The goal of the clinical microbiology rotation is to provide a broad-based training program in laboratory microbiology, which includes all subspecialties of the discipline. The focus of the training program is laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases and clinical interpretation of microbiologic results.
Rotation Objectives
At the end of the rotation, the residents should be able to:
- Describe the approaches for evaluation of specimens submitted for aerobic and anaerobic microbiology, mycology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, virology, and serology.
- State the principles associated with requirements for specific sample submissions including rationale for requiring specific volumes, transportation conditions, and the rationale for use of selective versus non-selective culture conditions.
- Understand the basic diagnostic approaches for the work up of specimens from different sites (blood, exudates, respiratory specimens, etc.) and the algorithm used for identification of gram positive and gram negative bacteria, yeasts and molds.
- Understand the clinical significance of serology results of major clinical infectious diseases syndromes (hepatitis panel, HIV western blot, etc.)
- State the principles of antimicrobial susceptibility testing and evaluate the interpretation of the results and understand the principles of antimicrobial stewardship
- Describe principles of molecular tests and interpretation of results
- Correlate the finding of histology examination with microbiologic culture when appropriate.
Residency Duties and Responsibilities
- Attend the scheduled bench rotation for the different sections of the clinical microbiology laboratory and attend the lectures.
- Participate in the weekly laboratory rounds
- Prepare a case presentation for CP conference
- Attend to the Infectious Diseases Case Conference
- Participate in consults with as needed.
Rotation Highlights
- Variety of tests offered
- Exposure to all areas of microbiology and molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases
- Interaction with clinical teams
- Didactic lectures
- Lab rounds presentations