We offer fellowships in airway, cardiac and perioperative ultrasound, regional, in addition to general fellowships.
St. Vincent’s Hospital is a University of Melbourne affiliated tertiary referral centre performing over 16,000 cases per year. All adult subspecialties are represented, with the exception of obstetrics/gynaecology.
The Department of Anaesthesia has a strong focus on perioperative ultrasound, with world class faculty expert in ultrasound guided regional anaesthesia and perioperative echocardiography (both transthoracic and transoesophageal). There is an active research program with multiple projects that have attracted funding from NHMRC and ANZCA with particular emphasis on anaesthesia and cognitive function, regional anaesthesia and perioperative echocardiography. Staff are also strongly represented with senior roles in administration, education and quality and safety with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthestists.
We offer four to six fellowship positions each year with a general or subspecialty focus. All positions are twelve month positions commencing at the start of the academic year in late January/early February with an additional intake in July/August for one of the two regional anaesthesia positions offered. We do expect all fellows to stay for the duration of their fellowship. The fellowship streams currently offered are:
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Airway (1)
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Regional (2)
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General (1)
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Peri-operative Medicine (Joint position with Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre) (2) NEW in 2026
Please click on the links above to read more about the individual fellowships.
In collaboration with the Anaesthesia Department at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, we are currently in the process of developing a peri-operative medicine fellowship. There will be 2 positions available per year. Positions will be 12 months in duration, with 6 months spend at St Vincent’s and the other 6 months at Peter MacCallum. Details will be released in March, with selection expected to take place in June / July 2024.
Fellows can expect to be involved with their subspecialty interest on average, 2 days per week. The rest of their time will be spent rotating through the other surgical areas with a half day of education and an additional dedicated half day per week of nonclinical time to facilitate interest in research and educational activities. In addition there is a consultant led teaching program a session a week that fellows are encouraged to attend. It is expected that fellows will be involved and lead a research project. In addition, fellows participate in teaching and mentoring of our anaesthesia residents/registrars.
Fellows and advanced trainees provide anaesthesia under appropriate levels of supervision and work 43 hours per week plus rostered overtime, with participation in an after-hours call schedule that they share with other accredited ANZCA trainees. Fellows are entitled to 5 weeks of annual leave and an additional week of conference/professional development leave; other working conditions are as per appropriate workplace agreements.
We have a strong history of taking suitably qualified and experienced international fellows and have recently had fellows from North America, Asia and Europe and New Zealand. International fellows are expected to be performing close to consultant level and who have passed their relevant anaesthesia exit exams. We generally do not consider applicants who are established consultants. For consultants wishing to gain experience in our organisation then please see our observership page for further information.
Melbourne is Australia’s second largest and most multicultural city and positioned on the edge of Port Phillip Bay. It has a mild seasonal climate and is well known for its thriving restaurant, coffee and café culture. There is a well-established theatre, arts and music scene. Without doubt the city is one of the sporting capitals of the world as home to the Australian Open tennis, Formula One Grand Prix, Australian Rules Football (AFL) and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). On the edge of downtown Melbourne, St. Vincent’s is well positioned to take advantage of all the exceptional facilities Melbourne has to offer, with adjacent bars, eateries and the world’s best sports stadium a short walk across the park.
Current vacancies and positions
Please note all 2024 fellowship positions have now been allocated.
2025 Fellowships
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General: position filled
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Airway: position filled
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February-start regional: Position filled
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August-start regional: Position filled
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February-start Cardiac and Perioperative Ultrasound: closed
Applications for 2025 positions are now closed to overseas applicants.
Local applicants may apply for the positions still being shortlisted.
Recruitment for the shared 2026 Peter MacCallum Perioperative Medicine fellowship will open in June 2025, with interviews post the ANZCA fellowship viva examinations.
The following information applies to future applicants:
Applicants must submit Curriculum Vitae and the names and contact details of three referees to [email protected]. Successful candidates will be notified and then proceed to a panel interview.
We receive a high volume of requests, so we respond best to emails that outline why you are interested in working in our department. We typically recruit approximately a year in advance as it can take the best part of a year to work through the various paperwork and regulatory requirements, particularly for international fellows. Appointments are made within 1-2 weeks of receiving an application.
Final note: We please ask that all applicants are genuine about their interest and commitment if successful. It takes many hours to short list, check references and interview candidates. Once an offer has been accepted, it is expected that you will commit to the fellowship barring exceptional circumstances. We expect you to act transparently and professionally when handling these decisions. It is very difficult to replace fellows at short notice and leaves our department staffing severely compromised. There has been a growing trend for fellows to pull out of fellowships many months after accepting. We ask you respect us and the process and decline any position at the outset if there is any doubt your circumstances may not allow you and your family to commit.
