Medical Microbiology / Virology Training Scheme

There are approximately 600 consultants and honorary consultants in Medical Microbiology, based in hospitals throughout the United Kingdom. As qualified physicians, they combine the tasks of diagnosis, treatment and infection control in hospitals and the community with laboratory medicine and management, a system which has proved highly effective.

The work of a Medical Microbiologist comprises: the provision of a clinical diagnostic and environmental (for example, food and water) microbiology service; infection control in the hospital and community; laboratory management and budget control; training and education; research and development. The responsibilities of a consultant Medical Microbiologist are therefore broadly based involving close liaison with clinical, public health and managerial colleagues ensuring a varied and stimulating work-load.

Notable Achievements in Wales

• The All Wales Virology Reference Unit has provided support in the form of expert advice and consultation for the worldwide WHO response to swine flu and works closely with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in England.
• The Antimicrobial Unit in Cardiff has discovered novel resistance mechanisms and carries out research into the important field of antimicrobial resistance and its' spread.
• The Cryptosporidium Reference Unit has carried out important research into sources of infection, using novel diagnostic techniques. This has led to important public health messages that can helo reduce the risk of infection from this pathogen and included the discovery of a novel human pathogen carried by wild rabbits.

Future of the Specialty/Developments in Wales

Training in microbiology is changing so that more time will be spent gaining clinical skills. Future job opportunities are likely to reflect this changing skill base and enable trainees to work both within the laboratory and clinically on the wards. The enhanced clinical training provides numerous exciting opportunities for doctors working in microbiology and provides an excellent balance to the work.

Further Information

Further information can be found under the “training” section of the Royal College of Pathologists website.