What Is A Microbiologist?
Microbiology is, shockingly, the study of microorganisms! This includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Microbiologists are responsible for the detection and management of infectious diseases, taking a deeper look into patients’ issues.
Many believe that microbiologists only work in an isolated laboratory setting, which may have been true in years past, but this career is needed in a variety of contexts such as food production, environmental science, medicine, and basic research which all require teamwork. Microbiologists may work in hospitals, universities, private companies, non-profit organizations, and for the government. For example, a clinical microbiologist will deal with disease-causing microorganisms directly in the human body; a career closely linked to the medical field and needed in hospitals and medical research. Alternatively, public health microbiologists focus on widespread issues such as foodborne outbreaks, identification of novel strains, and other health-related emergencies. While microbiologists will all study microorganisms, the ways in which they do so and their research focuses vary.
Microbiology uses many methods to find microorganisms, such as exams under a microscope, staining, chemical, immunological, and genetic tests. Some common tests include blood cultures, sputum culture or nasal swab, throat swab or culture, and more. These tests are used to diagnose bacterial or fungal infections, or potentially rule them out. Additionally, microbiologists can test these disease-causing microbes for antibiotic resistance, which allows these scientists to find the right medication to fight off infections.
Pathway To Become
Pursuing a career in Microbiology allows for several job opportunities/titles, all requiring different levels of prior experience and/or education. Microbiologists typically need a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field to enter the occupation. Although, some employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree or Ph.D. Similarly to any other medical profession, it is recommended to start one’s career by working part-time or shadowing in a hospital or public health lab. Learn more about how to become a microbiologist here.
Microbiology is a field constantly in demand in the medical field. Microbiologists are needed by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop new drugs that are produced with the aid of microorganisms, and by organizations, such as the CDC, to manage public health issues. While this is a challenging field with demanding work, including extensive research, this work protects millions of lives nationwide and is definitely worth the effort.
Personal Take
I’d love to pursue this career because in my eyes, microbiology is the foundation of medical research, analyzing life in its simplest form. It is fascinating to research microorganisms and their effects on humans, but its main appeal is discovering how to manage and solve those effects. While this career may not directly work with patients on a day-to-day basis, it is a field that saves lives nonetheless. And to be honest, sometimes we all need a break from humans.
Resources
https://asm.org/articles/2022/september/a-day-in-the-life-at-the-microbiology-bench
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