Teaching in Clinical Chemistry: Evolution and Needs1)

Summary: As a young discipline, clinical chemistry has undergone a rapid expansion since 1950. The development of suitable teaching programs has not always followed with corresponding speed. Different aspects of teaching in clinical chemistry must be considered: 1. Postgraduate teaching; this may be provided to graduates in medicine, science or pharmacy in view of complement-ing their respective basic studies by knowledge from the other disciplines. The aim is to form clinical chemists having a good understanding both of medical problems related to the laboratory and of the technical and chemical bases of analytical work. 2. Undergraduate teaching; this refers in particular to the teaching of medical students. Whereas these normally do not need a detailed understanding of methodology, they should be aware of the possibilities and limitations of chemical analyses, so as to make the most effective use of laboratory services. 3. Teaching of technicians. It is essential for the good quality of laboratory work that the technicians be given appropriate courses by qualified teachers, both in the fundamental and practical aspects of clinical chemistry. Teaching in universities requires the establishment of courses specifically devoted to clinical chemistry; the impor-tance given today to laboratory results and the great variety of instruments and techniques make it essential that high qualification is achieved by those in charge of clinical chemical laboratories. In developing countries, teaching is often insufficient at present. Here exists a great need for adequate programs and courses in clinical chemistry, both at the technician and graduate level. Due consideration should be given to the p articular local conditions. Ausbildung in Klinischer Chemie: Entwicklung und Bedarf Zusammenfassung: Als junges Fach hat sich die klinische Chemie seit 1950 rasch entwickelt. Der Aufbau entspre-chender Untemchtsprogramine ist nicht immer mit der wünschbären Geschwindigkeit erfolgt. Es gibt verschieden