ENDOCRINOLOGY AND CHEMICAL PATHOLOGY
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SUPERVISING COMMITTEE

DEFINITION OF SPECIALTY

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

COMPONENTS OF JOINT TRAINING

Core Training in Clinical Endocrinology

Laboratory Training in Chemical Pathology

Research

Examinations in Chemical Pathology

Training Sites

SPECIAL SOCIETIES

 Vocational Training
 Endocrinology and Chemical Pathology
Supervising Committee
A Joint Subcommittee of the Specialist Advisory Committee (SAC) in Endocrinology comprising representatives of the SAC and representatives of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).

Definition of Specialty
An integrated discipline encompassing the diagnosis, investigation and management of disorders of chemistry, metabolism and the endocrine system, together with the techniques, management and administration of a chemical pathology laboratory.

General Principles of Training
  1. Trainees will usually enter the joint training program following completion of three years of basic physician training, including success in the FRACP Written and Clinical Examinations.

    Where a trainee is yet to successfully complete the FRACP Examination, provided that basic training has been satisfactorily completed, the Joint Subcommittee may consider approval for advanced training of part or all of the year in which the examination is successfully completed. Approval of this training must be applied for prospectively in line with the College deadlines.
  2. Joint training is a four year program combining clinical endocrinology and laboratory training in chemical pathology. Joint trainees must be registered with and supervised by the Joint Subcommittee in Endocrinology and Chemical Pathology, and registered with the Board of Censors, RCPA.
  3. Clinical endocrinology advanced training is conducted by the RACP and leads to admission to FRACP and the ability to practise as a clinical endocrinologist. Paediatric endocrine trainees must also complete paediatric mandatory requirements.
  4. Laboratory training in chemical pathology is conducted by the RCPA and leads to admission to FRCPA, and the ability to practise as a chemical pathologist.

Components of Joint Training
Core Training in Clinical Endocrinology
Clinical endocrinology component of joint training consists of 1 RC year and 1 core clinical year in endocrinology and metabolism.

The RC year must be a comprehensive and somewhat structured general clinical endocrinology year, generally at a level 3 teaching hospital with appropriate supervision, preferably in Australia or New Zealand, with both in-patient and out-patient responsibilities. (See Required Clinical Year under Endocrinology).

For joint trainees the requirement for a second year of core clinical training in endocrinology will be met by completing the requirements of 2 laboratory years in chemical pathology, each to include 80% of laboratory work and 20% of ongoing direct patient care. A third laboratory year in chemical pathology will be required and this should also include ongoing direct patient care of at least 10% full time equivalent. With prior approval by the Joint Subcommittee the third laboratory year may be substantially altered to allow the commencement of a PhD or MD.

Trainees are expected to acquire a depth and breadth of knowledge in clinical endocrinology and metabolism, including diabetes. They must develop a detailed understanding of the principles of endocrine physiology, biochemistry, cellular and hormonal metabolism.

Laboratory Training in Chemical Pathology

Training in chemical pathology may only be undertaken in laboratories accredited with the Board of Censors, RCPA.

Chemical Pathology component of training consists of 3 years of laboratory training with allowance being made for 20% of time being in ongoing direct patient care during each year.

When training is completed, trainees will be expected to have a comprehensive knowledge of and skills in:
  • biochemistry, physiology, general and special pathology;
  • the biochemical basis of disease;
  • the application of results of laboratory tests to the investigation and management of patients, particularly those with biochemical problems;
  • analytical techniques;
  • efficient laboratory administration and management;
  • the functioning of health care services in Australasia; and
  • the investigation of clinical and laboratory problems.
Further details may be found in the RCPA Trainee Handbook.

Research
Research, either clinical and/or laboratory, is a component of both Colleges’ training and trainees are encouraged to enrol as candidates for a PhD or MD. All trainees must satisfy the clinical and laboratory requirements of the joint program, and training beyond 4 years is usually necessary to satisfy RACP, RCPA and PhD or MD requirements.

Evidence of participation in research activities may include peer reviewed activities such as Quality Assurance, presentation at scientific meetings, publications and/or progress towards, or successful completion of a PhD or MD thesis. Evidence of adequate and appropriate involvement in research should be presented to the Joint Subcommittee prior to entry into the last year of Joint Training.

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This page was last edited: 16 September 2003