Immunopathology

Immunopathologists study, diagnose and manage patients with disorders of the immune system, including allergic and autoimmune disorders, some types of cancer and primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. Immunopathologists are often also involved in organ transplantation, and work to ensure the health of the community through the prevention of disease by immunisation.

Clinical Practice

Immunopathologists work as part of multidisciplinary teams, practicing in both clinical and laboratory medicine, within both public and private sectors. Immunopathologists may directly manage patients, or may treat patients referred from other specialists who suspect an immune component to illness. Immunopathologists additionally provide advice to other medical practitioners and health care providers on a variety of disorders, such as recurrent miscarriage or in areas of transplantation medicine.

Statistics and information - Immunopathology

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

38% of the QLD 2017 workforce intend to retire by 2027

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

PGY new trainees - QLD

Proportion Female/Male - QLD

Male
Female

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

Immunopathology training prepares trainees to provide expert diagnostic support for patients with immune disorder in their capacity as pathologists, and who can serve as consultants, educators and pathology scientists in the diagnosis and investigation of conditions of the immune system. Training may follow two pathways - RCPA fellowship or dual RCPA/RACP fellowship for trainees who wish to provide patient care as well as laboratory services. Training incorporates work-based learning and assessment across four general functions of immunopathology - 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). Trainees may undertake joint RCPA/RACP training in immunology and allergy with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRCPA and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold registration as a medical practitioner with a minimum of 2 years of postgraduate experience. Applicants must be employed in an accredited laboratory before seeking registration with the college.

Flexibility

Minimum 20% of full-time commitment.

Interrupted training

Allowed - no limit is placed on the time taken to complete training.

Data Sources