General Pathology

General pathologists have a very broad understanding of the pathophysiology of disease, the diagnostic value of individual tests and also of the laboratory and its workings. They are often responsible for managing laboratories, ensuring the quality of the results and providing a diagnostic service and advice to clinicians.

Minimum Time to Completion: 7 years from graduation

Details

How to Apply

Eligibility Requirements

Prospective trainees must have:

2 years of clinical hospital training
Be accepted into a training spot at an accredited hospital, then apply for registration with the college

Application Process

Applicants must first apply for and be accepted for an Advanced Training Position.

Entry as a pathology trainee is achieved following employment in a training position at a site accredited by the College for training.

In general, the following criteria is considered in selecting initial trainees:

Identification as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Māori	Self-declared on application	All should be interviewed provided that they meet registration and clinical experience criteria
Professionalism and ethics	Scenario-based questions in structured interview Satisfactory referees’ reports	If conflicting referees’ reports have been received, additional references may be sought, and/or applicants may be invited to respond to any adverse comments made
Communication and interpersonal skills	Verbal communication in interview Written communication in application Satisfactory referees’ reports
Commitment to and understanding about pathology as a career	Structured interview questions relating to interest, knowledge and reason(s) for application Pass in Basic Pathological Sciences or similar exam Work experience in pathology
Enquiring mind; analytical and clinical reasoning ability	Scenario-based questions in structured interview Evidence of projects involving scientific enquiry
Academic achievement	Evidence from CV of higher degrees, publications, honours, awards and scholarships, research and teaching and/or presentation experience
Breadth of clinical experience	Clinical experience relevant to pathology Success in postgraduate examinations in other clinical specialties, e.g. Part 1 FACD, FRACP, FRACS
Flexibility	Willingness to work in all areas on rotation, including outer metropolitan and regional areas Willingness to work hours as required by the workp

Program Structure

Trainees complete 5 years of certified training time comprising:

at least 8 months in each of Microbiology, Haematology, Clinical Chemistry (most trainees spend 1 year in each)
Minimum of 2 years in Anatomical Pathology (includes cytology and forensic pathology)

They will also complete:

Basic pathological sciences examination before or after the first year of training
Examinations in each of Anatomical Pathology, Chemical Pathology, Haematology and Microbiology
Oral consolidation exam after passing the previous examinations

Fees

Annual Fee:

AUD $1,397

Exam Fee:

Part 1 Examination: AUD $3,120
Part 2 Examination: AUD $3,120
Peer Review Assessment Fee: AUD $2,500
Basic Pathological Sciences Examination: AUD $700 ($165 for medical students)
General Pathology Exams:

Anatomical Pathology: AUD $1,700
Chemical Pathology: AUD $645
Haematology: AUD $645
Microbiology: AUD $645
Clinical Consolidation Oral Examination: AUD $1050

Autopsy Certificate: AUD $3,120

Registration Fee

Initial Registration Fee: AUD $110
First Year Training Fee:

Commencing 1 January – 31 March: AUD $1397
Commencing 1 April – 30 June: AUD $1047.75
Commencing 1 July – 30 September: AUD $698.50
Commencing 1 October – 31 December: AUD $349.25

Useful Resources / Courses / Conferences

Research relevant to general pathology or related fields
Fellowship in related sub-specialties
PhD
Completion of the Basic pathological sciences examination may assist with demonstrating commitment and interest in the RCPA training program

Key Information

PGY Intake Year (earliest)

PGY3

Training Duration (minimum)

5 years FTE

General Progression

Note that this represents one of the quickest routes to specialty training, and may not reflect additional HMO or unaccredited years of training.

Year 1

Internship

Year 2

General, Medical or Surgical year

Year 3

Commence Advanced Training in General Pathology

Part Time Option: Yes

Last Updated: January 30, 2023

The information found in this portal has been painstakingly collated by JMOs for JMOs, and is intended as a career progression guide for every aspiring JMO. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information presented on this website, but recent changes made by Specialist Medical Colleges may not be reflected in real time; please consult with the respective Specialist Medical College websites for the latest information. PMCV and JMO Victoria accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. Please feel free to contact our team with suggestions or comments via the feedback form.