Pathology is the branch of medicine involved in understanding causes and processes of disease. Pathology encompasses the following disciplines; anatomical pathology, chemical pathology, haematology, immunology, laboratory genetics, and microbiology/ virology. Investigations are made by performing tests on various tissues including blood and other body fluids, and samples taken during surgery or as part of a medical examination. Pathologists interpret the results of these tests, which may show the cause or severity of illness or may be used to monitor treatment once diagnosis has been made.
There are 28 pathology trainees in the various Auckland training schemes, distributed between the specialties listed below. Training takes place at Auckland City Hospital for some specialties, while in others, registrars are rotated between Auckland City Hospital, Middlemore Hospital, North Shore Hospital and Diagnostic Medlab, to take advantage of the different learning opportunities and wealth of consultant experience in the different centres. This also satisfies the college requirements limiting the training time that can be accredited at any one institution.
Dr Mike Watson is an Anatomical Pathologist and Trainee Supervisor at Auckland City Hospital. He offers an insight of how he got into this speciality and what it is like to train as a Pathologist....
Dr Joanna Glengarry enjoys her Registrar position at Auckland Hospital and she shares with us her experiences and decisions which led her to this exciting Pathology career...
The Pathology training programme in Auckland aims to prepare trainees for Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. Registrars specialize in one Pathology discipline. Currently, training in general Pathology is not available in New Zealand. At least 5 years of supervised accredited training is required and this may be completed within the Auckland region for most specialties. There are 3 examinations. The Pathologic Sciences examination is the same for all specialties, and this is usually passed in the first year of training, or prior to commencing. The Part I examination is usually attempted during the 3rd year, and the Part II is usually sat in the 5th year of training. The Part I and Part II examinations are specialty-specific, and comprise a number of practical and theoretical components. In addition trainees in Chemical Pathology, Haematology, Immunology or Microbiology can undertake joint training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Trainees are required to meet the training requirements of both Colleges and are advised to indicate early in their training that they are training in both disciplines.
There are usually more applications than there are positions and candidates are strongly advised to ensure that an up-to-date CV accompanies the application along with any relevant supporting documents. The candidate must state clearly his/her preferred discipline in Pathology in rank order if more than one discipline is being applied for. Candidates are usually required to present for an interview.