In addition to the formal training in these areas described below, opportunities are available for residents to develop projects of interest and assist in the evaluation of new technologies used in the microbiology laboratory. The faculty of the microbiology and immunology service possess interests and expertise that range from viral molecular diagnostics to mouse models of autoimmune disease. Based on a long-standing tradition of excellence in immunology, clinical and basic science research in this field are nationally recognized. M.D. Immunology Wm. In addition, weekly conjoint conferences with the infectious diseases fellows gives laboratory medicine residents the chance to see the clinical relevance of organisms isolated in the laboratory.
Residents present regularly at a weekly microbiology conference on topics of special interest.
Virology Molecular diagnosis of viral infections is a rapidly growing field in clinical microbiology. Dr. Greg Storch has an active research program focused on developing and characterizing new PCR assays to diagnose organisms not amenable to routine methods. In addition, HIV viral load testing is performed as part of this rotation. Immunology Residents also provide coverage of the diagnostic immunology laboratory during their rotation on the yellow service. During this period, residents are trained in the interpretation of protein, urine and CSF electrophoresis and immunofixation.