8 July, 2020
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) is pleased to announce that, according
to the 2019 Journal Citation Reports (JCR), Pathology, the RCPA’s official journal, has increased
its impact factor to 3.744, which is an increase of 18.4% on the previous year. In addition, the
overall ranking of Pathology has increased, soaring five places to be listed 16 out of 78
pathology titles.
29 May, 2020
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) supports the use of self-collection for COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests, when performed under the direction of a medical professional. During a recent trial, self-collected specimens were shown to be an acceptable alternative to specimens collected by healthcare workers and will therefore help to meet demand for COVID-19 testing in the community.
11 May, 2020
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) is pleased to announce that genetic testing for heritable mutations associated with Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is now listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). This addition to the MBS follows an application by the RCPA to the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC).
24 March, 2020
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) is urging the wider community to follow the Government’s guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic, which is based on the latest and best advice from medical experts. The official Government advice includes the necessary precautions required to protect all individuals, including those who are particularly vulnerable to the virus. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) is the key decision-making committee for health emergencies related to infection diseases and has the direct role of advising the Government about COVID-19. It is comprised of all state and territory Chief Health Officers and is chaired by the Australian Chief Medical Officer.
16 March, 2020
Pathology Update 2020
Dear Fellows, Trainees and Pathology Update Delegates
Following significant consideration, the RCPA Board of Directors has decided to cancel Pathology Update 2020 in its entirety.
We have made significant attempts to arrange a virtual conference as an alternative to the onsite meeting. However, given the growing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and in considering the health and safety of all, a virtual conference is no longer feasible.
Invited international speakers will still pre-record their lectures, and these will be uploaded to the RCPA website as soon as possible. We will notify all Fellows, Trainees and Delegates when these are available.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of the Pathology Update 2020 Overseeing Committee along with the Pathology Update Scientific Program Committee Chairs and Members over the last 18 months. Furthermore, I wish to thank Eve Propper and Rachel Johnson of the RCPA Events Team. There is significant time and planning involved in organising Pathology Update every year, but the dedication Eve and Rachel over the last few weeks, given these unprecedented circumstances, has not gone unnoticed. We extend our thanks to you both.
A refund can be arranged on request. Please email davidz@rcpa.edu.au to organise. Please be patient while we process this for you.
RCPA Examinations
RCPA Examinations will be deferred until the fourth quarter of 2020.
We are aware of the increasing professional and personal demands on our Trainees and Examiners during this time. We will continue to update Trainees and Examiners as we finalise alternate scheduling. All training time will continue to be accredited as usual.
The virtual Meet the Chief Examiner Sessions will be rescheduled. The sessions will be recorded and details will be provided in due course.
For an update on Frequently Asked Questions, please click here.
Finally, thank you for your kind words of support during this challenging time.
Regards
Dr Michael Dray
President