Postdoctoral training in clinical chemistry: laboratory training aspects.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a general outline for a 2-year postdoctoral training program in clinical chemistry, and a detailed outline of the first year laboratory training program.

METHODS & RESULTS: Essential elements of the 2-year Postdoctoral Training Program in Clinical Chemistry at the University of Toronto are its didactic courses and a comprehensive, structured laboratory rotation in the first year. Residents rotate in hospital laboratories in both years of the Program. The hospital laboratory rotation in first year includes a 36-week laboratory rotation based on the Laboratory Training Program Manual. In the second year, they consolidate the basic knowledge acquired in first year and gain experience in pediatric testing and other specialty areas. In both years, residents attend teaching and ward rounds on a regular basis, investigate unusual test requests and patient results, and make regular presentations at case presentation and journal club sessions. They undertake research and development projects which lead to presentations at scientific meetings and to publication. Residents attend departmental management meetings, arrange discussions on management topics, and attend a short course on key management topics. Approaches for strengthening the knowledge and skills of residents in the areas of hematology, microbiology and pathology are being developed.

CONCLUSION: The program outline described should provide a useful framework for other such programs both nationally and internationally.