordan – Senior Medical Recruitment Consultant
Ph: (02) 4985 3353 E:
Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.
Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specific Diseases - this is a Category A position. Please read and understand NSW Health policy directive (PD2024_015). All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.
Agency applications are not accepted at this time.
An eligibility list may be created for future temporary or quinquennial appointments