Career Template

The provision of an analytical service for biochemical tests both in the laboratory and at the “point of care”. Advising on the management of patients with metabolic disturbances and, increasingly, taking direct responsibility for such patients in clinics and on wards.

Key skills and personal attributes:

• Preparedness to work behind the scenes, patients never give chocolates to the Chemical Pathologist!
• Good management and interpersonal skills.
• Working with scientific and analytical staff in the laboratory and other health care professionals on the wards.
• Ability to get excited about medicine without needing direct patient contact.
• Some of your diagnoses will be solely based on your interpretation of laboratory results.

Currently preferable to have gained MRCP prior to entry, giving the option of entering a Joint Chemical Pathology/Metabolic Medicine Training Programme.

Overview of training required

• 4.5 years (5.5 with Metabolic Medicine)
• clinical work in the five areas of metabolic medicine eg diabetes, lipidology, bone disease, nutrition, inherited metabolic disease
• laboratory work eg analytical skills, practical aspects
• management expertise
• research project with written dissertation
• MRCPath examination
• Good career prospects at SpR and Consultant level

Hints and tips of how to develop a successful career within each specialty

• Only enter the specialty if it really appeals to you
• Find a mentor
• Pick an area early in training and make it “yours”