Teaching and training of clinical biochemists: sub-specialization

Clinical biochemistry, as one of the major 'classic' specialties within the broad field of laboratory medicine, continues to evolve under several different circumstances: (1) subspecialization within clinical biochemistry itself; (2) growth of new areas of biotechnology; (3) blurring of traditional 'boundaries' between disciplines in laboratory medicine. Post-graduate training in clinical biochemistry poses a challenge to universities charged with the responsibility for such professional education, particularly with the need to integrate and articulate training for both medical and non-medical graduates. Development of a career ladder is one response to this challenge.