Senior Medical Officer

Are you seeking an opportunity to advance your career while advocating for Indigenous health in a stunning location tailor-made for adventure enthusiasts?

WA Country Health Service is seeking a Senior Medical Officer to lead our team at Derby Hospital in the beautiful Kimberley region of Western Australia.

We currently have 1 FTE vacant and can provide a Fixed-Term Full-Time contract for five years. Applicants seeking part time or sessional appointments are encouraged to apply, as flexible work arrangements may be considered for the right applicant.

About the Role

As the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) at Derby and Fitzroy Crossing Hospitals, you'll be an integral member of the West Kimberley Executive Team, providing pivotal medical leadership and expert advice on clinical matters. Your role will encompass clinical governance, the operational management of medical staff, including rostering, and driving quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

In this key position, you’ll be working in a cross-cultural environment, where Aboriginal patients represent a significant part of our community. Your efforts will have a profound impact on Indigenous health, focusing on advancing Aboriginal health outcomes and bridging health disparities.

You’ll play a crucial role in mentoring and supporting our District Medical Officers and Registrars, ensuring the continuation of exceptional care. You’ll oversee up to ten doctors, working closely with a dedicated team that includes the Derby Coordinator of Nursing and Midwifery, Clinical Nurse Managers, allied health professionals, administration, and support staff.

About Derby Hospital:

You’ll be based at Derby Hospital which is the gateway to the iconic Gibb River Road. The facility boasts 35 inpatient beds, including a dedicated emergency department, 22 acute care beds, and a state-of-the-art birthing suite with four maternity beds. The hospital offers a wide array of services: Community Health, Allied Health, Home and Community Care, Maternity, Neonates, Medical Imaging, Child and Adolescent Services, General Medical, Aged Care, Dental, Alcohol Rehabilitation, Aboriginal Health, Mental Health, Podiatry, General Surgical, Outpatients, Community Drug Services, Ambulance, and Visiting Specialist Services such as Renal Physician, Ophthalmologist, General Surgeon and Cardiologist.

About the Region:

The Kimberley is Western Australia's northernmost region, bordered by the Pilbara region to the south and the Northern Territory to the east. Home to over 35,000 people, with approximately 50% identifying as Aboriginal, the region is rich in cultural diversity and experiences.

The West Kimberley is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including towering cliffs, rocky headlands, and pristine waterways. With easy access to the Fitzroy River and King Sound, residents and visitors can enjoy fishing, crabbing, and boating in the region's clear, untouched waters. On weekends, you might explore the rugged islands of the nearby archipelago or camp at Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and adventure that the Kimberley has to offer.

About You:

Our ideal candidate is a compassionate Rural Generalist or General Practitioner, driven by a deep commitment to providing exceptional care in remote and disadvantaged communities. Whether you are motivated by a passion for cultural advocacy, seeking professional growth, or simply love adventure, you must thrive in challenging environments and collaborative, high-pressure settings. Your dedication to improving Aboriginal health outcomes and your ability to connect with diverse patient populations are key attributes that make you an ideal fit for the role. This position offers a unique opportunity to advance your career while making a lasting impact on the health of the West Kimberley region.

What's in it for you:

• Discover the Kimberley's natural wonders, from pristine beaches to rugged landscapes. Your downtime will be filled with unforgettable outdoor experiences.
• You’ll become part of a vibrant and close-knit community, the people of the Kimberley are known for their warm hospitality.
• Need to travel to the city? Perth is only a short 2 ½ hour flight away from Broome, with regional residents entitled to capped price flights.  
• Competitive salary packages which are among the highest in Australia.
• Additional entitlements for working in a rural location such as district allowance, accommodation subsidies, air conditioner subsidies, travel days and, generous annual leave entitlements.
• If you are coming to work from overseas or interstate:
• You may be eligible to be reimbursed for costs related to the relocation of yourself and your immediate family (conditions apply).
• We can offer a range of employee-sponsored work visas including PR (conditions apply).

Keen to know more about the salaries and benefits? Check out the medical practitioner salaries and benefits page.

Keen to Learn More?

If you're interested in this role and want to learn more, we encourage you to reach out.

You can contact us via email at kimberley.rmd@health.wa.gov.au or by phone at (08) 9195 2453.

For a firsthand perspective, hear from Dr. Prue Plowright about what it's like to live and work in Derby!

Application Process:

To apply for this position, applicants must have a current and valid email address for online application and communication purposes. If you encounter any difficulties while applying online, please contact WACHSDoctors.Senior@health.wa.gov.au.

To complete the application, please apply online submit the following documents:

• A statement addressing each of the Selection Criteria for the given role you want to apply for. The requirements can be found in attached document detailing how you meet these requirements.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae which summarises your experience and how you meet the position requirements. Please include contact details for work related referees (It is preferable for one of your referees to be a current supervisor or manager).

Other Conditions

This vacancy is subject to a Western Australian Working With Children (WWC) Check. For further information please refer to the WWC website at: https://workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au

Please note this recruitment process requires completion of satisfactory Pre-Employment Health Assessment (PEHA).  Any offer of employment with WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is conditional on satisfactory PEHA to ensure you are able to perform the inherent requirements of the position. An unsatisfactory PEHA will result in the offer of employment being withdrawn.  Please see the attached WACHS PEHA Policy for further information.