Microbiology

Microbiologists utilise laboratory techniques to diagnose infectious diseases, recommend antibiotic therapy, and advise and educate clinicians on the origins of infection, epidemiology and prevention and management mechanisms.

The Microbiology lab lies at the centre of diagnostics of all patients with infections, from influenza to septicaemia. Microbiology results are key to the correct identification of infections, inform clinicians regarding treatment, guide antimicrobial choice and infection control measures, alert physicians to outbreaks and show trends in diseases or antimicrobial resistance, which guide public health practitioners to improve health outcomes for the population.

 

As a microbiologist, I am continuously learning, fascinated and surprised, and always looking for new ways to find answers.

Dr Claire Heney
Microbiologist

Clinical Practice

Microbiologists work as part of multidisciplinary teams within both the public and private sectors, running diagnostic laboratories and providing interpretation of test results and advice to other physicians concerning the appropriateness of further investigation and the use of antimicrobial drugs.

Statistics and information - Microbiology

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

39% of 2018 workforce intend to retire by 2028

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

Female
Male

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

Microbiology training develops comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in all facets of microbiology and to be proficient at collection and handling of specimens and identifying the range of organisms expected to be encountered in a tertiary care hospital. Training may follow two pathways - RCPA fellowship or dual RCPA/RACP fellowship for trainees who wish to combine infectious diseases training with laboratory training in microbiology. Training incorporates work-based learning and assessment across four general functions of microbiology - 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 microbiology and infectious diseases, 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.

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Regional Training Pathways

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Northern Queensland

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Data Sources