Specialty overview

Anatomical pathologists utilise a broad knowledge base and clinical understanding of the pathological and clinical aspects of diseases. Clinical pathologists undertake tissue diagnosis to identify abnormalities, thereby supporting medical diagnosis, patient management and medical research. Common conditions identified by anatomical pathologists include tumours and cancers, autoimmune disorders and infections. Tissue analysis may be via macroscopic pathology, histopathology, cytopathology and morbid anatomy procedures.

Clinical practice

Anatomical pathologists are employed within both public and private healthcare settings, working as part of multidisciplinary teams to provide advice to other doctors including physicians, surgeons and general practitioners.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

54
eligible

15
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 54, Applicants selected is 15.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

202

Number of QLD specialists

960

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

5

Number of QLD new fellows

25

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

58

Number of QLD trainees

39.9

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 202

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 5

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 39.9 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 50 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 19% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2032

    This donut chart shows that 37% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.

  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 9.1% are located in regional Queensland, 90.9% are in major cities, and 0% are in remote regions. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.

  • Proportion Female/Male - QLD

    46%
    male

    54%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 46%, Females are 54%.

  • Public vs Private

    57.3%
    private

    42.7%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 57.3%, Public is 42.7%.

Information on trainees

  • 58

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 13

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 252

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 69

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    55.2%
    male

    44.8%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 55.2%, Females are 44.8%.

  • 2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    54
    eligible

    15
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 54 Eligible applications were received, 15 of those were selected.

Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022

This line chart shows the trend of the number of Queensland trainees from 2015 to 2022. The data points are: 2015 - 42 trainees, 2016 - 38 trainees, 2017 - 38 trainees, 2018 - 44 trainees, 2019 - 39 trainees, 2020 - 51 trainees, 2021 - 50 trainees, 2022 - 58 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Alexandra Li

Anatomical Pathologist

Anatomical pathology is a unique specialty that is currently in high demand. We play a crucial role in diagnosing disease and guiding treatment through microscopic assessment of tissue, but also increasingly through molecular and other specialised tests. Working in a regional centre allows me to keep a broad range of interests across anatomical pathology, with the added benefits of a short commute and a more relaxed pace of life.

Training information

College

Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA)

Length of training

5 years full-time

Method of allocation

College-selected trainees may be allocated to a training post by:

  • Queensland Health pathway/network (centrally coordinated)

Training and assessment summary

Appointments to Queensland Pathology Training Programs are coordinated by the Medical Support Unit, Pathology Queensland (Health Support Queensland) in conjunction with Pathology Queensland's State Directors and Coordinators of Education and Training. Pathology recruitment is centralised by discipline/sub-specialty and not by facility. Training is accredited through the RCPA.

Training program overview

Anatomical pathology training includes surgical pathology, morbid anatomy and cytopathology, incorporating work-based learning and assessment across four general functions of anatomical pathologists - discipline-specific functions as a medical specialist in the laboratory, functions as a manager in the laboratory, research and scholarship, and professional attributes. Upon completing all requirements of the training program, trainees may apply for admission to Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (FRCPA). Fellows in anatomical pathology may elect to undertake post-fellowship training leading to a Diploma in Forensic Pathology.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold registration as a medical practitioner with a minimum of 2 years of postgraduate experience. Applicants must be employed in a training position at an accredited site before seeking registration with the college.

Flexibility

Minimum 20% of full-time commitment. No limit is placed on the time taken to complete training.

Interrupted training

Allowed however a period of additional training may be required if training is interrupted for more than 5 years.

Training locations

NOTE: Accredited training sites for pathology are subject to change. Junior doctors are encouraged to check the RCPA website for the most up to date information.
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Last updated: December 2024

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