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What is Clinical Chemistry?
Currently we think of Clinical Chemistry as the application
of biochemical scientific knowledge and techniques towards
improving healthcare. Clinical Chemists are really “clinical
biochemists, molecular biologists, pharmacologists, etc.”
who study basic molecular mechanisms of disease, develop new
biological markers and instrumentation, and provide laboratory
analysis and professional advice to assist in diagnosis, prognosis,
and other indices related to healthcare. As a discipline,
it is a fundamental branch of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
More details can be obtained at the web sites for The American
Association for Clinical Chemistry and the National Academy
of Clinical Biochemistry.
What is Clinical Chemistry as a career for me?
Clinical Chemistry serves a pivotal role in the discovery,
validation and application of novel biochemical findings in
healthcare. As a discipline, Clinical Chemistry is diversified
and permits doctoral-level individuals from many different
scientific specialties to contribute in very meaningful ways
to the healthcare system.
"From the initial discovery of a biological marker to
the application at a patient’s bedside" is the
best way to put this into perspective.... and you
choose where you want to be in that continuum.
What are some novel scientific applications of Clinical Chemistry?
The discipline of Clinical Chemistry is in process of expanding
greatly and the drivers are new technology linked to new discoveries
of molecular mechanisms. Some examples of new areas include:
pharmacogenomics, diagnostic proteomics, molecular diagnostics,
application of bioinformatics, novel imaging techniques coupled
with biochemical finding, to mention only a few!
How long will it take to prepare myself professionally
in this discipline?
Typically, a postdoctoral fellowship in an accredited Clinical
Chemistry program is a minimum of two years with some possibility
of a third year of formal training. However, it is understood
that, like all professional disciplines, continuous learning
is a life-long endeavor and our training teaches you how to
prepare yourself for that challenge in future years.
What will this Clinical Chemistry Program do for my career?
For doctoral-level scientists it provides a rewarding alternative
career-path involving learning many aspects of medicine which
then permits you to bridge the gap between high level technologies,
modern clinical biochemistry and their combined application
to medical practice. This places you at the forefront of both
developing and/or using the latest and most sophisticated
novel physical or biochemical techniques adapted to healthcare.
What does Board Certification in Clinical Chemistry mean
to me?
Board certification (such as the American
Board of Clinical Chemistry [ABCC], or others available)
establishes a recognized level of competence and enables you
to compete very effectively for the many job avenues available
to you after training. In addition, it places you in a category
of professionals selected because of their demonstrated achievements
including making you eligible for becoming a Fellow of the
National Academy
of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB). Our graduates are highly
encouraged to take the board exams after completing our program.
What are my job-placement prospects after completing a ComACC-accredited
Clinical Chemistry Fellowship Program?
Because of the wide focus in this training, several different
kinds of career opportunities are usually available to individuals
completing our Fellowship Program. These include, but are
not limited to, placement in industry (developing assays or
instrumentation, sales force, clinical trials, customer services),
in hospitals as laboratory directors, in universities as faculty
and clinical laboratory directors, at teaching institutions/associations,
at healthcare management associations, at basic research institutions,
at pharmaceutical companies. Some adjustments can be made
to your training emphasis, depending on your particular career
interest.
More details of our Postdoctoral Fellowship program
are on this series of web pages.
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Application
Info
CCFP
Brochure
Contact:
Roland
Valdes, Jr., PhD
Program Director
Please address
correspondence to:
Rosemary J.
Williams
Administrative Assistant
Program Coordinator
MDR Bldg, Rm 208
501 S Floyd St,
Louisville, KY 40202
Tel: (502) 852-1772
Email: rvaldes@louisville.edu
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