Specialty overview

Forensic pathologists play a core role in the investigation of sudden or unexpected deaths through the examination and reporting of macroscopic and microscopic findings at post-mortem examination. Forensic pathologists combine these findings with medical history to determine a cause of death and the circumstances around which death occurred.

Clinical practice

Forensic pathologists work predominately within the public sector, liaising with other medical and scientific specialists, coroners and families of deceased individuals. Forensic pathologists are often required to present their findings in court.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

2
eligible

1
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 2, Applicants selected is 1.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

14

Number of QLD specialists

60

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

1

Number of QLD new fellows

6

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

3

Number of QLD trainees

39.4

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 14

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 1

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 39.4 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 48 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 15% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2032

    This donut chart shows that 31% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.

  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 15.4% are located in regional Queensland, 84.6% 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

    53.8%
    male

    46.2%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 53.8%, Females are 46.2%.

  • Public vs Private

    0%
    private

    100%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 0%, Public is 100%.

Information on trainees

  • 3

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 0

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 12

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 2

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    66.7%
    male

    33.3%
    female

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

  • 2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    2
    eligible

    1
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 2 Eligible applications were received, 1 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 - 0 trainees, 2016 - 0 trainees, 2017 - 0 trainees, 2018 - 1 trainees, 2019 - 2 trainees, 2020 - 3 trainees, 2021 - 4 trainees, 2022 - 3 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Rebecca Williams

Forensic Pathologist
Townsville University Hospital

Forensic pathology in North Queensland is fascinating – cases are generally younger, with more florid natural disease processes and a balanced mix of traumatic deaths interspersed with unexpected natural deaths. Living in a region provides more affordable housing and education options, less traffic and parking hassles and is the gateway to some of nature’s wonders.

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

Forensic pathology training encompasses a full-range of autopsy practice, histopathology and exposure to the forensic sciences. Training incorporates work-based learning and assessment across four general functions of forensic 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). Fellows in anatomical or general 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

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Last updated: September 2024