Senior Medical Officer – Derby Hospital, Western Australia

  Date posted: 13 Oct 2025     Applications close: 10 Nov 2025
  Company: WA Country Health Service
  Location: Derby, Western Australia
  Job Type: Full-time
  Contact: John Robson     kimberley.rmd@health.wa.gov.au
Description

Where you’ll be working
The Kimberley is the most northern and tropical of WA. Geographically diverse – the Kimberley boasts pristine white beaches, rugged and spectacular ranges and gorges, palm lined chasms, secluded waterholes, tidal mudflats and some of the largest and most beautiful rivers and waterways in the world. The Kimberley region keeps people intrigued for many years through the diverse range of activities, rich cultural history, varied working experiences and mix of friendly people and unique characters.

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 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.

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.

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.

For further information we encourage you to contact Dr John Robson, A/ Regional Director Medical Services on 08 91952453 or email kimberley.rmd@health.wa.gov.au

Attractive Remuneration:
SMO Level 1 to 4 – $550,858 to $631,005 (inclusive of base salary, 12% superannuation, on call allowance and PDL allowance)

To Apply: go to MedCareersWA Ref 492862

Applications close: Monday 10 November 2025