Specialty overview

General pathologists rely upon a broad understanding of the pathophysiology of disease, the diagnostic value of individual tests and the workings of a laboratory to deal with the diagnosis and management of disease.

Clinical practice

General pathologists work within multidisciplinary teams, supervising laboratories within both the public and private sectors. General pathologists often work collaboratively with other medical practitioners and health care professionals, often providing consultation services to clinicians, guiding their choice of specimen or test or providing interpretation of diagnostic tests.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

1
eligible

0
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 1, Applicants selected is 0.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

17

Number of QLD specialists

66

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

1

Number of QLD new fellows

2

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

3

Number of QLD trainees

39.1

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 17

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 1

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 39.1 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 53 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 42% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2032

    This donut chart shows that 58% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.

  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 50% are located in regional Queensland, 50% 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

    75%
    private

    25%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 75%, Public is 25%.

Information on trainees

  • 3

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 1

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 4

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 2

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    100%
    male

    0%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 100%, Females are 0%.

  • 2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    1
    eligible

    0
    selected

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

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Kevin Hardin

Pathologist
Queensland Children's Hospital

Gaining exposure to the different disciplines of clinical and anatomical pathology provides the satisfaction of synthesising the many aspects of diagnosis, monitoring, and follow-up of medically complex patients. The ability to oversee laboratory administration of these areas makes General Pathologists a valuable addition to non-tertiary centres.

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

General pathology training incorporates microbiology, haematology and clinical chemistry (with relevant immunopathology and genetic pathology) and equips trainees with the skills to adequately function as a consultant in all disciplines. Training incorporates work-based learning and assessment across four general functions of general 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 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

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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