Abstract
BackgroundThere is wide variation in the availability and training of specialists in the diagnosis and management of infections across Europe. ObjectivesTo describe and reflect on the current objectives, structure and content of European curricula and examinations for the training and assessment of medical specialists in Clinical (Medical) Microbiology (CM/MM) and Infectious Diseases (ID). SourcesNarrative review of developments over the past two decades and related policy documents and scientific literature. ContentResponsibility for curricula and examinations lies with the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). The ID Section of UEMS was inaugurated in 1997 and the MM Section separated from Laboratory Medicine in 2008. The sections collaborate closely with each other and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID). Updated European Training Requirements (ETR) were approved for MM in 2017 and ID in 2018. These comprehensive curricula outline the framework for delivery of specialist training and quality control for trainers and training programmes, emphasizing the need for documented, regular formative reviews of progress of trainees. Competencies to be achieved include both specialty-related and generic knowledge, skills and professional behaviours. The indicative length of training is typically 5 years; a year of clinical training is mandated for CM/MM trainees and 6 months of microbiology laboratory training for ID trainees. Each Section is developing examinations using multiple choice questions to test the knowledge base defined in their ETR, to be delivered in 2022 following pilot examinations in 2021. ImplicationsThe revised ETRs and European examinations for medical specialists in CM/MM and ID provide benchmarks for national authorities to adapt or adopt locally. Through harmonization of postgraduate training and assessment, they support the promotion and recognition of high standards of clinical practice and hence improved care for patients throughout Europe, and improved mobility of trainees and specialists.
Highlights
IntroductionIn some European countries, clinical microbiology services are provided by doctors who are specialists in Laboratory Medicine (formerly Medical Biopathology/Laboratory Medicine)
Progress towards harmonization of practice and mobility of trainees and specialists in CM/MM and ID should be underpinned by recent UEMS approval of comprehensive curricula, the ETRs, by both specialist sections
We hope the examinations will be a successful but voluntary addition to ongoing national assessments and provide a benchmark and possible substitute for them in some countries. They might expand into more comprehensive European Fellowship certifications in the future
Summary
In some European countries, clinical microbiology services are provided by doctors who are specialists in Laboratory Medicine (formerly Medical Biopathology/Laboratory Medicine). This includes several laboratory disciplines, with an emphasis on clinical chemistry [11]. Objectives: To describe and reflect on the current objectives, structure and content of European curricula and examinations for the training and assessment of medical specialists in Clinical (Medical) Microbiology (CM/MM) and Infectious Diseases (ID). Updated European Training Requirements (ETR) were approved for MM in 2017 and ID in 2018 These comprehensive curricula outline the framework for delivery of specialist training and quality control for trainers and training programmes, emphasizing the need for documented, regular formative reviews of progress of trainees.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
