Specialty overview

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.

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.

Key statistics

2024 QLD Training program selections(first year)

17
eligible

5
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 17, Applicants selected is 5.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

55

Number of QLD specialists

267

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

2

Number of QLD new fellows

15

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

9

Number of QLD trainees

40.5

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 55

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 2

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 40.5 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 51 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 29% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2033

    This donut chart shows that 43% of 2023 workforce intend to retire by 2033.

  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 19% are located in regional Queensland, 81% are in major cities, and 0% are in remote regions. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.

  • Proportion Female/Male - QLD

    28.6%
    male

    71.4%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 28.6%, Females are 71.4%.

  • Public vs Private

    25%
    private

    75%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 25%, Public is 75%.

Information on trainees

  • 9

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 3

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 59

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 18

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    56%
    male

    44%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 56%, Females are 44%.

  • 2024 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    17
    eligible

    5
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2024 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 16 Eligible applications were received, 4 of those were selected.

Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022

This line chart shows the trend of the number of Queensland trainees from 2015 to 2022. The data points are: 2015 - 14 trainees, 2016 - 15 trainees, 2017 - 13 trainees, 2018 - 18 trainees, 2019 - 18 trainees, 2020 - 15 trainees, 2021 - 15 trainees, 2022 - 12 trainees, 2023 - 18 trainees.

Training information

College

Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA)

Length of training

5 years full-time (microbiology training), 8 years full-time (dual infectious diseases and microbiology training)

Method of allocation

College-selected trainees may be allocated to a training post by:

  • Queensland Health pathway/network (centrally coordinated)

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 - Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) fellowship or dual RCPA/Royal Australasian College of Physicians (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 RCPA (FRCPA). Trainees who successfully undertake joint RCPA/RACP training in microbiology and infectious diseases will attain the qualifications of FRCPA and FRACP.

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.

Training locations

NOTE: Accredited training sites for pathology are subject to change. Junior doctors are encouraged to check the RCPA website for the most up to date information.
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Last updated: December 2024

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