Introduction

The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia is Australasia's leading medical diagnostic organisation and promotes the science and practice of Pathology. Pathology is the medical specialty concerned with the study of the nature and causes of diseases. As a consequence it touches every facet of medicine. In fact it has been said that 'Medicine IS Pathology.'

The College's primary focus is educational. It is involved in the examination and certification of pathologists, as well as their ongoing professional development. It also provides professional leadership, including setting professional practice standards, and is heavily involved in government relations and negotiations, concerned with maintaining the role of pathology in clinical practice.

Governance Structure of the College & Trainee Representation

The College is governed by a Council. A Trainees' Committee is in place, with representatives from each state and New Zealand. The representatives are nominated, and elected where necessary, by Trainees at the local level. The Committee is responsible to the Council and may provide reports and recommendations to the Board of Censors, Board of Education and Executive Committee.

Training

The College oversees training in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia by accrediting laboratories for pathology training, approving supervised training undertaken in an accredited laboratory and conducting examinations leading to certification as a qualified pathologist and Fellow of the College (FRCPA).

The College accepts applications from registered medical practitioners with a minimum of one year's postgraduate experience, who wish to become a specialist pathologist. Applicants must be employed in an accredited laboratory before seeking registration with the College. The College plays no part in placing applicants in employment.

Pathology training takes a minimum of five full time years. Training can be undertaken in:

General Pathology
Anatomical Pathology (including Histopathology, Cytopathology and Forensic Pathology)
Chemical Pathology
Clinical Pathology (from 2007 onwards)
Forensic Pathology (from 2007 onwards)
Genetics
Haematology
Immunology
Microbiology (including Virology).

The College also offers joint training programs with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in Chemical Pathology/Endocrinology, Haematology, Immunology and Microbiology/Infectious Diseases.

Assessment

Training is not specifically structured as basic and advanced training, and there are three parts to the examination process as follows:

1. Basic Pathological Sciences Examination (BPS)

From 2006, the examination may be taken before commencement of training. The examination will be opened up to any intern, medical or dental student in their final year as well as registered trainees.

A pass in Basic Pathological Sciences is not a prerequisite for Part I or General Pathology examinations, but a pass or exemption must be achieved before attaining Fellowship. From 2006, it will be permissible for the Part II examination (final assessment) to be taken prior to the BPS examination on the condition that the candidate undertakes both exams in the same year. Note that Joint Trainees with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians are exempt from taking the BPS exam.

2. Discipline Specialty Part I - This is usually taken in the third year of training.

3. Discipline specialty Part II - This is usually taken in the fifth or final year of training.

Part I and Part II examinations require Trainees to have sufficient knowledge of the work of other branches of pathology to be able to use and interpret their basic services intelligently. The Part I and Part II examinations have written, practical and oral components. For General Pathology, written examinations are taken in Pathological Sciences, Clinical Pathology and Morphological Pathology. The Clinical and Morphological examinations are generally taken in years 4 and 5. There are also practical assessments in each discipline.

Curriculum Development

Trainees, Supervisors and other key stakeholder have been involved in curriculum working groups, which have developed comprehensive discipline specific curricula. The discipline specific curricula were published for the first time in the 2006 RCPA Trainee Handbook.

Trainees, Supervisors and other key stakeholders are currently involved in the development of a Generic Learning Diary based on the College's Generic Curriculum. The Learning Diary process involves Trainees developing a Learning Plan with their Supervisor that addresses the Learning Outcomes in the RCPA Generic Curriculum. The Trainee then works towards achieving the suggested level of proficiency for their stage of training by carrying out learning activities and reviewing progress with their supervisor.

Rotations

Trainees must spend one of their five years of training in a different organisation or discipline. The aim of this is to provide the trainee with experience of different styles of practice and systems of laboratory management. Assistance given for rotations varies depending on the state and discipline, but the College has been working towards setting up formal rotation schemes.

There are no requirements for rotations to rural locations.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The College recognises prior learning if it is relevant to the discipline of pathology. For example one year of physician training can be retrospectively recognised. A period of relevant doctoral research may also be retrospectively accredited. Trainees may apply for retrospective accreditation at the time of initial registration.

Comprehensive supporting documentation is required.

Flexibility in Training

Part time training is allowed in certain instances. Trainees must submit a Prospective Training Program for approval by the Board of Censors. The minimum training time may be reduced to 20% of a full-time clinical load, usually 8 hours per week. Interrupted training is permitted, however trainees may be required to make up training time if they exceed 30 weeks leave over the duration of the five year training program. The Part 2 examination must be passed within five years of passing the Part 1 exam, otherwise the Part 1 has to be taken again.

Costs

Conditions apply for withdrawals from examinations - cancellation fees are charged and amounts depend on the time of withdrawal. Candidates who are granted an exemption from any part of the examination system must pay the normal fee for the examination from which they have been exempted.

Contact details

The College is based in Sydney.

Education and Training Manager:
Liane Walters
Phone: (02) 8356 5821
Email: lianew@rcpa.edu.au

Address:
Durham Hall
207 Albion Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 8356 5858
Fax: (02) 8356 5828
Email: boc@rcpa.edu.au
Website: www.rcpa.edu.au