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Principal House Officer - Orthopaedics


Orthopaedics Department, Surgical Service Group, Townsville University Hospital


Townsville University Hospital are seeking a client focused Principal House Officer - Orthopaedics to join their highly skilled Orthopaedics Department.

A high degree of autonomy is inherent in this position and teamwork with the other JMOs is crucial to your success in this position.

Job details

Position status Fixed Term Temporary
Position type Full-time
Occupational group Health - Medical
Classification L4-L7
Workplace Location Townsville region
Job ad reference QLD/TV688072
Closing date 13-Aug-2026
Job duration Fixed Term Temporary full-time, up to 6 months
Contact person Dr James Chacko
Contact details (07) 4433 7721
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About the opportunity  

The Department of Orthopaedics at Townsville Hospital is recruiting for a Principal House Officer (PHO). This is one of seven PHO positions within our team of five registrar-level JMOs, and complements our accredited RANZCO training registrars. A high degree of autonomy is inherent in this position, and teamwork with the other JMOs is crucial to your success in this position. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate sound clinical judgment and decision-making, and excellent teamwork. 

Please note:  This is a temporary full-time position, up to 6 months.  

Role requirements

  • Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or recognised equivalent qualification by the Australian Medical Council (AMC).
  • This is a Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) risk role. Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Pertussis and Tuberculosis.

Please refer to the Role Description for further details.

About your new employer

Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) offers a dynamic healthcare environment with access to advanced clinical practice, complex casework and multidisciplinary collaboration. As a leading tertiary and referral service, we support innovation and continuous professional development.

We provide strong career pathways through education, training and secondment opportunities. 

We value teamwork and inclusion, creating a supportive environment where staff can thrive while gaining experience across a variety of clinical settings.

Located in North Queensland, Townsville HHS supports a strong work/life balance with flexible options, job stability and a family-friendly culture. Enjoy affordable living, short commutes and easy access to coastal and outdoor lifestyle opportunities.

The ideal applicant will be someone who has proven ability and can demonstrate the following:

  • Knowledge of current medical practices and issues, and evidence of an appropriate level of expertise in the skills of the discipline.
  • Demonstrated ability to review, analyse and evaluate patient care for the identification of appropriate treatment and investigations.
  • Ability to maintain accurate and complete medical records – clinical, administrative and statistical.
  • Well-developed communication skills (written, oral and interpersonal skills) with the ability to communicate with all levels of staff and hospital clients from a variety of backgrounds.
  • A personal commitment to the maintenance of high standards in the clinical care to patients and proven ability to react promptly to emergency or urgent situations impacting upon patient care.
  • Ability to practice medicine in a cross-cultural environment.
  • Build relationships with patients and members of the multidisciplinary team, using strong communications skills and negotiation skills to understand needs and to deliver a service that meets their needs and policy 

Competitive salary and benefits:

We offer attractive remuneration packages and generous leave entitlements.

  • Salary range: $5258.70 - $5775.70 p.f. (L4-L7)
  • 4 weeks annual leave (pro rata) with 17.5% loading
  • Locality allowance
  • 12.75% employer contribution to superannuation
  • Plus Salary Sacrificing options may be available

Apply now

Enquiries are welcome; please contact: Dr James Chacko on (07) 4433 7721

Apply ONLINE: https://apply-springboard.health.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-TV688072

Applications close:  Thursday, 13 August 2026

Unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

Please download the Role Description from the `Documents' section below for application/interview preparation and future reference.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

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Licence
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY 3.0)
Last updated
2 May 2023

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