Senior Medical Officer - Derby

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, with the possibility of extension(s) and / or permanency.

Remuneration:  SMO Level 1 to 4 - $550,858 to $631,005 (inclusive of base salary, 12% superannuation, on call allowance and PDL allowance)

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 You:

You are an experienced Rural Generalist, General Practitioner, or Senior Medical Officer who is passionate about making a real difference in rural and remote health. With strong clinical expertise and proven leadership skills, you thrive in challenging environments and bring a deep commitment to improving Aboriginal health outcomes through culturally sensitive care and genuine community engagement.

You’ll be a collaborative leader who can guide and support a diverse medical team, fostering a culture of learning, safety, and continuous improvement. Resilient and adaptable, you balance hands-on clinical care with strategic thinking, contributing to service planning and governance as part of the West Kimberley Executive Team.

This role is ideal for someone seeking professional growth in a unique cross-cultural environment, while embracing the adventure, lifestyle, and cultural richness that the Kimberley has to offer.

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.

What's in it for you:

• Unforgettable Lifestyle: Discover the Kimberley's natural wonders, from pristine beaches to rugged landscapes. Your downtime will be filled with unforgettable outdoor experiences.
• Strong Community Spirit: You’ll become part of a vibrant and close-knit community, the people of the Kimberley are known for their warm hospitality.
• Easy Access to Perth: 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: Among the highest in Australia.
• Regional Incentives: Additional entitlements for working in a rural location such as district allowance, accommodation subsidies, air conditioner subsidies, travel days and, generous annual leave entitlements.
• Salary packaging: Up to $9,010 for living expenses + $2,650 for meals.  
• Novated leasing and 12% superannuation  
• Relocation Support: If you are coming to work from overseas or interstate:  

• • You will be eligible to be reimbursed for costs related to the relocation of yourself and your immediate family (conditions apply and subject to regional approval).  
  • We can offer a range of employee-sponsored work visas including PR (conditions apply). 

Applicants seeking flexible work arrangements are welcome to apply and will be considered within operational requirements.

We value your contribution - and back it with benefits that support your lifestyle, growth, and long-term career.  

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

For Further Job-Related Information: If you're interested in this role and want to learn more, we encourage you to contact Dr John Robson, A/RDMS by phone on 08 9194 2853 or by email at kimberley.rmd@health.wa.gov.au

And for a firsthand perspective, hear from Dr. Prue Plowright about what it's like to live and work in Derby!  Take a look at country practice: Dr Prue Plowright - YouTube

Eligibility Requirements:  

• Due to the limited supervision capacity at Derby Hospital, supervised practice placements for Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) cannot be supported for this opportunity. Preference will therefore be given to applicants currently residing in Australia who: 

• hold unrestricted General Registration with the Medical Board of Australia, and 
• have at least two years of clinical experience in Australia or a recognised Competent Authority country. 

• Exceptional overseas candidates may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

• Australian citizenship or permanent residency is an essential requirement for applicants to be considered for permanent positions in the public sector. Applicants on a visa can be appointed on a fixed-term contract.   

Application Process:

If you encounter any difficulties while applying online, please contact medcareerswa@health.wa.gov.au              

To complete the application, please apply here by submitting the following documents:

1. Comprehensive and Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining qualifications, training, and relevant experience, demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the role. 
2. Two Professional Referees including names and contact details. One must be your current supervisor or line manager. 
3. 2-3 Page maximum Statement addressing the Essential Work-Related Requirements (see attached job description  JDF_ 200014 Dby Senior Medical Officer MP Yr 1-4.PDF). 

Other Conditions

Whilst this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, it may also be used to fill other "similar" vacancies throughout the health service. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised vacancy, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from when the authorised delegate endorses the recruitment decision. 

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce where every employee feels valued and empowered. We believe that a diverse team brings unique perspectives and drives innovation to meet our community’s needs. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences to join us in shaping a more equitable future and as a measure to achieve equality under of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.

WA Health engages staff in positions of trust and responsibility. WA Health policies require applicants to undertake criminal records screening and integrity checking as part of the appointment process. Referees may also be asked to comment on an applicant’s integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour.

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 can 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. 

Late or emailed applications will not be accepted.