Specialty overview

Clinical geneticists diagnose, treat and manage who have, or are at risk of having, genetic or inherited conditions. The science of genetics, genetic counselling and syndrome identification, enable clinical geneticists to provide patients and their families with genetic information which enhances the health management of those patients over the course of their life. Conditions commonly treated by clinical geneticists include muscular dystrophy, chromosome disorders, cystic fibrosis, intellectual or developmental disability, birth defects, still births, early infant death and some forms of cancer.

Clinical practice

Clinical geneticists work within both public and private facilities, working collaboratively with other health professionals to provide care for their patients. Services commonly provided by clinical geneticists include diagnosis of genetic conditions and disorders, gene testing, genetic counselling and screening of newborn babies or second trimester foetuses for selected genetic conditions.

Key statistics

2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)

8
eligible

4
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received is 8, Applicants selected is 4.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

3

Number of QLD specialists

21

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

0

Number of QLD new fellows

3

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

1

Number of QLD trainees

43

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 3

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 3

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 43 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 49 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 14% 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: 0% are located in regional Queensland, 100% are in major cities, and 0% are in remote areas. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.

  • Proportion Female/Male - QLD

    42.9%
    male

    57.1%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 42.9%, Females are 57.1%.

  • Public vs Private

    28.6%
    private

    71.4%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 28.6%, Public is 71.4%.

Information on trainees

  • 1

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 0

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 17

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 7

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    0%
    male

    100%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 0%, Females are 100%.

  • 2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    8
    eligible

    4
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 8 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 - 1 trainees, 2016 - 1 trainees, 2017 - 1 trainees, 2018 - 1 trainees, 2019 - 2 trainees, 2020 - 1 trainees, 2021 - 2 trainees, 2022 - 1 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Professor Julie McGaughran

Clinical Geneticist
RBWH

As a clinical geneticist I work with patients and families to obtain diagnoses, direct clinical management, and provide clarification about genetic risk. Clinical geneticists are skilled in clinical phenotyping and interpreting genetic test results. With advances in genetic technology and clinically available testing, we now have more sophisticated tools to help achieve these outcomes for patients.

Training information

College

Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)

Length of training

6 years full-time (3 years basic training, 3 years advanced training)

Method of allocation

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

  • Queensland Health facility (accredited for training)

Training and assessment summary

For detailed information in relation to training and assessment requirements, please contact RACP or RCPA.

Training program overview

Clinical genetics advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training, and trainees may choose to focus on either adult or paediatric clinical genetics with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). Clinical genetics training incorporates work-based learning and assessments, with the program offering specialised curricula in general clinical genetics, genetic metabolic medicine or cancer genetics. Successful trainees will attain the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practise as a Clinical Geneticist in Australia or New Zealand. Trainees may allocate to jointly train in Clinical Genetics/Genetic Pathology.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold current medical registration, have completed RACP Basic Training (including Written and Clinical Examinations), and been appointed to an appropriate Advanced Training position.

Flexibility

Minimum 0.2 full-time equivalent commitment. Training program must be completed within 8 years.

Interrupted training

Allowed. Interruptions of more than 12 continuous months may require the development of a Return to Training Plan in collaboration with a supervisor and approval from the relevant training committee.

Training locations

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Last updated: May 2025

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