PROFESSION OF MICROBIOLOGY

Microbiology is an upcoming branch.There are new advances made everyday.To be successful and popular Microbiologist has to  have some special qualities.Some of these are enumerated below

 1.TIME MANAGEMENT
Newer diagnostic interventions like automations,molecular techniques and infection control protocols.
A lot of time is required to keep oneself updated.
One has to read,listen ,watch video,discuss with other doctors,attend conferences ,workshops and what not.
Time mnagement is very important for Microbiologist.

2.Communication Skills:
Microbiologist's job is not to just find an organism and the antiinfective that kills it.
A close interaction with treating physician and patient is needed to decide if contaminant ,coloniser or a pathogen.
Prevention of such infection involves a lot of communication with patients and general susceptible community.
Effective communication with other doctors and peers is essential.

3.PASSION AND EXCITEMENT
If a relatively less common bacteria is isolated one has to do research about the bacteria and the patient condition and then decide if its a pathogen and should it be treated.
This is the most EXCITING or FULFILLING part.
If one finds this task as a burden then probably one is at the wrong place.

Without PASSION no work can be successful.

4.TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
This is probably a subset of Time Management.
A lot of hands on experience required to be successful in field of Microbiology.
Some examples TB culture,molecular assays.


5.PATIENCE
In India atleat 10 yrs of medical education required to become a M.D Microbiologist.
Initial monetary returns may not be as great as the clinical counterparts or surgeons.
Some microbes like mycobacteria,fungi grow slowly.Conventional bacterial cultures and sensitivity takes three days.Microbes grow at their own pace.Microbiologists have to wait.

So all these aspects when practically implemented one might become a successful Clinical Microbiologist.