Doctor
As a Doctor, you’ll provide the highest standards of patient care and lead teams in a variety of unique environments. You’ll be an integral part of the Defence Health System, providing a diverse range of services including the long-term monitoring of Air Force and other ADF members' physical and mental health.
What you'll do
You’ll provide primary healthcare, occupational and aerospace medicine services on Air Force bases to maintain the health and fitness of Air Force and ADF personnel. In doing this, you’ll be enabling our nation's air defence capabilities to remain operational.
There will be plenty of opportunities to work in the deployed environment. You might apply your specialist skills in aerospace medicine to the Air Force’s aeromedical evacuation system, support deployed members during operations and exercises, or support civilian populations in humanitarian and disaster response. You’ll also have the opportunity to work alongside Navy and Army members.
Your duties may include:
- providing medical care to military members and the civilian community in accordance with the Defence Health Manual, other ADF policy and Commonwealth legislation
- providing occupational and aviation medical advice to Command
- providing clinical supervision to other health roles
- providing leadership and management of subordinate members
- maintaining and processing medical documentation including the occupational disposal of ADF personnel documents
- maintaining professional skills and developing additional professional skills in accordance with the relevant Medical Board of Australia, Professional College and Defence Health Policy
- liaising with non ADF medical agencies
- planning, coordinating and performing aeromedical evacuations, in the tactical, operational, and strategic environments
- allocation and administration of financial resources to health services and the authorisation of the procurement of medical stores and equipment
- long-term monitoring of members' physical and mental fitness
- assisting in natural disaster areas.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling into health leadership and management continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Air Force will provide you with leadership, management and communications training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your role-related skills. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Air Force.
The Air Force will support you to specialise in General Practice with opportunities, subject to Air Force requirements, to further specialise in Aerospace Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Public Health Medicine, Medical Leadership & Administration, psychiatry and hospital-based trauma specialties.
As an officer in the Air Force, you may also undertake a posting to an Any Officer role during your career, such as instructor/training roles and staff officer roles. This experience helps you broaden your skill set and prepare for more senior roles.
Following training, you could be posted to any Air Force Base within Australia or possibly overseas, although overseas postings are limited.
Discover where the Air Force operates across Australia on our base locations map.
Every day I'm seeing patients and trying to do the best that I can to help them.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 57 years.
For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
To be appointed as a Doctor in the Air Force, you'll need to:
- possess a degree in Medicine from an Australian Medical Council accredited university
- have general registration as a medical practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), or be eligible for general registration
- registration must be held with no restrictions allowing you to practice in the Defence environment.
Applicants completing their Intern / Residency phase are also eligible to apply.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 3 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have any outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.
Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.
Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you’ll apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.
You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you’ll undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.
Course: Aviation Medical Officer (AVMO) Course
Duration: 4 weeks
Location: Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM), RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA
The aim of this course is to graduate ADF Doctors as AVMOs who are capable of assessing and managing the health of ADF aircrew and aviation related personnel, can provide advice on aviation medicine topics, and can provide medical support to ADF flying operations.
Course: Aeromedical Evacuation Course (AE)
Duration: 3 weeks
Locations: Health Operational Conversion Unit (HOCU), RAAF Base Amberley, Qld and RAAF Base Richmond, NSW
This course addresses the clinical aspects (aviation medicine considerations) and practical implications (environmental) of transporting patients by air and the technical aspects of aircraft preparation for AE use. You’ll cover theory and practical phases for the C-17A Globemaster III, C-27J Spartan and C-130J Hercules.
Course: Operational Health Support Course (OPHLTHSPT)
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: HOCU, RAAF Base Amberley, Qld
This course includes a 4-day field phase and will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to deploy an operational health support facility. Subjects include:
- Operational Health Support
- instruction on the various levels of health support available
- personal and collective preparation for deployment
- logistics and administrative considerations
- establishing and running a deployed health facility.
Course: Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST) Course
Duration: 3 days
Location: HOCU, RAAF Base Amberley, Qld
This course is conducted by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and is an intensive course in the management of injury victims in the first 1-2 hours following injury. It aims to train you in the knowledge and skills to care for personnel in acute, life-threatening emergencies. The course provides theory and practical management and treatment priorities and care of severe trauma patients.
Course: Introduction to Occupational Medicine in Defence
Duration: 2-4 weeks self-paced
Location: Online
Members of the Australian Defence Organisation (ADO) work in a diverse range of professions and trades, in a wide variety of work environments and are exposed to a broad range of occupational hazards such as hazardous chemicals, radiation, noise, vibration, extremes of heat and cold, ergonomic hazards and other stressors, e.g. fatigue. All have the potential to harm health, immediately or in later life. This course provides an overview of occupational health and occupational medicine in Defence.
You’ll be offered further employment training to conduct your role as required. This training may include both military and civilian training courses.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 60 years, less the Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS).
For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
With Defence University Sponsorship (DUS), you won’t incur a HELP or HECS-HELP debt as the Air Force will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
You can apply for DUS at any point during your degree (so long as you have an offer of placement from an Australian university for a full-time degree at a Faculty of Medicine, however, the Air Force will only sponsor the study from your date of appointment into the Air Force. All ADF medical degrees eligible for sponsorship must be at an Australian Medical Council accredited university.
If you're in high school, it's best to apply in your final year of school, to maximise your sponsorship time (if you join after having started your degree, you are ineligible to have your degree back paid). If you‘re out of high school, you should apply as early as you can so you can maximise the benefits of your sponsorship.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). Once you've graduated, your IMPS full-time service will be your number of years of university sponsorship plus one year (minimum of 3 years' service). Subsequent periods of service or open-ended appointment may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. There is a one-year grace period from appointment where you may resign, without any obligation. Sponsored study of less than 2 years only has a grace period of 3-months. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: Undergraduate Familiarisation Course
Duration: 1 week
Location: Officers' Training School (OTS) RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
During your first year of sponsorship, you'll attend a one-week Familiarisation Course at RAAF Base East Sale. This will introduce you to basic military protocols and procedures. Following graduation, you’ll undertake the Initial Officer Course of 12 weeks duration.
This is a live-in course completed at RAAF Base East Sale.
Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.
Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.
Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you’ll apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.
You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you’ll undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.
Course: Aviation Medical Officer (AVMO) Course
Duration: 4 weeks
Location: Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM), RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA
The aim of this course is to graduate ADF Doctors as AVMOs who are capable of assessing and managing the health of ADF aircrew and aviation related personnel, can provide advice on aviation medicine topics, and can provide medical support to ADF flying operations.
Course: Aeromedical Evacuation Course (AE)
Duration: 3 weeks
Locations: Health Operational Conversion Unit (HOCU), RAAF Base Amberley, Qld and RAAF Base Richmond, NSW
This course addresses the clinical aspects (aviation medicine considerations) and practical implications (environmental) of transporting patients by air and the technical aspects of aircraft preparation for AE use. You’ll cover theory and practical phases for the C-17A Globemaster III, C-27J Spartan and C-130J Hercules.
Course: Operational Health Support Course (OPHLTHSPT)
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: HOCU, RAAF Base Amberley, Qld
This course includes a 4-day field phase and will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to deploy an operational health support facility. Subjects include:
- Operational Health Support
- instruction on the various levels of health support available
- personal and collective preparation for deployment
- logistics and administrative considerations
- establishing and running a deployed health facility.
Course: Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST) Course
Duration: 3 days
Location: HOCU, RAAF Base Amberley, Qld
This course is conducted by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and is an intensive course in the management of injury victims in the first 1-2 hours following injury. It aims to train you in the knowledge and skills to care for personnel in acute, life-threatening emergencies. The course provides theory and practical management and treatment priorities and care of severe trauma patients.
Course: Introduction to Occupational Medicine in Defence
Duration: 2-4 weeks self-paced
Location: Online
Members of the Australian Defence Organisation (ADO) work in a diverse range of professions and trades, in a wide variety of work environments and are exposed to a broad range of occupational hazards such as hazardous chemicals, radiation, noise, vibration, extremes of heat and cold, ergonomic hazards and other stressors, e.g. fatigue. All have the potential to harm health, immediately or in later life. This course provides an overview of occupational health and occupational medicine in Defence.
You’ll be offered further employment training to conduct your role as required. This training may include both military and civilian training courses.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 60 years, less the Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS).
For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
You’ll need to have completed an undergraduate degree and have been accepted into a 4-year Australian Medical Council accredited Graduate Medical Program (GMP) at an Australian university via the Graduate Entry Medical School Admissions System (GEMSAS) to be considered for this entry method. With the Graduate Medical Program, you won’t incur a HELP or HECS-HELP debt as the Air Force will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
Your sponsorship starts from the date of your appointment into the Air Force (it doesn’t cover previous semesters of study). For more information, speak to your local ADF Careers Centre.
If you have completed an undergraduate degree and have been accepted into a 4-year GMP at an Australian university via an alternate route to GEMSAS, you may be considered on a case-by-case basis for this entry method. In such circumstances, there is usually a significant cost associated with such programs and therefore additional consideration by Air Force is required.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). Once you've graduated, your IMPS full-time service will be your number of years of university sponsorship plus one year (minimum of 3 years' service). Subsequent periods of service or open-ended appointment may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. There is a one-year grace period from appointment where you may resign, without any obligation. Sponsored study of less than 2 years only has a grace period of 3-months. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.
Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.
Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you’ll apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.
You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you’ll undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.
Course: Aviation Medical Officer (AVMO) Course
Duration: 4 weeks
Location: Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM), RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA
The aim of this course is to graduate ADF Doctors as AVMOs who are capable of assessing and managing the health of ADF aircrew and aviation related personnel, can provide advice on aviation medicine topics, and can provide medical support to ADF flying operations.
Course: Aeromedical Evacuation Course (AE)
Duration: 3 weeks
Locations: Health Operational Conversion Unit (HOCU), RAAF Base Amberley, Qld and RAAF Base Richmond, NSW
This course addresses the clinical aspects (aviation medicine considerations) and practical implications (environmental) of transporting patients by air and the technical aspects of aircraft preparation for AE use. You’ll cover theory and practical phases for the C-17A Globemaster III, C-27J Spartan and C-130J Hercules.
Course: Operational Health Support Course (OPHLTHSPT)
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: HOCU, RAAF Base Amberley, Qld
This course includes a 4-day field phase and will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to deploy an operational health support facility. Subjects include:
- Operational Health Support
- instruction on the various levels of health support available
- personal and collective preparation for deployment
- logistics and administrative considerations
- establishing and running a deployed health facility.
Course: Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST) Course
Duration: 3 days
Location: HOCU, RAAF Base Amberley, Qld
This course is conducted by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and is an intensive course in the management of injury victims in the first 1-2 hours following injury. It aims to train you in the knowledge and skills to care for personnel in acute, life-threatening emergencies. The course provides theory and practical management and treatment priorities and care of severe trauma patients.
Course: Introduction to Occupational Medicine in Defence
Duration: 2-4 weeks self-paced
Location: Online
Members of the Australian Defence Organisation (ADO) work in a diverse range of professions and trades, in a wide variety of work environments and are exposed to a broad range of occupational hazards such as hazardous chemicals, radiation, noise, vibration, extremes of heat and cold, ergonomic hazards and other stressors, e.g. fatigue. All have the potential to harm health, immediately or in later life. This course provides an overview of occupational health and occupational medicine in Defence.
You’ll be offered further employment training to conduct your role as required. This training may include both military and civilian training courses.