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Clinical Haematology

Clinical Haematology

Clinical Haematology

Your Pathway into Clinical Haematology training in North Queensland

Entry Requirements

  • Hold current general medical registration with Medical Board of Australia (MBA) and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) 
  • Completion of Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Basic Physician Training, including the RACP written and clinical examinations 
  • Employment in an accredited Advanced Training position 
  • Refer to the Royal Australasian College of Physicians for further information about selection into the training program 

Total Training Time

Total: 6 years (full-time)

Basic Adult Medicine: 3 years (36 months) (full-time)  

  • 24 months (full-time) core training (including 3 months General and Acute Care Medicine and 12 months in medical specialties) 
  • Maximum of 12 months non-core training 

OR 

Basic Paediatric and Child Health: 3 years (36) months (full-time) 

  • Minimum of 24 months (full-time) core training (including a minimum of 9 months General Paediatric Medicine, 3 months Paediatric Emergency Medicine, 3 months Neonatology in a perinatal unit, and 3 months in a Paediatric medical speciality) 
  • Maximum 12 months (full-time) non-core training 

THEN 

Advanced Clinical Haematology

Training: 3 years (36 months) (full-time) 

  • Minimum of 30 months (full-time) core training (including 24 months of clinical training and 6 months of laboratory training) 
  • Maximum of 6 months (full-time) non-core training 

How to Apply

Applicants will first need to complete Basic Physician training through either the  Queensland Basic Physician Training (Adult Medicine) Network or Queensland Basic Paediatric Training Network. Applications to either network must be submitted through the Resident Medical Officer (RMO Campaign). 

Advanced Clinical Haematology training positions are managed centrally through the Queensland Haematology Advanced Training Pathway and applicants must submit an application to the network through the  Resident Medical Officer (RMO) Campaign. See the application guide for further details on how to preference the network. 

Applicants must also apply to the Advanced Training in Clinical Haematology Program through RACP. 

When applying to the Queensland Health RMO Campaign, candidates can preference up to five hospitals at step 10. Before applying, candidates should always discuss employment opportunities with their preferred facilities or training programs. The hospitals within our region accepting applications are Townsville University Hospital and Cairns Hospital.  For more information on the campaign and application process, go to the Queensland Health website. 

Application Deadline

Key dates for application submission, assessment and selection rounds are available on the Queensland Health Recruitment Campaign website for application through the RMO campaign. Once the campaign closes, only your preferenced facilities or training programs can access your online application and attachments to assess and conduct meritorious recruitment activities. The facility or training program may contact candidates to discuss applications, employment opportunities or organise interviews.

Each specialty training college has different application dates so ensure you refer to the individual website for information. Consider these dates in conjunction with the RMO campaign key dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect as a Clinical Haematology trainee?

As a trainee you will receive in depth training in the clinical and laboratory aspects of the blood and blood forming organs. Training will be through a variety of work-based learning and assessment tools to prepare you for independent practice. Trainees will also complete a research project as part of their training requirements.

What is a Clinical Haematologist?

Haematology is a specialist field related to benign and malignant conditions of the red and white blood cells, platelets, and the coagulation system. Clinical Haematologists specialise in identifying, diagnosing, treating, researching, and preventing blood-related diseases and other genetic disorders  by studying cellular composition of blood and blood-producing tissues. . Blood disorders and disorders of the lymphatic system can include: 

  • Haemophilia: a disease that prevents blood clots
  • Thalassemia: a problem where the body doesn’t produce enough haemoglobin
  • Lymphoma: life-threatening cancer that affects the lymph nodes and vessels
  • Leukemia: life-threatening cancer that affects blood cells
  • Sepsis: a blood infection 
  • Anaemia: a condition whereby the body does not produce enough red blood cells 
  • Sickle cell anaemia: a disease that stops red blood cells from travelling through your body
  • Deep vein thrombosis: a condition in which blood clots form inside the veins

Most of a haematologist’s time is spent managing blood and bone marrow diseases by providing direct clinical care to patients and diagnosing the disorders in the laboratory. Direct care can involve chemotherapy. 

What abilities are important in this specialty?

Haematologists must be highly competent at performing tests, analysing the results, and assisting clinicians in diagnosing and treating disease. Haematologists may assist many hospital departments, including emergency, operating theatres, oncology, and intensive care. 

Aside from the educational requirements of advanced training in Clinical Haematology, there are several personal attributes that are considered essential for a Clinical Haematologist:

  • Strong communication skills 

Haematologists must work with and instruct other health professionals, including nurses, pharmacists, and GPs. They must also clearly communicate results, concerns and treatment options with patients and their families. Therefore, strong written and verbal communication skills are highly desired. 

  • The ability to multi-task and cope with a high demand job 

Haematologists need to support several hospital departments whilst supporting their patients. In some instances, treatment will need to begin immediately. Therefore, the ability to make decisions under pressure is a desirable attribute. 

  • Empathy and compassion

 Ultimately, all Haematologists aim to improve the survival rates of patients through their work. But what patients need in these moments is a high level of empathy and compassion. Caring for patients with empathy and respect is a highly respected trait. 

How many applicants get accepted per year?

The number of trainees selected per year varies. In 2021, 7 applicants were chosen to enter their first year of training in Queensland in from 27 eligible applicants. As of 2019, there are 452 specialists in Australia. 

What is it like living in North Queensland?

There are countless reasons why North Queensland is one of the best places on the planet to work, live, and study. No matter what stage or age you are in, Northern Queensland offers a great balance between work and leisure. 

Visitors and residents find the North Queensland lifestyle relaxed and laid-back. The people are friendly and welcoming. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, and hiking, and when the sun goes down, there are also many bars, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy. 

North Queensland has the convenience of cities close by, all of which have reasonable housing costs and expansive landscapes to explore nearby. The region combines quality education and the chance to pursue a relaxed or adventurous lifestyle, depending on your preference. The area has a warm climate all year round, beautiful beaches and rainforests, and is home to a diverse range of cultures and lifestyles, making Northern Queensland hard to beat. 

Each regional centre in North Queensland is small enough to escape the crowded nature of big city living, but they still have enough going on for you to socialise and entertain yourself. And with short commute times putting more hours back into your workday, you’ll have plenty of time to explore when offered the chance. 

Networking and industry social opportunities frequently happen due to the tight-knit and collaborative nature of the health and hospital communities here. The vision to improve the health of the communities throughout the region, unites the students, interns, junior doctors, and specialists training and working here. Together we hope to address the shortage of doctors in North Queensland. 

Our training region ensures trainees have access to a wide range of hospital and health settings of varying sizes and capabilities offering a diverse case load and case mix. These training areas include the following health service areas: Cairns, Central West, Mackay, North West, Torres and Cape, and Townsville.

 References

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website aims to assist medical students and doctors in training with medical career planning. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is current and accurate, all details should be verified through the relevant Specialist College.

NQRTH is an initiative of the Australian Government's Integrated Rural Training Pipeline (IRTP) and is facilitated by James Cook University in partnership with public and private hospitals, Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC), health services, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and GP clinics.

Cairns region
(07) 4226 8187

Central West region
(07) 4764 1547

Mackay region
(07) 4885 7122

North West region
(07) 4764 1547

Torres and Cape region
(07) 4095 6103

Townsville region
(07) 4781 3424