Cytologist
Cytologists work in our Anatomical Pathology departments using microscopes to examine the structure and function of individual cells helping doctors diagnose disease, often cancer.
Day in the life Career
Anatomical Pathologist
Anatomical pathologists are medical specialists with at least 12 years of training who examine organs, tissues and cells to diagnose specific diseases including cancer. The anatomical pathologist’s skills are fundamental to medical diagnosis, patient management and research.
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About the opportunity
NSW Health Pathology is the largest anatomical pathology public service provider in Australia employing over 160 anatomical pathologists across NSW. Our team of anatomical pathology Staff Specialists work for NSW Health Pathology located at public hospitals providing high quality diagnostic, consultative and on-call specialty services for all patients at public hospitals as well as some private hospitals and GP practices.
NSWHP is committed to providing equitable access of services and excellent support to local medical specialists and GPs from our 18 anatomical pathology laboratories across NSW
- 9 regional laboratories including – Tweed Heads, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Gosford, Tamworth, Dubbo, Orange, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong
- 9 tertiary metropolitan laboratories in Sydney and Newcastle including – Royal North Shore, Royal Prince Alfred, Prince of Wales, Concord Repatriation General, Liverpool, Nepean, Westmead, John Hunter, St George
We provide a full range of integrated comprehensive histopathology and cytopathology services including immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology, as well as a statewide non-coronial autopsy service. If you have a specific field of interest, contact the Medical Workforce Unit.
Our expert team of pathologists provide second opinions, actively participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, teach anatomical pathology trainees and medical students, have affiliations or conjoint appointments with universities and are leading researchers.
Many of our anatomical pathologists are internationally recognised in their area of expertise having edited or authored chapters in the definitive World Health Organization classifications of tumours or are world-renowned researchers.
They are paid according to the NSW Health Staff Specialists (State) Award.
I enjoy being part of a multidisciplinary team, where I contribute to discussions about individual patients with a team of surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, nurses and other colleagues. Between us we discuss all aspects of each patient’s care and review all the available evidence to make decisions about the best treatment or if any further investigations can be offered to the patient.
I am working with our lab technicians in reviewing new cases on large screens instead of microscopes. These digital slides allow us to zoom in to measure and pinpoint features in tissue samples in ways we haven’t been able to do before. Digital images are stored centrally and can be accessed remotely from any digital pathology workstation. This makes it easier for us to obtain important second opinions from other pathology experts, no matter where they’re located.
– Dr Mark Formby, NSW Health Pathology
In this lab, we have the opportunity to delve deeply into human anatomy and pathology, understanding how diseases manifest at the cellular level. My own experiences in Coffs Harbour greatly shaped my understanding of medicine and strengthened my passion for the field. As you continue your learning journey, I encourage you to remain curious, ask questions, and always seek ways to connect theory with practice.
– Dr Liang, NSW Health Pathology
About you
You will be registered or eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and have obtained Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia in Anatomical Pathology, and/or other specialist recognition as provided under the Staff Specialists (State) Award.
Committed to our RITE values – Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence.
Find a job
To find a position at NSW Health Pathology, visit the NSW Health Careers page or the RCPA website.
Contact us
If you can’t find a job listing that suits you and would like to express your interest in working in a specific location, in a specialised field or want to find out more, contact the Medical Workforce Unit:
What does an Anatomical Pathologist do?
Anatomical Pathologists examine tissues and organs to determine the causes and effects of particular diseases such as cancer. The findings are fundamental to medical diagnosis, patient management and research. They may also examine deceased patients.
Pathologists can examine a broad range of specimen types across all areas of histopathology and cytopathology including lymph nodes, breast, skin, lung, gastrointestinal, urological and gynaecological specimens and may become specialised in a particular area.
We liken Anatomical Pathologists to medical detectives. They combine patient information from a referring doctor and imaging results, together with macroscopic and microscopic examination of tissues as well as other tests when required such as immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology to make a diagnosis.
They work closely with other medical specialists including oncologists, surgeons and radiologists, meeting together regularly to help determine the best course of treatment for a patient.
For more information visit the RCPA website.
They see the wonderful variety of diseases and can begin to map out their role in this somewhat hidden and vastly underrated treasure chest of medicine.
– Dr Bernie I’Ons, NSW Health Pathology
Training
After completing a basic medical degree and at least two years of postgraduate clinical work, registrars undertake five years of training in a position accredited by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia.
Anatomical Pathologists are in short supply across Australia and the world. NSW Health Pathology is committed to recruiting, training and retaining the next generation of pathologists as part of the NSW Anatomical Pathology Training Program which employs the most Anatomical Pathology registrars in Australia.
The Anatomical Pathology Training Program encompasses over 90 training positions in rural, regional and metropolitan labs across NSW, including in both public and private settings, and in sub-specialty areas such as neuropathology and paediatric anatomical pathology, enabling registrars to rotate and gain experience in a variety of settings.
According to the RCPA:
“Anatomical pathologists need a keen eye for detail as well as a broad-based knowledge and understanding of the pathological and clinical aspects of many diseases. If you have an inquisitive mind, an urge for problem-solving, attention to detail and are interested in the root cause of disease and how diseases evolve, then anatomical pathology may be a career for you.”
Recruitment for registrar positions is undertaken as part of the NSW Annual Medical Recruitment campaign, commencing around July each year.
Contact us
To find out more, contact the Medical Workforce Unit:
What we offer you
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Staff Specialist Training, Education and Study Leave (TESL) – 25 calendar days per year
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Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme – up to $10,000 a year plus super for eligible positions
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Generous salary packaging options and other fringe benefits, particularly for those who choose to work in regional or rural NSW
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For those relocating from interstate or overseas, relocation costs may be available or be salary packaged
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Five weeks of annual leave
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Employee Assistance Program – confidential, professional, free counselling for employees and their household members
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Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
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Professional development opportunities, such as clinical leadership programs
Position Classification: Staff Specialist
Hours Per Week 40
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