Re: what does a microbioligist do?

Greetings,

Clinical Microbiologists, or Clinical Scientist in Microbiology, deal with identifying bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. This helps prevent epidemics and has a large influence on the clinical management of patients.

Clinical microbiologists work in diagnostic laboratories and pathology departments in large hospitals and medical schools. The Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS), the organisation that deals with controlling, diagnosing and investigating infectious diseases, is a major employer of clinical microbiologists, some of whom work in reference laboratories or as epidemiologists.

The work focuses on disease diagnosis, treatment and surveillance; clinical scientists often collaborate closely with health care professionals. There is some opportunity to carry out research and development projects in the specialisms of bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology, often working in collaboration with clinical or industrial colleagues.

Entry Requirements:
Clinical Scientists usually require a first (1) or upper second (2:1) class honours degree in a subject specific to the specialist area they wish to work in. Most commonly acceptable are Degrees in Life Sciences (Biology, Microbiology, genetics or Biochemistry), Physics and Engineering. Science degrees related to medicine, such as Biomedical Science, Medical Physics, Medical Electronics or Biotechnology may also be considered.

Training Programmes:
Graduates, on completion of a relevant Degree will then pursue a trainee period at Grade A and continue to study and train for qualifications in their chosen specialities. Training in Grade A involves a formal programme, with rotation between teaching and district general hospitals, overseen by a regional tutor. Completion of the Grade A training programmes will enable the trainee to apply for a Grade B position (in some cases this may be automatic).

This study can be done either full-time or part-time and will sometimes lead to an MSc and give part of the requirements for entry to the first stage of membership of the relevant professional body. The practical training normally takes place at a variety of different laboratories and both these aspects can last up to three years.

For further information on working as a Clinical Microbiologist, please contact:

Website for the Association of Clinical Microbiologists - www.microbial-bioinformatics.com, the American Society for Microbiology or:

Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS)
61 Colindale Avenue
London
NW9 5HT
Tel: 020 8200 1295
Website: www.phls.org.uk