Visiting Medical Officer in Anaesthesia
John Hunter Hospital
Quinquennial appointments | VMO Sessional/Fee For Service Determination
We have several exciting opportunities for anaesthetists looking for positions at the John Hunter Hospital. We are a large department of more than 130 Consultant Anaesthetists made up of a mix of Staff Specialists and VMOs with the largest training scheme in NSW.
Your practice in Newcastle will provide a rare opportunity to care for patients across all major subspecialties including paediatrics. You will be able to work between the John Hunter and Belmont hospitals allowing a diverse caseload and the chance to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across different settings. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in our active and well-regarded regional and perioperative services, or our very busy acute pain service with a strong emphasis on interventional pain modalities.
We have a solid framework to support clinical trials and health services research with emerging programs focused on evidence based multidisciplinary perioperative care and Human Factors. Applicants with a passion for education or systems improvement research will have the opportunity to work with the HNE Simulation Centre, one of the busiest and longest running centres in Australia.
Newcastle is geographically blessed with stunning beaches, inland waterways, coastal walks, great sporting teams, a great sense of community spirit, and close proximity to both the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens. We have everything except traffic!
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver specialist perioperative and anaesthetic care, including on call services
- Supervising, training and assessing junior medical staff
- Contributing to the leadership and organisation of perioperative services
Essential Requirements
- A primary medical degree registered with AHPRA
- Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA)
- Recent and comprehensive experience in anaesthesia and perioperative medicine
Key features of the department:
- Comprehensive anaesthetic services: The department supports a wide range of specialties including cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, paediatrics (including neonatal), obstetrics and gynaecology, trauma (as a major trauma referral centre), general surgery and orthopaedics, and high-risk perioperative medicine. Services span elective, urgent and emergency cases, reflecting the hospitals role as a tertiary referral and trauma centre.
- Advanced facilities and innovation: Equipped with modern operating theatres and dedicated spaces for specialised procedures such as interventional radiology and endoscopy. The upcoming John Hunter Hospital Innovation Precinct (2026) will further enhance research, education and collaboration across disciplines.
- Education and training Excellence: The department plays a key role in training ANZCA trainees, mentoring medical students and junior doctors and supporting ongoing professional development through academic meetings, workshops and simulation based training. It also leads the HNELHD Simulation Centre, supporting advanced clinical skills and team-based training.
- Research and collaboration: Actively involved in clinical and health services research in anaesthesia, pain management and perioperative medicine, with a supportive environment for emerging researchers. Strong multidisciplinary collaboration with ICU, ED and trauma services ensure integrated patient care.
- Supportive team environment: A collaborative team of specialists, registrars, nurses and technicians committed to delivering high quality patient care in a dynamic and inclusive setting.
Why join us?
- John Hunter Hospital Health and Innovation Precinct: Work within a major trauma and 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.
Need more information?
Applications close: 25 June 2026
For more information about the role contact: Dr Michael Dobbie – Director of Anaesthesia John Hunter Hospital
Ph: (02) 4921 4239 E: [email protected]
For application related enquiries contact: Sally Jordan – Senior Medical Recruitment Consultant
Ph: (02) 4985 3353 E: [email protected]
An eligibility list may be created for future permanent and temporary appointments
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.
