I love germs, but don’t know what to do as a career involving them?
I love learning about pathogens, and microbiology has really interested me for a long time. However, the part that interests me the most is what the pathogens actually do to the body…not so much there structures, etc. I like working with microscopes in labs, but I think it’s much more interesting to see and treat people who actually suffer from rare diseases. In the field of Microbiology, I know that it’s a lot of research work…and I’m very social and couldn’t work alone with a microscope all day. I want to be a part of the process and being there in front of patients that have rare and weird diseases and help treat them…or at least do something like that. In other words, I want to work with microbes as a career, but I don’t want to research all the time and sit with a microscope all day!! I’m a student currently, and have been thinking about a career choice…I love medicine…and I just don’t know where my love affair with germs fits into all of this. Any answers would be nice
well you could be a clinical pathologist or a virologist. both of these provide a good combination of lab and patient contact. Pathologist’s are often referred to as “doctor’s doctors” because whenever something is wrong that a doctor cant figure out, the patholgist does. In the lab you will do blood work, immunoassays, microbiology, and other tests. it also pays VERY well.
Hmmm, you have some similar likes that I did when I started college (I’ve changed to becoming a high school biology teacher since then). There are some great jobs in the public heath sector where you could do field work and work along side doctors in investigating cases. However, if you want to work as a doctor then I would suggest focusing on infectious diseases in med school. Right now, the focus of most infectious disease departments is AIDS/HIV but they still work with many other microbes. Good luck!
Take a look at:
Microbiologists are in demand and even have their own organization. You don’t always have to be alone with a microscope. During the research phase, that’s ultimately where you’ll be, but there’s a lot of collaboration with other scientists or even students.
I’m excited for you…medicine is an awesome field with so many options. You could even teach for a while and then do a sebatical on a special project where you could possibly find a cure for something like the bird flu…(are people still in a huff about avian flu?).
Good luck.
Don’t pass up research so quickly. I made the mistake when I was a graduating senior as a Molecular Biology/Biochem major that i didn’t wish to pursue research. I felt I was more of a ‘people person’. As a result, promising doors that would lead to a lucrative career were shut because of my decision.
I would say check out what the CDC in Atlanta has to offer. It’s one of the best places to work for.
Good luck.
Sounds Like Your Are On the Right Track, In the Past, I’ve Volunteered In a Hospital Micro. Lab, I Remember the Excitement of IDing Listeria, I Think you Should Consider a MS or Ph.D. In Micro. or my Personal Favorite, Immunology.
I am very much a people person as well, and I am a researcher. There is some of my work where I do work individually, but much more of my work involves collaboration with other people. I get to travel to go to conferences and to meet with other scientists to discuss our projects. I also get opportunities to teach others about what I do and microbiology in general. For me it is a great fit, but if you are going to consider research I have found out it is all about what lab you join and what your “boss” is going to be like, because he or she can either make or break you day.
Other than research it seems like you would be interested in tropical medicine. Working for the CDC would also give you an experience to work with “exotic” bugs.
Here is a link to a tropical medicine school at Tulane. Look into it or others like it.