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University of the Free State Department of Medical Microbiology – check below:

Who is the Department of Medical Microbiology?

The Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology was a single department until the Division of Virology was established in the last term of 2017. The Department of Medical Microbiology provides:

• diagnostic services
• training for undergraduate and postgraduate medical students
• research programmes
• clinical consultation service for infectious diseases

Infectious diseases continue to be one of the most important factors impacting on man’s well-being. With changes in patterns of infectious diseases and the emergence of new infectious agents, the relevance of Medical Microbiology as a discipline has never been greater. The demands on the department therefore to provide excellent and relevant training, diagnostic and research services have accordingly increased. We are positive about future possibilities and are ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

Mission

It is the responsibility of the Department of Medical Microbiology

• to provide excellent diagnostic and support services to patients, the community and clinical colleagues,
• to remain informed with regard to new developments, to evaluate critically and implement where applicable, new laboratory techniques and methods,
• to undertake research and to collaborate with technical, academic and research staff in Faculties of Health Sciences, nationally and internationally, and
• to maintain a high standard of training and education.

Vision

It is the vision of the Department of Medical Microbiology

• to create an environment where staff members can develop their full potential,
• to develop, through appropriate and quality training clinicians, medical technologists, scientists, lecturers and staff who will be able to fulfil positions and benefit any community or institution worldwide,
• to expand and improve the existing technical, diagnostic and support services to patients and clinical staff,
• to initiate and be involved in research projects that contribute to promoting the department as an institution of excellence capable of and prepared to form partnerships/agreements with national and international institutions and companies for the ultimate advantage of the community, patients, students, clinicians and scientists.