DESCRIPTION:
The residency consists of a three year training program. The first two years consists of core rotations in six sections: Microbiology & Serology (6 months), Biochemistry & Endocrinology (4 months), Hematology (4 months), Special Procedures (4 months), Blood Banking (3 months), Cytogenetics (I month). Special procedures includes flow cytometry , coagulation, platelet aggregation, HLA typing, and determination of hemoglobin variants by HPLC. The third year is a flexible year in which the resident may concentrate on areas of interest and is expected to participate in a research project. This residency program satisfies the requirements set by the Lebanese government for obtaining a certification of specialty in Laboratory Medicine.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
The main objective of the training program is to give the residents a firm grasp of the methodologies, principles, and interpretation of clinical laboratory tests. They will also have the opportunity to acquire hands-on experience with specimen handling, laboratory procedures, and automation. Residents are expected to become familiar with quality control methods, troubleshooting, and laboratory safety rules. Proper reporting of test results and interaction with clinical colleagues are emphasized. In addition to service-oriented training, this program also encourages research and method development.
SEMINARS:
Residents will participate in a structured program of intradepartmental seminars (resident presentations, journal clubs, case discussion sessions). A series of lectures in laboratory medicine will also be given by the faculty. Residents are welcome to attend extra-departmental conferences provided that the timing does not conflict with their responsibilities in the department.
RESIDENT EVALUATION:
There will be a yearly standardized resident in-service exam (RISE) which is offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). There will also be a separate annual evaluation of the residents by each faculty member based on performance in the various lab sections and on participation in the seminars.
Suggested Training Objectives and Duration in Clinical Microbiology Residents for Laboratory Medicine
The general training rotation should concentrate on acquiring practical (hands on) skills in various procedures and tests in addition to applying the practical knowledge in interpretation of tests results and their impact on patient care.
A summary of overall objectives are as follows:
· Exposure to overall operation flow of work at various sections.
· Acquire knowledge about the different and proper types of specimens needed and used in investigation by different test.
· Acquire technical skills in lab procedures performance and interpretation
· Identification of commonly occurring organisms
· Understanding basis of test and media reactions
· Be able to perform & interpret antimicrobial susceptibility tests
· Perform & interpret rapid procedure for detection and identification of organisms
· Have an insight on the interpretation and limitation of tests
· Be able to advise physicians on different tests and procedures related to lab aspects and their interpretation as well as to answer their inquiries.
The methods of training should involve different aspects as follows:
· Each trainee should be available in the section all through the duration of his training and should perform tests himself after adequate time of observation
· Use of unknowns
· Case discussions
· Involvement in projects and/or development of tests/procedures
The duration of training is suggested as follows:
· 2 1/2 months in Bacteriology section covering procedures and/or identification for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, mycobacteriology, mycology, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and non cultural detection methods (1 1/2 months first year, 1 month second year)
· 1 1/2 months in serology section (1 month first year, '/2 month second year)
· 1 1/2 months in parasitology/microscopy section (1 month first year, 1/2 month second year)
· 1/2 in media preparation ( 1st year)
Note: Detailed guidelines of more specific rotation objectives are available to those currently rotating in clinical microbiology