Clinical biochemistry is concerned with the biochemical investigation of bodily fluids, for example, blood, cerebrospinal fluid and urine, to diagnose diseases in which the body’s chemistry is altered. The clinical biochemist will be involved in lab management, hands-on lab work, advising clinicians on appropriate tests and result interpretation, and treatment of patients with, for example, cancer, diabetes, renal failure and heart problems.
What’s it like?
Poisoning with anti-freeze, diagnosis of hypopituitarism, investigating possible porphyria - these are just some of the problems you may be dealing with. This is scientific medicine at its best, with the attraction of seeing a patient in the clinic, arranging the biochemical investigations, interpreting the results yourself and then seeing the patient again and organising their treatment. The satisfaction of playing a part in every step of the process is immense and one of the best parts of the job.
But what does a chemical pathologist actually do with their day? The core job involves clinical validation - interpreting and commenting on test results, and providing advice to clinicians on subsequent investigation. Clinical work is usually outpatient based, and there is the option of subspecialty training in metabolic medicine. Chemical pathologists usually end up running the whole Biochemistry department as a consultant, and so management skills are also key to success. Opportunities abound for developing special interests, and the specialty is by its nature academically inclined. All trainees will undertake a research project for the FRCPath, and there are ample openings to pursue a PhD. Out-of-hours commitments are generally light, with most being done from home, although weekends may require you to be in the lab.
So you’ll need a good eye for detail, be able to deal with a wide range of laboratory and clinical problems, and have excellent communication skills to succeed. Almost every specialty uses the Biochemistry lab, and they’ll all come to you when they don’t know what the biochemistry means. Just don’t expect too many bottles of wine at Christmas!
Dr Duncan Cole, SpR
