Genetic Pathology

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

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.

Dr Chiyan Lau
Genetic Pathologist

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.

Genetic Pathology – 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

NA

Average Age
QLD

% Aged 60+
QLD

No data for the workforce intending to retire by 2030

NA

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 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:

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

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.

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