Advanced master in Clinical Biology [120.0] - BICL2MC

This specialization in laboratory medicine accessible to pharmacists (and chemists with some prerequisite) (PHACS) consists of a five year curriculum, and provides the required basis to assume a medical responsibility in a private or hospital medical laboratory. A special focus is dedicated to the teaching of medical disciplines related to laboratory medicine (clinical haematology, infectious diseases, endocrinology,…), and to applied research in the field of medical laboratory. This academic curriculum proposed by the university should be concomitant to a validated training plan submitted to the Health governmental Authorities for a period of 60 months, according to the Belgian laws. At the end of the 5 years, the candidate specialist in laboratory medicine will get the diploma from the university and the certification from the Belgian Health Authorities allowing him to practice his expertise in the field of clinical chemistry, haematology or microbiology.

A core training of 2 years is common and mandatory for all trainees. It involves basic theories and practice in each of the three fields of laboratory medicine: clinical chemistry (including endocrinology, toxicology, metabolic diseases, tumor markers,…), microbiology (bacteriology, mycology, virology, parasitology) and haematology (cytology, haemostasis, immuno-haematology,…). During this 2-year basis, the trainees will have to follow some lectures proposed to medical doctors (infectious diseases, clinical haematology, …). Different tests and evaluations are planned during these two years.

The candidates must participate to all scientific meetings, staff or lectures recommended by the academic committee. They must participate to duties (night or week end) organized by the laboratories.

During the 3 last years, they have to perform some further specialization training in certified laboratories under the control of a certified supervisor, according to the law, and after validation both by the Health Authorities and by the Academic Committee. They are requested to participate actively to some research and development programmes resulting to a publication as first author.

They can perform their 3 years under different schemes according to their preferences:
o Either in one medical field (mono-specialty) during the 3-year period: haematology, microbiology or clinical chemistry
o Or in each of the three fields, dedicating 1 year per medical field
o Or in two of the 3 fields, performing a 2-year period in one discipline and a 1-year period in another one (e.g. 2 years in haematology and 1 year in clinical chemistry,…)

The programme in laboratory medicine organized for pharmacists at the université catholique de Louvain, is highly respected and appreciated in Belgium and France. It is in agreement with the European recommendations concerning teaching and training in laboratory medicine (EC4) and can lead to the european certification of European Clinical Chemist.