Dr Sonya Bennett's last day as deputy chief health officer and executive director of the communicable diseases branch will be Friday next week.

She has accepted the role of deputy chief medical officer at the federal health department.

News of her departure follows Monday's announcement that Jeannette Young will end her tenure as chief health officer when she becomes Queensland's next governor on November 1.

Queensland Health director-general John Wakefield congratulated Dr Bennett on her appointment but said it was a disappointing loss.

"Losing a person of Dr Bennett's calibre is always disappointing; however this appointment is appropriate recognition for her hard work," Dr Wakefield said in a statement on Thursday.

"We are indebted to Dr Bennett for her tireless commitment over the past 12 years which has resulted in a long list of positive health outcomes for Queenslanders."

Dr Young said Dr Bennett had played a key role in minimising the impact of COVID-19 in Queensland.

"During the pandemic, Dr Bennett has performed the role of Chief Health Officer on multiple occasions during the COVID-19 pandemic," she said.

Dr Bennett said she was leaving Queensland Health after 12 years with a heavy heart.

"This appointment represents an exciting opportunity for me professionally and I look forward to this new chapter of my career."

When Dr Young revealed her plans to be governor, she said Queensland had no shortage of talented people waiting to replace her.

"There's so many candidates out there that I can think of off the top of my head," she said.

Australian Associated Press