Summary
If you're interested in a career in science, Pathology could be the one for you.
If you’ve ever been to a doctor’s surgery or a hospital for some tests or had a blood test to see how you’re travelling, then you’ve used a pathology service.
In fact, it’s amazing what scientists and clinicians can learn from a few drops of blood, and working in the field of pathology is proving a very attractive option for many Queenslanders.
A graduate program at Queensland Health is attracting people from all over the state seeking a career in the science of healthcare, and with 170 graduates going through the program, it has a retention rate sitting at over 70%, which shows that the majority of people working in pathology are loving their work.
In short, pathology is a medical specialty that focuses on determining the cause and nature of diseases, through the examination and testing of body tissues and fluids. The importance of the results of these tests cannot be underestimated which are carried out 24 hours a day all over the state, and all over the world.
With 36 laboratories across the state, including one that employs over 500 staff in Herston in Brisbane, pathology services are in big demand, and as the population grows across Queensland, will continue to be in demand.
Above clockwise from top left: Scientific Skills Development Officer Renee Robb, Med Lab Scientist Supervisor Ryan Sandry, Manager of Skills Development Lois Higginson and Scientist Alex Unterburger.
Lois Higginson is the Manager of Skills Development for Pathology Queensland and believes that a career in pathology can be a rewarding and fulfilling one for anyone who shares a love for science.
“If you’re at school now and studying biology and chemistry you could be on your way to a career in pathology” Lois said. “The most important thing to have is a passion for science and for patient care. Some of these laboratories are operating 24 hours a day, so there is a lot of scope for hours and the kind of work you want to do.
“You have to remember that in this role there is a patient at the other end of the specimen you are testing , and that result can be life changing.
The most important thing is that we all do our job well and deliver the best possible care for patients.
Alex Unterburger has come through the system to work full time in the Herston laboratory and says that it’s one of those jobs where you are constantly learning new things.
“I instantly felt comfortable in the role, and I know that’s it’s a role where you’re always going to be growing and developing,” Alex said. “You are never going to know absolutely everything and in an ever-changing field of work it’s what keeps you coming back every day, knowing that there is always something new.
“I know people who work in pathology are at heart really passionate about providing the best patient care they can to Queenslanders and improving the lives of others. When you’re working on a sample you feel a great sense of responsibility to do your best for that patient.
“I go home and think that I helped someone today, that’s a great feeling.”
Kimberly Ada studied on the Gold Coast and accepted a role in Longreach, a location she says she adores living in.
“I have horses and living and working in Longreach really suits my lifestyle,” Kimberly said. “I was a vet nurse originally, and went back to uni to study dentistry, well that was the plan.
“I fell into pathology, as a vet nurse you do tests all the time, and I discovered that I really enjoyed the work. I want to do my best in pathology because these are people in our community that you are doing tests for.”
Kimberly studied for five years before finding her dream job in Longreach, and says that she never finds the role tedious, in fact quite the opposite.
“You’re not just sitting around, doing the same thing every day, there’s never time to get bored,” Kimberly said. “You want to send out results that are correct, and I absolutely love my job. The workload can get high but I’ve no plans to do anything else.
“It's such a good feeling knowing that you're actually helping people. You get to know your community members, the staff, the doctors, and they all know me which is something you don’t get in the really big laboratories.
“I’d encourage anyone to seek a career in pathology.”
Find out more about the graduate program here: www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/pathology-queensland/healthcare/careers/graduate-medical-scientist-program