Specialty overview

Genetic pathologists perform tests on patient samples for mutations in DNA or RNA in order to aid diagnose and manage patients with genetic disorders.

Clinical practice

Genetic pathologists work as part of multidisciplinary laboratory teams, within both the public and private sector. Genetic pathologists work collaboratively with a range of specialists, including physicians, surgeons, obstetricians and gynaecologists. The range of tests performed by a genetic pathologist can be broad and often straddle many different areas of medicine, including paediatric, adult and obstetric medicine.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

2
eligible

0
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 2, Applicants selected is 0.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

3

Number of QLD specialists

24

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

0

Number of QLD new fellows

1

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees

3

Number of QLD trainees

Information on trainees

  • 3

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 1

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 18

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 3

    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

    0
    selected

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

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Chiyan Lau

Genetic Pathologist
RBWH

Genetic Pathology (Medical Genomics) requires a combined understanding of laboratory techniques, the scientific basis of genetics, and an appreciation of the clinical aspects of genetic disorders. It is intellectually stimulating and has interactions with many clinical specialties. I enjoy the teamwork in this field because the scientists, pathologists, and various members of the clinical team all bring complementary sets of skills and knowledge to the table.

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

Genetic pathology training combines knowledge of cell biology and human genetics with computing, informatics and statistical skills to enable the analysis of high volumes of genomic data for diagnosis and management of human diseases arising from inherited, sporadic or somatic genomic variants. Genetic pathology trainees can progress through one of two five-year training programs - biochemical genetics and medical genomics. Training in either program incorporates work-based learning and assessment to position the genetic pathologist to practise as a specialist in either laboratory biochemical genetics or medical genomics and enables them to contribute effectively to translational research and development, undergraduate and post-graduate teaching and other professional activities. Training incorporates work-based learning and assessment. Upon completing all requirements of the training program, trainees may apply for admission to Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (FRCPA).

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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