Endocrine Abstracts

Clinical Biochemistry is the science concerned with changes in the composition of blood and other body fluids, to aid the diagnosis of disease and monitor therapy. Clinical Scientists (Clinical Biochemists) and medical graduates (Chemical Pathologists) carry out complex and unusual analytical work and are responsible for the provision, appropriate use and development of the service. This can involve research to develop and implement new techniques, liaison with clinicians to advise on relevant analyses, interpretation of results produced and audit of the services provided.
The basic requirement to become a clinical biochemist is a good honors science degree. Training posts are advertised nationally and involve a three-year training program designed to prepare entrants for higher professional qualifications (MRCPath) and eventual consultant status. Following completion of training scientists move into Senior Biochemist posts where they begin to undertake supervisory roles and develop areas of expertise. During this time most scientists will apply for state registration with the Health
Professions Council. Following completion of the MRCPath examination scientists move to Principal Biochemist posts where they may take charge of specialized sections of the department and have a much greater degree of personal responsibility for the work they carry out. As medicine becomes more complex high calibre scientists are needed to maintain and extend the Clinical Biochemistry service and to ensure its resources are used effectively. The work is interesting and rewarding and very varied and its direct benefit to patients brings a great deal of satisfaction to all scientists involved in healthcare.