Introduction
The School of Public Health Medicine has responsibility for the organisation and delivery of Medical Microbiology, Medical Virology and Infectious Diseases.
Infection training in Wales offers a varied and interesting experience. The microbiology, virology and infectious diseases departments are well-integrated, friendly and supportive, offering specialty training in:
Training in Wales
There are two infection training rotations in Wales: south east Wales and south west Wales. These rotations are based around Cardiff and Swansea respectively, with the majority of training taking place centrally with additional attachments in surrounding hospitals. All on-site placements are within commutable distance, enabling trainees to live in one location for the duration of their programme. Some on-call activities may be undertaken remotely to provide specialist advice over a wider geographical area.
Trainees will be appointed to a specific rotation at the time of national recruitment.
General microbiology and virology training in both rotations is advantaged by the presence of on-site laboratories including a range of specialist reference services. In addition, broad clinical microbiology and virology experience is afforded by consulting on a wide variety of specialties in tertiary referral as well as district general hospitals.
Training in infectious diseases (ID) takes place in large teaching hospitals, the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and Morriston Hospital in Swansea, both with dedicated ID beds and growing ID consult services. In addition, outpatient experience is achieved through a wide variety of clinics including general ID, HIV, tuberculosis (TB), outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), viral hepatitis, and migrant health.
Additional opportunities are tailored to individual interests and training needs. Trainees are encouraged to get involved with clinical trials, research projects and to develop areas of special interest.
Hear from current trainees:
‘"here is a plethora of pathology here, excellent support and no two days are the same - I feel challenged and engaged every day. Outside of work, south Wales is stunning…I have travelled far and wide in my medical career, but this is the first time I’ve felt truly at home.’" Lorcan O’Connell (ID/ medical microbiology)
‘"My career path was convoluted – I did a PhD and was a clinical scientist before medical school... I’m now more than half-way through my infection training in Cardiff and can’t see myself doing anything else - it’s definitely the best job in the hospital." Gwennan Jones (medical microbiology)