Haematology

Haematologists diagnose, treat and manage patients with diseases related to the blood. Haematologists utilise a clinical-laboratory interface of knowledge, skills and judgement to investigate and treat a wide range of neoplastic and benign diseases, including anaemia and other abnormal blood counts, bleeding and clotting disorders, cancers relating to the blood including lymphomas, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes and leukaemia.

The majority of haematologists in Australia and New Zealand undertake both clinical and laboratory training, and so qualify as physicians (RACP) and pathologists (RCPA). Although this means extra training time, study and examinations, the end result is a career with great opportunity for flexibility in engaging in research, clinical and laboratory work and the ability to personally make a pathological diagnosis and to provide treatment to patients.

Dr Robert Bird
Director of Haematology

Clinical Practice

Haematologists work within both public and private healthcare settings, as well as within laboratories and academic and research institutes. Haematologists perform a range of clinical procedures in caring for their patients, including haemopoietic stem cell transplantation, transfusion medicine and bone marrow biopsy. Haematologists additionally provide a range of treatments for patients, including venesection, iron infusion, blood transfusion and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Clinical, translation and basic research is a significant component of practice for many Haematologists, this research has contributed to substantial advances in cell and molecular biology, as well as therapeutic and patient management practices.

Haematology – Information

Number of specialists - QLD (2021)

Number of new fellows - QLD

Number of specialists - AUS (2021)

Number of new fellows - AUS

Average weekly hours
QLD

Average Age
QLD

% Aged 60+
QLD

31% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032

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

2023 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 2023 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 2023 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 2023 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) or 7 years full-time (3 years basic, 4 years advanced joint program)

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

The Queensland Haematology Advanced Training Pathway is a centralised state-wide recruitment process for advanced training positions in clinical haematology, laboratory haematology and combined clincial and laboratory haematology in accredited Queensland facilities.

Training program overview

Clinical Haematology advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). The clinical haematology training program incorporates work-based learning and assessment, with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practise as a clinical haematologist in Australia or New Zealand.

Trainees may elect to undertake the joint haematology RACP/RCPA advanced training program, which is evaluated biennially by the Committee for Joint College Training (CJCT) in Haematology and the New Zealand Joint College Training Subcommittee. Successful trainees will attain the qualification of FRACP and Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists Australasia (FRCPA), with accreditation to practise as haematologists and pathologists in Australia or New Zealand.

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. Joint RACP/RCPA Haematology trainees must be registered with both the RCPA and the RACP and are supervised by the Committee for Joint College Training.

Flexibility

Minimum 0.2 full-time equivalent commitment. Clinical and joint training must be completed within 8 and 10 years respectively.

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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Regional Training Pathways

Explore postgraduate training pathways in regional Queensland.

Visit Northern Queensland Regional Training Hubs

Visit The University of Queensland Regional Training Hubs