Printed in ASM's Journal of Clinical Microbiology in October, 2010, this commentary addresses the clinical microbiology laboratory (CML) director who is medically, scientifically, and administratively responsible for all that happens in the laboratory. Topics discussed are-- who are CML directors? how are they trained and certified? what does a CML director do, and what is the best way to accomplish multiple challenges? how is a CML director paid? and, what are future challenges for the clinical microbiology laboratory director?

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Thomson, R. B., Jr., M. L. Wilson, and M. P. Weinstein. 2010. The clinical microbiology laboratory director in the United States hospital setting. J. Clin. Microbiol. 48:3465–3469.

Committee on Postdoctoral Educational Programs (CPEP)
CPEP accredits training programs that prepare scientists and physicians for leadership roles in the medical microbiology or immunology professions. The usual length of training is two years but may vary depending on the background of the fellow; there are 15 programs located in the U.S.

Trainees in medical microbiology learn diagnostic bacteriology, mycology, parasitology and virology, methods in antimicrobial testing, and techniques used in the molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases. Trainees in medical immunology learn testing for patients with malignancies, immunodeficiencies, autoimmune disease, allergy, and infectious diseases, as well as for patients treated with transplantation. All trainees receive research training and conduct original or collaborative research in conjunction with their clinical training. In addition, trainees study laboratory management, epidemiology, public health and laboratory safety.

ASM provides resources to assist graduate students pursuing careers in microbiology.

ASM Kadner Institute in Preparation for Careers in Microbiology.
Intensive and closely guided experience in grant writing, scientific presentations, teaching, career planning and ethics.

ASM Scientific Writing and Publishing Institute.
Hands-on intensive training in scientific writing and publishing under mentorship of ASM Journal editors and reviewers.

ASM General Meeting Travel Grants

• ASM General Meeting Student Travel Grant. A $500 grant is given to approximately 160 students who will be presenting an abstract at the General Meeting.
• Richard and Mary Finkelstein Travel Grant. Also a $500 grant given to six students presenting at the General Meeting whose research is in the area of microbial pathogenesis.

ICAAC Travel Grants

• ASM Student and Post Doctoral Fellow Travel Grant Award.  Travel grants, worth at least $500, are offered to support students' attendance at the annual ICAAC meeting. Recipients are selected based on the scientific quality of their submitted abstracts.

ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting

• Student Travel Grants. ASM provides support for students/postdoctoral fellows attending the Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting.

ASM International Travel Grants

• Carlyn Halde Latin American Student Travel Grant.  Administered by ASM and the Medical Mycological Society of the Americas, it supports the travel of a student medical microbiologist from Latin America, Puerto Rico or the Caribbean to participate in ASM General Meeting. Administered by ASM and the Medical Mycological Society of the Americas, it supports the travel of a student medical microbiologist from Latin America, Puerto Rico or the Caribbean to participate in ASM General Meeting.

ASM Postdoctoral Training in Medical Microbiology and Immunology
These two-year training programs prepare scientists and physicians for leadership roles in the medical microbiology or immunology professions.

ASM/CDC Program in Infectious Disease and Public Health Microbiology
Two-year fellowship to conduct research in infectious disease or public health microbiology at one of the CDC national laboratories. Information, application form, and deadlines for prospective applicants.

ICAAC Young Investigator Awards. Recognize and reward early career scientists for research excellence and potential in microbiology and infectious diseases.

Merck Irving S. Sigal Memorial Awards. Recognize and award excellence in basic research in medical microbiology and infectious diseases. 

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Young Investigator Award. Recognizes research excellence and potential to further the educational or research objectives of an outstanding young clinical scientist.