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Chemical Pathology

Chemical Pathology

Specialty overview

Chemical pathologists diagnose and manage disease through the analysis of chemicals found in body fluids and tissues. Chemical pathologists detect changes in a number of substances in blood and bodily fluid, detect and measure cancer markers and measures levels of hormones in their patients, and may also measure the presence of poisons or therapeutic and illicit drugs. Chemical pathologists draw upon expertise in the pathophysiology of disease to provide advice to other specialties on testing and treatment options for patients.

Clinical practice

Chemical pathologists oversee laboratories, within both public and private settings, to ensure lab conditions enable accuracy of testing, interpretation, reporting and communication of results. Clinically, chemical pathologists play an important role in treating patients with metabolic disturbances relating to the body’s internal chemistry.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

7
eligible

1
selected

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

Number of QLD specialists

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

Number of QLD new fellows

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

Number of QLD trainees

37.1

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

13

Number of QLD specialists
2

Number of QLD new fellows
37.1 hours

Average weekly hours QLD
55 years

Average age QLD

Specialists over 60

This donut chart shows that 47% of specialists are aged over 60 years.
Specialist intending to retire by 2032

This donut chart shows that 73% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.
Location in Queensland

This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 0% are located in regional Queensland, 100% 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

66.7%
male

33.3%
female

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 66.7%, Females are 33.3%.
Public vs Private

64.3%
private

35.7%
public

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 64.3%, Public is 35.7%.

Information on trainees

2

Number of Queensland trainees
1

Number of new Queensland trainees
16

Number of Australian trainees
8

Number of new Australian trainees

Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

50%
male

50%
female

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 50%, Females are 50%.
2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

7
eligible

1
selected

This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 7 Eligible applications were received, 1 of those were selected.

Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022

What our staff have to say

Dr Jacobus Ungerer

Chemical Pathologist
RBWH

Chemical pathologists combine the sciences of clinical medicine, biochemistry, physics, technology, computing and management into a single career. Biochemistry is fundamental to life and our discipline aptly accounts for more than half the workflow in pathology laboratories. For the scientifically minded Chemical Pathology provides a wide scope of great career opportunities. The ability to apply basic science to benefit patients is especially rewarding.

Training information

College

Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA)

Length of training

5 years full-time (chemical pathology training), 7 years full-time (joint chemical pathology and endocrinology training)

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

Chemical pathology training encompasses the techniques, management and administration of a chemical pathology laboratory and incorporates work-based learning and assessment across four general functions of chemical pathologists - discipline-specific functions as a medical specialist in a 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). Trainees may elect to undertake joint RCPA/ Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) training in chemical pathology and endocrinology, with successful trainees attaining the qualifications of FRCPA and FRACP.

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.

Last updated: December 2024