Daily Duties and Responsibilities

In the first month, residents are exposed to the basics of microbiology including specimen processing and traditional bacteriology. Residents also participate in interpretation of microbiologic specimens by essentially apprenticing themselves to Dr. LaSala. Toward the end of this month, responsibility will include preparing cases for Friday Microbiology/Infectious Disease Conference.

In the second month, experience in other specialized areas (e.g. diagnostic virology, mycobacteriology, mycology, and parasitology) is achieved through interactions with technical personnel, didactic sessions with Dr. LaSala and reading assignments. The residents also begin to function as junior consultants, becoming proficient in fielding questions from technical staff and clinicians by the end of the month. In the afternoon, residents take first call and interpret case material with faculty.

During the third month, residents function as senior consultants while solidifying their understanding of diagnostic microbiology to the degree necessary for CP board certification. Any specific laboratory section through which residents have not rotated will be emphasized. Afternoon sessions (3-5/week) on assigned topics with Dr. LaSala are required. Exposure to management issues will be made possible through participation in weekly Lab Management meetings (Mondays, 2pm). As senior consultants, residents will respond to calls and make initial interpretations prior to bringing case material to Dr. LaSala.

Residents have additional opportunities to serve as consultants when on-call by investigating unusual assay requests, unusual or medically urgent test results, and quality control or technical problems. Opportunities for participation in research projects are available. There are no medical microbiology fellows in the department.