Microbiologists deal with very small organisms and play crucial roles in our lives

(Second of two parts)

How do you become a microbiologist? There are several possible routes to becoming a microbiologist. A direct route one may take is to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology or a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with Microbiology as major. These programs, however, are only offered in about four institutions in the country. To be a more competent microbiologist, additional training and work experience with microorganisms after completing a BS degree are deemed necessary. Expertise in microbiology may also be further developed by seeking advanced degrees such as a MS and Ph.D in Microbiology here or abroad. There are also several opportunities for deserving young microbiologists to avail themselves of microbiology training abroad.

While it is true that only a few universities in the country offer BS, MS, and Ph.D in Microbiology, there are other routes to becoming a microbiologist. One may take BS Medical Technology and obtain additional training in microbiology to become a medical microbiologist. One can be a microbiologist by completing any BS degree in related fields like Agriculture, Food Science, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, etc., with microbiology as the minor and by working on microbiology after graduation. Additional microbiology training or degree will further enhance expertise in the field. Microbiologists need to undergo constant training and retooling for advanced techniques in order to get updated on new findings and procedures for the advancement of the profession. Therefore, one may have obtained education and expertise in a different field of science initially, but after training and relevant microbiology experience, one may find himself working on microorganisms and be considered a microbiologist. Constant retooling and updating are important for a microbiologist to be abreast with the fast advances in the field.

There are several microbiology-related professional organizations in the Philippines. The Philippine Society for Microbiology Inc. (PSM Inc.), for instance, boasts of over 3,000 members who are practicing microbiologists or are people in other fields but are very much interested in microbiology and biotechnology. To date PSM has three regional chapters: PSM Visayas, PSM Mindanao, and PSM Northern Luzon. PSM National and all three chapters hold annual scientific meetings for updating on new findings in the field. The societies also organize national and international symposia on microbiology topics. PSM hosts an international Asia-Pacific Biotechnology Congress every five years where microbiologists with different expertise from other countries are invited to participate. Other microbiology-related professional organizations with microbiologists among their members include the organization of medical technologists and an organization of health workers involved in infectious diseases. In addition to several microbiology-related societies, there is the Philippine Academy of Microbiology (PAM), an accreditation arm of PSM with Diplomates and Fellows who have qualified based on outstanding credentials in microbiology teaching, research, and extension as members. PAM has been responsible for evaluating and accreditation of Registered and Specialist Microbiologists in the country. To qualify for accreditation, one must exhibit enough knowledge on Basic Microbiology, Microbial Physiology, Microbial Ecology, Virology, Food Microbiology and Medical Microbiology by passing a comprehensive examination administered by PAM examiners.

I therefore encourage our young students to become microbiologists using any of the possible routes mentioned above. Microbiologists have the luxury of a wide range of job opportunities here and abroad. Most of all, being a microbiologist can be a very rewarding profession. Several microbial-based products have significantly contributed to agriculture and aquaculture. Advances in medicine and solutions to problems in animal and human health have relied heavily on the contributions of medical microbiology research. Microorganisms are still among the key players to address our past, present and future problems in our environment. Microbial-based industries are expected to significantly catalyze our attempts at nation-building.

Microbiologists are everywhere. Seek a microbiologist. You can easily find one because they are in schools, in farms, in the industry, and in hospitals. Talk and interact with them and learn more about microbiology and what a microbiologist can do for you.

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Dr. Cynthia T. Hedreyda is a professor and the current director of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, UP Diliman. She is an active member and former president of the Philippine Society for Microbiology Inc. (PSM, Inc. 2001-2002) and former chairwoman of PAM (2005-2006). She is actively involved in supervising student research in molecular microbiology and was recognized as PSM Outstanding Microbiologist in 2005. Dr. Hedreyda always finds time to organize and participate in scientific workshops and other activities to promote awareness of microbiology and biotechnology in the country. E-mail her at [email protected].