Senior Medical Officer

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.

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/Regional Medical Director by phone on or by email at 

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 

To complete the application, please apply online via MedCareersWA Ref 492862