Two medical officers from Vaiola Hospital are receiving 11 weeks of pathology workforce training, in the pathology laboratory at University Hospital Geelong, Australia, hosted by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).

Dr Ilaisaane Fonohema and Dr Patrick Penitani will receive world-class pathology training at the Australian Clinical Laboratories, Geelong, co-hosted by RCPA Fellows, Dr David Clift who is also the Honorary Pathologist to Tonga, and other pathologists.

Dr Fonohema commenced her training in January, whilst Dr Penitani’s placement will commence on 3 April, 2024.

RCPA President, Associate Professor Trishe Leong said, “A trained pathologist is essential for accurate patient diagnosis and yet many countries such as Tonga only have a few local pathologists. After their time in Australia, Dr Fonohema and Dr Penitani will be able to share their newly acquired knowledge and skills with colleagues once they return home to Tonga. Such information sharing and training programs are vital to improving global health and ensuring best patient care for all.”

Dr Fonohema and Dr Penitani are two of six overseas pathology trainees receiving training in Australia’s pathology laboratories as part of the Australia Awards Fellowship. They were selected in consultation with the RCPA and Tonga's Ministry of Health.

The additional four trainees are from Fiji, Kiribati, and Vietnam. This comes after the RCPA was awarded funding from the Australian Government through Australia Awards Fellowships.

“The RCPA is proud of its longstanding partnership with Australia Awards, which allows us to share expertise with overseas trainees and provide advanced training in diagnosis and treatment protocols. High-quality pathology services are fundamental to any healthcare system. Tonga is just one example of a country without many local pathologists; therefore, we believe it is essential to provide opportunities to train in our laboratories so these skills can be taken back to these countries."

“The RCPA is extremely grateful to the hosting pathology laboratories in Australia for supporting this program,” said Assoc. Prof Leong.