Clinical Genetics

Clinical geneticists diagnose, treat and manage who have, or are at risk of having, genetic or inherited conditions. The science of genetics, genetic counselling and syndrome identification, enable clinical geneticists to provide patients and their families with genetic information which enhances the health management of those patients over the course of their life. Conditions commonly treated by clinical geneticists include muscular dystrophy, chromosome disorders, cystic fibrosis, intellectual or developmental disability, birth defects, still births, early infant death and some forms of cancer.

As a clinical geneticist I work with patients and families to obtain diagnoses, direct clinical management, and provide clarification about genetic risk. Clinical geneticists are skilled in clinical phenotyping and interpreting genetic test results. With advances in genetic technology and clinically available testing, we now have more sophisticated tools to help achieve these outcomes for patients.

Professor Julie McGaughran
Clinical Geneticist

Clinical Practice

Clinical geneticists work within both public and private facilities, working collaboratively with other health professionals to provide care for their patients. Services commonly provided by clinical geneticists include diagnosis of genetic conditions and disorders, gene testing, genetic counselling and screening of newborn babies or second trimester foetuses for selected genetic conditions.

Clinical Genetics – Information

Number of specialists - QLD

Number of new fellows - QLD

Number of specialists - AUS

Number of new fellows - AUS

Average weekly hours
QLD

Average Age
QLD

% Aged 60+
QLD

17% of 2020 workforce intent to retire by 2030

Proportion Female/Male - QLD

Male
Female

Location - QLD

Regional
Major cities

Public/Private QLD

Private
Public

Number of trainees - QLD

Number of new trainees - QLD

Number of trainees - AUS

Number of new trainees - AUS

Proportion Female/Male trainees - QLD

Female
Male

2022 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year)

Eligible Applications Received
Applicants Selected

The data on this page compares the number of applicants that were selected to commence their first year of training in Queensland in 2022 to the total number of eligible applications*

The data was sourced from the relevant medical specialist college, or from selection committees coordinated by a Queensland Health pathway/network, or an individual facility.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This data reflects a point in time figure for the selection of applicants commencing the first year of an accredited training program in the 2022 clinical year.

* eligible applications are determined by selection committees according to the eligibility criteria and required documentation prescribed by the relevant medical specialist college.

The data on this page compares the number of applicants that were selected to commence their first year of training in Queensland in 2022 to the total number of eligible applications.

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College

Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)

Length of Training

6 years full-time (3 years basic training, 3 years advanced training)

Method of Allocation

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

  • College
  • Queensland Health pathway/network (centrally coordinated)
  • Queensland Health facility (accredited for training)

Training and assessment summary

For detailed information in relation to training and assessment requirements, please contact RACP or RCPA.

Training program overview

Clinical genetics advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training, and trainees may choose to focus on either adult or paediatric clinical genetics with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). Clinical genetics training incorporates work-based learning and assessments, with the program offering specialised curricula in general clinical genetics, genetic metabolic medicine or cancer genetics. Successful trainees will attain the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practise as a Clinical Geneticist in Australia or New Zealand. Trainees may allocate to jointly train in Clinical Genetics/Genetic Pathology.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold current medical registration, have completed RACP Basic Training (including Written and Clinical Examinations), and been appointed to an appropriate Advanced Training position.

Flexibility

Minimum 0.2 full-time equivalent commitment. Training program must be completed within 8 years.

Interrupted training

Allowed. Interruptions of more than 12 continuous months may require the development of a Return to Training Plan in collaboration with a supervisor and approval from the relevant training committee.

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