Visiting Medical Officer in Anaesthesia, John Hunter Hospital

We have several opportunities for anaesthetists at John Hunter Hospital. The department comprises more than 130 Consultant Anaesthetists, including Staff Specialists and VMOs, with the largest training scheme in NSW.

Your practice in Newcastle will provide a diverse caseload across all major subspecialties including paediatrics. You will work between the John Hunter, Maitland and Belmont hospitals, enabling collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across different settings. There is also the opportunity to participate in active regional and perioperative services, or a busy acute pain service with a focus on interventional pain modalities.

We have a solid framework to support clinical trials and health services research, with programs focused on evidence‑based multidisciplinary perioperative care and Human Factors. Applicants with a passion for education or systems improvement research can work with the HNE Simulation Centre, one of the busiest and longest‑running centres in Australia.

Newcastle is geographically blessed with beaches, waterways, coastal walks and a strong sense of community spirit, with close proximity to the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens.

What you will do:

• Deliver specialist perioperative and anaesthetic care, including on‑call services
• Supervise, train and assess junior medical staff
• Contribute to the leadership and organisation of perioperative services

What we are looking for:

• 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

• Comprehensive anaesthetic services: The department supports cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, paediatrics (including neonatal), obstetrics and gynaecology, trauma (major trauma referral centre), general surgery and orthopaedics, and high‑risk perioperative medicine. Services span elective, urgent and emergency cases as a tertiary referral and trauma centre.
• Advanced facilities and innovation: Modern operating theatres and space for interventional radiology and endoscopy. The upcoming John Hunter Hospital Innovation Precinct will enhance research, education and collaboration.
• Education and training: The department supports ANZCA trainees, medical student mentoring, and ongoing professional development through workshops and simulation training at the HNELHD Simulation Centre.
• Research and collaboration: Active involvement in clinical research and multidisciplinary studies in anaesthesia, pain management and perioperative medicine, with links to ICU, ED and trauma services.
• Supportive team environment: A collaborative team of specialists, registrars, nurses and technicians committed to high‑quality patient care in a dynamic setting.

• John Hunter Hospital is a Level 6 tertiary referral trauma and teaching hospital – the largest in the region
• Join a team known for innovation, excellence and supportive leadership
• Access to the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, Fitness Passport, EAP support and professional development
• Opportunities to collaborate with researchers through partnerships with HMRI and the University of Newcastle
• Live where others holiday – coastal lifestyle with easy access to Newcastle

Need more information?

1) Click here for the Position Description

2) Find out more about applying for this position

Applications close: 30 September 2025

For more information about the role contact: Dr Michael Dobbie – Director of Anaesthesia, John Hunter Hospital
Ph:
E: [emailprotected]

For application related enquiries contact: Sally Jordan – Senior Medical Recruitment Consultant
Ph:
E: [emailprotected]

An eligibility list will be created for future permanent and temporary appointments

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 comply with the policy.

HNELHD is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment and upholding the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health's Child Safe Standards. All staff are expected to prioritise safety and well-being of children and young people.