Medical Director, Paediatric Emergency Medicine

About the role

John Hunter Hospital is seeking a Paediatric Emergency Medicine leader to serve as Medical Director of its Paediatric Emergency Department. This is a fixed-term, full-time (1.0 FTE) position from January 2027 to December 2029, based in Newcastle, NSW. The role works alongside executive and clinical teams to shape the future of the department during the opening of the new John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct and Acute Services Building.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the strategic, clinical and operational direction of the Paediatric Emergency Department
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
• Drive clinical governance, patient safety, quality improvement and risk management
• Lead service planning and departmental performance against organisational objectives and key performance indicators
• Support, mentor and develop the senior and junior medical workforce
• Strengthen partnerships across John Hunter Hospital, John Hunter Children's Hospital, Hunter New England Health and external stakeholders
• Champion education, training, research and evidence-based practice
• Help shape the future design and growth of paediatric emergency services in the district

Required profile

• Accomplished Paediatric Emergency Medicine specialist and leader
• Fellowship of the Australian College of Emergency Medicine (ACEM) or Royal Australasian College of Physicians in Paediatric Emergency Medicine, or eligibility through an approved specialist pathway
• Significant leadership experience in Paediatric Emergency Medicine
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire and support high-performing teams
• Strong commitment to medical education, mentorship and workforce development
• Exceptional communication, collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills

The position is Category A; occupational assessment, screening and vaccination against specific diseases are required. Applications close on 10 November 2026; agency applications are not accepted.