Graduate Medical Scientist Program
The Graduate Medical Scientist Program is designed for new graduates entering the pathology workforce. This 12-month program develops the graduate, giving them the opportunity to learn all aspects of pathology including haematology, transfusion, microbiology, histology, biochemistry and phlebotomy.
What is a graduate medical scientist?
Medical scientists play an integral behind-the-scences role in the provision of health services. They work in pathology laboratories analysing blood, body fluids and tissues with the ultimate goal of providing a clinical diagnosis and enhancing the outcome for patients.
What does a graduate medical scientist do?
Graduate medical scientists undergo a thorough training program in each department within the laboratory, learning skills from other highly experienced medical scientists.
Key skills learnt throughout the program include:
- the ability to operate, maintain and troubleshoot analytical equipment used to provide pathology services
- reviewing blood films to aid in the diagnosis of anaemia, leukaemia and other blood disorders
- analysing and interpreting biochemical studies, determining the diagnosis of patients with a variety of clinical presentations
- responding efficiently to trauma incidences, ensuring the safe and timely issue of blood products to patients in an emergency
- developing communication skills, being able to work as a team with pathology staff and with staff in the wider hospital community.
The graduate program includes:
- 12-months scientific training
- a mentoring program
- introduction to public speaking (delivering scientific presentations)
- leadership skills
- team building.
Where will the graduate program take me?
At the end of the program graduates are deemed competent in all disciplines of pathology and are ready to take on the responsibility of a medical scientist. Graduates often gain employment as part of a continuous shift team in 24-hour laboratories, or as multidisciplinary scientists, where they use their skills and knowledge.
How do I become a graduate medical scientist?
To become a graduate medical scientist you need to complete a degree in Applied Science, Medical Science. This will give you the underpinning knowledge needed to work in any field within pathology.
How long is the degree?
3-4 years depending on your university's requirements.
Will I be trained?
Training is given on-the-job and relates to specific site requirements. Additional funding is available for continuing education.
What are my career opportunities?
Promotional opportunities are in line with other government bodies.
Can I travel in this role?
Graduates are placed in large laboratories across the state from Cairns to the Gold Coast and are also given the opportunity to put their newly acquired skills to the test when they work for 3 weeks in a rural laboratory.
We also employ a pool of relieving scientists who travel throughout Queensland relieving other scientists located in rural and remote locations. These scientists have the opportunity to develop a wide variety of experiences. Also, a qualified medical scientist can travel overseas and find employment in many countries.
Need more information?
Pathology Queensland's Skills Development Unit
Phone +61 7 3646 6900
Email pathology_SDU@health.qld.gov.au
Business hours 9 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday
Postal address/location
Level 9, Block 7
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
Herston Road
Herston Qld 4029