Since Corona, virologists have been seen more frequently in the media, but not everyone is familiar with the job description.
Job profile of a virologist
We currently encounter virologists on a daily basis on television screens and in digital media. We know doctors as patients, but hardly anyone can answer what tasks virologists perform.
- In fact, a virologist is a doctor by profession. He must first study medicine and then complete further training to become a specialist.
- After Studying medicine and the Specialist training followed by a multi-year Continuing education to become a virologist. The path to becoming a virologist is very long and involves a lot of time and perseverance.
- In his work as a virologist, the doctor studies the characteristics of viruses and their living conditions. To do this, he conducts research, which he often carries out in a team with colleagues.
- In their research, virologists are constantly looking for substances that inhibit the properties of viruses. They are also used to diagnose and examine patients.
The long road of training
The path to the final professional qualification is long and arduous.
- First, you must obtain your high school diploma with a very good grade.
- Above-average grades must be demonstrated in the natural sciences, particularly biology and chemistry. To achieve this, advanced courses must be completed in these subjects.
- The subsequent 12-semester medical degree is completed at a university. At the same time, practical work takes place in hospitals, doctor's offices or even in research institutions.
- Above-average performance is also required in medical studies.
- In the subsequent specialist training, the doctor chooses the specialty of virology. This period usually lasts another 5 years and ends with an exam.
- The specialist must now invest another five years in further training in the field of virology. The areas of microbiology and infectious disease epidemiology are also on the curriculum.
- The best-known German virologist is Christian Drosten.