Chair’s Column

The 100th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology will be held in Los Angeles, CA, May 21 through 25, 2000. In January, the program schedule for the 2000 General Meeting of the ASM was finalized. I hope that you are planning to attend! Through the numerous contributions of the many Division C members who generously offered their valuable expertise, input, time and energies, an excellent and diverse program has been developed. For all who attend, crucial issues affecting Clinical Microbiology and the present status of our science will be reflected in this superb program as we now find ourselves in the new millennium. The ‘line-up’ is presented elsewhere in this Newsletter. A highlight for the Division C program is the special awards and lectures. This year, Dr. Fred Tenover is the recipient of the Becton Dickinson Award in Clinical Microbiology; he will present the Division C lecture on Monday afternoon. The bioMérieux Sonnenwirth Award for 2000 will go to Dr. Ellen Jo Baron; her presentation is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Over 450 abstracts were reviewed for the General meeting. These will be presented as posters during separate sessions during the meeting.

I also wish to remind you that the annual Division C Business Meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, May 22 at 1:00 pm. This will be followed by our traditional box lunch. A special ‘thank you’ is in order to Roche Diagnostics for sponsoring this luncheon for Division C. Of importance, I wish to acknowledge the contributions of some of the individuals who have worked diligently with me this past year in the programming for the annual meeting and the myriad of other activities associated with our Division:

Ron Zabranski, past Chair, for all his support and insight with respect to numerous matters as they arose over the past year and most, importantly, ‘watching out for me’ so I didn’t miss anything!

Mike Miller, past Chair and Divisional Group I (Diagnostic Microbiology and Epidemiology) Representative for his guidance and sound advice regarding so many issues that arose during the year for the Division C meeting program and of great import, for his continued and expert overseeing of the ClinMicroNet for microbiology laboratory directors.

Janet Hindler, Division C Chair-elect, for her help in developing the symposia for this year’s meeting and reviewing abstracts and organizing the poster program.

Susan Whittier, Councilor and Diane Halstead, Alternate Councilor for their efforts in the award election process and for representing the Division on the ASM’s Council Policy Committee.

Danny Wiedbrauk for his continued and expert overseeing of the Division C homepage within the ASM website and allowing us to advertise our first "Meet the Clinical Microbiologist" session (more on that later!).

Steve Cavalieri, Gary Doern and Mike Miller for serving as the nomination committee for our next election for Division C chair-elect.

In this newsletter, I have included information and news from other groups both within and from outside the ASM that hopefully might be of interest to some of you as a Division C member.

I hope that each of you will decide to come and join us in Los Angeles. It has been a distinct pleasure and honor to serve as your Division C chair this year. Many thanks for this opportunity......

Betz ForbesChair, Division C

Becton Dickinson Award in Clinical Microbiology

Fred C. Tenover, Ph.D., Chief, Nosocomial Pathogens Laboratory Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will receive the 2000 BD Award for Research in Clinical Microbiology. The award, affiliated with Division C, honors a distinguished clinical microbiologist for outstanding research accomplishments leading to or forming the foundation for important applications in clinical microbiology. The award is sponsored by BD Biosciences, a division of Becton Dickinson and Company.

Fred is recognized for an impressive career that has blended molecular biology basic science with applied research in investigations of antibiotic resistance. Examples of basic research by Fred and colleagues include work that described glycopeptide genes encoding resistance in enterococci and identified mutations associated with fluoroquinolone resistance in eight species of Enterobacteriaceae. His group was among the first to report high-level cephlalosporin-resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae. Perhaps most significant, however, is the fact that many of his research activities have dramatically influenced the current practice of microbiology in the clinical laboratory.

Among those contributions is the standardization of the interpretation of pulsed field gel electrophoresis patterns for typing of bacterial strains. His landmark paper on PFGE, first published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology in 1995, has had tremendous impact on the field of hospital epidemiology and continues to influence both daily laboratory work and subsequent efforts to standardize molecular methods in general. Other publications, focused on the use of molecular tools in the detection of organisms and the determination of antimicrobial resistance, have included new approaches and affected methods used by laboratories throughout the world. Fred has performed evaluations of common test systems, and conducted studies on the competency of laboratories to detect and report emerging resistance. His current research includes detection and differentiation of antimicrobial resistance genes through the development of DNA probes and nucleic acid amplification assays; investigations into the evolution of antimicrobial resistance genes; the use of DNA probes, sequencing, and nucleic amplification techniques for rapid detection of infectious agents in clinical samples; and epidemiological studies of nosocomial infections using molecular techniques.

As so many of us know and appreciate, Fred is an especially effective communicator and has disseminated his knowledge through countless presentations and service to national and international committees.

As the recipient of the BD Award, Fred will deliver the Division C Lecture, entitled, "A Teleological Look at Antimicrobial Resistance: the Co-evolution of Microbes and Microbiologists" at the General Meeting in Los Angeles. He was nominated for this award by James Jorgensen of the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio.

BioMérieux Sonnenwirth Award

The 2000 bioMérieux Sonnenwirth Award for Leadership in Clinical Microbiology is presented to Ellen Jo Baron, Ph.D. She is currently Clinical Professor of Medicine and Technical and Operations Director of the Clinical Microbiology and Virology Laboratories at Stanford University Hospital in California. Ellen Jo is recognized for exemplary leadership in clinical microbiology and promotion of innovation in clinical laboratory science, and for high dedication and commitment to the ASM and to the advancement of clinical microbiology as a profession. Dr. Marie Coyle, a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and Dr. Baron’s nominator, describes her as a leader in clinical microbiology with the vision to not only recognize problems but to envision and implement solutions in this discipline. The award is sponsored by bioMérieux, Inc.

Anaerobes have been a focus of her published work. She described a new species, Bilophila wadsworthia, from cases of acute appendicitis, later going on to characterize its importance as a clinically significant isolate in infectious disease. Her further research on anaerobes has significantly contributed to medical understanding and laboratory innovation, encompassing the development of novel isolation media; the antimicrobial susceptibility of anaerobes; the microbiology of oropharyngeal infection, and the establishment of practical diagnostic algorithms. Recognized for the breadth of her knowledge in areas from the latest research findings to new ideas in laboratory management, she has also published extensively on issues that affect patients, clinicians, and microbiologists and has authored and edited a variety of important texts used in both education and practice. She has served as a section editor of the fifth edition and volume editor of the sixth and seventh editions of the Manual of Clinical Microbiology, section editor of the first edition Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, and developed a thoroughly revised edition of Bailey and Scott’s Diagnostic Microbiology.

Her commitment to the profession of clinical microbiology and to the individuals who practice it is evidenced through an astonishing array of activities and service. She is a consultant to the World Health Organization on issues of antibiotic resistance and surveillance and Chair of the NCCLS Subcommittee on Abbreviated Bacterial Identification. Her current editorial board service includes Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Clinical Performance and Quality Healthcare, and Journal of Clinical Microbiology. A Diplomate of the American Board of Medical and Molecular Microbiology, Dr. Baron has assumed a leadership role as the current Chair of that body, having previously served as Vice-Chair, as well as Chair of the Part I Examination Committee. She has served terms on numerous ASM committees and has been dedicated to the profession through leadership in Branch and local organizations.

A Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, Ellen Jo has also generously given her time to advancing the careers of other clinical microbiologists. She has taught bench technologists and conducted more than 25 workshops and 100-plus invited lectures throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Her contributions toward the advancement of women within the ASM and the broader scientific and healthcare communities earned her the Alice C. Evans Award in 1997. She has likewise been a dedicated advocate for the Clinical Microbiology Division within ASM.

Ellen Jo will present the bioMérieux Sonnenwirth Award lecture at the General Meeting on Wednesday morning, May 24 at 8 am.

The ABMMM/ABMLI Professional Recognition Award

Marie B. Coyle, Ph.D., will receive the 2000 ABMMM/ABMLI Professional Recognition Award for her tireless efforts toward the recognition and advancement of clinical microbiology and immunology. The Award is sponsored by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.

Marie, a Diplomate of the American Board of Medical and Molecular Microbiology (ABMMM) since 1977, is currently Professor, Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, and Director, Microbiology Laboratory, Harborview Medical Center. Throughout her career, she has focused on the advancement of clinical microbiology as an academic discipline and profession through research, teaching and mentoring, and service to the ASM, other laboratory medicine organizations, and public health agencies.

The extent and breadth of her commitment to the advancement of clinical microbiology is evidenced by an impressive record of service. She has served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Academy of Clinical Laboratory Physicians and Scientists, and as Secretary Treasurer of that organization from 1980-1985. She has served as a selector of the Conference of Public Health Laboratories Kimble Methodology Award. Her work with the National Institutes of Health includes committee membership as a reviewer of contract proposals, and continuing involvement as a study section reviewer. She has fulfilled editorial board responsibilities for Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Infection Control, the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, and the Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 4th Edition. Within the ASM, Marie has been Chair, Division C; Alternate Councilor and Councilor, Northwest Branch; Member, Council Policy Committee; Chair, Scherago-Rubin Award Selection Committee; Member, Becton Dickinson Award in Clinical Microbiology Award Selection Committee; and Chair of the Caucus of Diplomates of the American Board of Medical Microbiology, among other posts. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, and has been active in Academy programs as a Member of the Committee on Post Doctoral Educational Programs, the Committee on Professional Affairs in Clinical and Public Health Microbiology, and the Committee on Ethics. As a member of the AAM's Committee on Election to Fellowship she helped develop appropriate standards for microbiologists in clinically-associated non-research positions. Her strong advocacy for Clinical Microbiology as a member of Council Policy Committee has enhanced understanding and respect for that discipline among other Council members and their constituencies.

Abbott Laboratories Award in Clinical and Diagnostic Immunology

The Abbott Laboratories Award in Clinical and Diagnostic Immunology, sponsored by the Diagnostics Division of Abbott Laboratories, honors a distinguished scientist in the field of clinical or diagnostic immunology. James D. Folds, Ph.D., Director of the William McLendon Clinical Laboratories and Vice Chair and Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, is this year’s recipient. At the General Meeting, he will deliver the Division V lecture, "Research in the Diagnostic Immunology Laboratory." Jim was nominated for the award by American Academy of Microbiology Fellow, David Normansell, of the University of Virginia who wrote: "His career exemplifies the three facets of academic life: teaching, service, and research, and he epitomizes the teacher-scientist role model to which we all aspire…His contributions cover the whole field of clinical and diagnostic immunology, not just one or two subsections."

As Director of Laboratories at the University of North Carolina, he has updated and improved all of the clinical laboratories and brought in a myriad of new technologies, procedures, and ideas. His Clinical Immunology Laboratory offers a training program accredited by the American College of Microbiology’s Committee on Postdoctoral Educational Programs, and ten of his twenty-one postdoctoral trainees have joined him to become Diplomates of the American Board of Medical Laboratory Immunology.

Jim, a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, has been a leading laboratory investigator in the field of clinical and diagnostic immunology and has made significant research contributions to aspects of cellular immunology. He has made advances in the areas of serodiagnosis of syphilis, HIV-1 infection, and chancroid. His influential work includes findings regarding the kinetics of the immune response, how the immune system responds to infection of the host with Treponema pallidum and the molecular expression of T. pallidum antigens. Further, he clarified the important role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the immune response to infection. More recent investigations into the part played by natural killer cells in psychoneuroimmunology have served to further define alterations in natural killer cells in HIV infection and depression.

Jim has authored well over 100 peer-reviewed publications, 13 books and book chapters, and 100 abstracts. In addition to discussing his own work, he has been an invited reviewer for numerous journals. His editorial board service includes Journal of Clinical Microbiology (1987-1994), Infection and Immunity (1986-1989), Clinical Immunology Newsletter (1985-present), and Yearbook of Pathology and Clinical Pathology (1981-1991). He is also currently an Editor of Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology and has held that post since he spearheaded the effort toward development of the new journal in 1993.

Extensive service to his institution, the ASM, and other scientific organizations further demonstrates Dr. Folds’ commitment to the field. He is active in a variety of committee and board activities at the University of North Carolina. From 1985-1988 he was Chair of the American Board of Medical Laboratory Immunology. He has been a member of the Committee on Postdoctoral Educational Programs, the Board of Education and Training, and the Public and Scientific Affairs Board Committee on Laboratory Practices for Microbiology, as well as an ASM Foundation Lecturer. He has served as Alternate Councilor and Councilor of Division V, and as President of the North Carolina ASM Branch. He has been President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Immunologists, and is currently Councilor of the Clinical Immunology Society.

Scherago-Rubin Award:

The Scherago-Rubin Award is given in recognition of outstanding clinical microbiologists at the bachelor’s or master’s level. Established by the late Sally Jo Rubin, an active member of the Clinical Microbiology Division of ASM, in honor of her grandfather Professor Morris Scherago, the Award honors excellent performance in the clinical laboratory. Harold Cannon, Jr., of Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio and a practicing microbiologist since 1974, has been selected as the recipient of the 2000 Award. He is currently Manager of the Specialty Function Laboratory, encompassing microbiology, specialty chemistry, and virology, and has held that post for nearly fifteen years. He is certified by the National Registry of Microbiologists and the National Credentialing Agency. Cannon is responsible for day-to-day operation of the laboratories, developing standard operating procedure manuals, supervision of staff, and maintaining compliance with all federal agency and relevant organization regulations. He is actively involved in the teaching and supervision of rotations for laboratory technology students from OSU and Columbus State University, as well as OSU College of Medicine residents and interns. The laboratory has also created an outreach program for reference lab testing, and has partnered with other institutions in Ohio to develop a laboratory network for shared testing purposes.

With this broad and complex scope of responsibilities, Harold has played an active and important role in the service, outreach, teaching, and continuing education programs that have strengthened the reputation of the laboratory within the institution and the broader community. He has played a major role in the selection and implementation of new computer and laboratory information systems that improve service. Regular presentations on proper culture techniques delivered to physician office practice laboratories are one example of his involvement in outreach. He is also active in professional organizations at the local and regional levels. American Board of Medical and Molecular Microbiology Diplomate Mario Marcon, director of the labs and Harold’s nominator, describes him as an excellent communicator whose expertise and willingness to help are often sought by technologists and other mangers in the laboratory.

The high standards and tight quality control maintained under Harold’s supervision have a direct impact on patient care. The labs are continually updating the diagnostic tests offered, and assuring that results are available in an efficient and timely manner. Marcon writes, "Mr. Cannon is highly respected by the medical staff, his peers in the laboratory, as well as the medical technologists that report to him. This respect has been earned based on his continued involvement and skills in technical and scientific issues."

The American College of Microbiology - Joe Campos

R E M I N D E R

DIVISION C BUSINESS MEETING

1-2:30 PM, Monday, May 22nd, Room 152/153. Followed by Division Luncheon

JANET HINDLER ASSUMES DIVISION C CHAIR IN JULY

Janet Hindler will become Chair of the Clinical Microbiology Division C this July; Janet has served as Chair-elect this past year, having been elected during the Fall 1998 elections. She received her B.S. in biology from Albright College, Reading, PA, medical technology training was at Duke University and her Masters in Clinical Laboratory Science from the University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.

Janet has worked as a clinical microbiologist her entire career; the past 21 years at UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA where she is a Senior Technical Specialist. Ms. Hindler has been very involved with antimicrobial susceptibility testing and has written and taught extensively in this area. She is a member of the NCCLS Subcommittee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing and is the Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Section Editor for the ASM's "Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook" and "Essential Procedures in Clinical Microbiology". Ms Hindler is a fellow in the American Academy of Microbiology, Chair of ASM's Foundation for Microbiology Lecturer Committee, and Past President of the Southern California Branch of the ASM. She is an author or co-author on numerous articles and has been an instructor or organizer of numerous workshops for the ASM and other clinical microbiology groups.

She has recently served as a consultant to the World Health Organization and assisted in teaching developing countries about antimicrobial susceptibility testing and antimicrobial resistance. Janet will assume office in July 2000.

Other General Meeting Sessions of Interest

The ASM is a very diverse scientific society, nevertheless, there is much in our science that links us together. For the General Meeting in Los Angeles, numerous colloquia and scientific sessions, besides those for Division C might be of unique interest to clinical microbiologists; check the program for the time and location of these:

Molecular Evolution Antimicrobials and Resistance

Of Frogs and Men: A Model for Mycobacterial Pathogenesis

Reservoirs of Antibiotic Resistance

In addition, look in on the symposia that are being arranged by other divisions whose interests are related closely to us: Antimicrobial Agents (Division A), Mycology (Division F), Nosocomial Infections (Division L), Mycobacteriology (Division U), and Public Health (Division Y).

Division C Website and Listserver - Dan Wiedbrauk

Just to remind you about the Division C Website (http://asmusa.org /division/c/). This website continues to be updated and now contains more information than ever before. The site currently has 25 microbiology education links where syllabi, course materials, and problem sets can be found. The site also has links to 19 clinical laboratories. If you want to list your laboratory or favorite microbiology website, please contact Dan Wiedbrauk (tel: 248-551-8026 or e-mail: CPWebmaster@beaumont.edu). They are still also looking for good quality photographs that can be used for teaching and other educational purposes.

For your information, the Division C Listserver is an E-mail based discussion group which is maintained by the American Society for Microbiology. This service is intended for individuals who work, or have an interest in clinical microbiology laboratories. Members of the group are encouraged to share information or ask questions on important problems faced by clinical microbiologists. Instructions for joining the group can be found on the Division C website.

Report from Public and Scientific Affairs Board (PSAB)- Alice Weissfeld

The Professional Affairs Committee (PAC) presented a one-day workshop at the ASM General Meeting in Chicago entitled: Financial Management of the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. This was well received by participants and will be repeated as a one and one-half day's workshop at the meeting in Los Angeles.

Alice Weissfeld, Chair, presented verbal and written testimony before CLIAC (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Committee), which met at CDC in September, 1999, regarding ASM's position that the minimum educational degree required for high complexity microbiology testing be set at the baccalaureate level. This testimony (as well as Roberta Carey's) was in response to the CLIAC examining workforce issues in the clinical laboratory.

Roberta Carey spearheaded a study about benchmarking of personnel in clinical microbiology laboratories in various venues (e.g., reference, acute-care hospital, university-affiliated medical center). The data was tabulated by The Lewin Group and a manuscript regarding the findings is in preparation and will appear as an ASM Cumitech. Preliminary results of the study were also presented before the CLIAC.

Vicki Baselski co-chaired the Infectious Disease Workgroup during the Department of Health and Human Services' negotiated rulemaking process. This committee wrote national coverage policies for three microbiology tests including urine cultures and HIV monitoring and prognosis. The entire process was completed when all 17-participants including the AMA and HCFA signed a consensus document in August, 1999.

At the request of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which is conducting a study on how laboratory tests should be reimbursed by Medicare, Vickie Baselski prepared ASM's position statement. This is a critical issue for clinical microbiologists and will be a key initiative in 2000. The IOM has already spoken to ASM about surveying our members to benchmark costs. This would fit well with our previous study.

Lynne Garcia represented PAC (and ASM) on the CAP Microbiology Resource Committee, which recommended changes to the CPT coding list for microbiology. This review process took into consideration changes in laboratory methodology, newer available diagnostic test kits, potential inappropriate unbundling errors, coding and billing issues that are controversial or under review by federal agencies (HCFA, OIG), and medical relevance issues. Reflex testing, a major issue in microbiology, is also under review.

Helen Pollock reviewed two pieces of proposed California legislation including 1) licensing of clinical laboratory personnel, and 2) clinical laboratory education.

Jim Snyder is coordinating a Cumitech on the clinical microbiology laboratory's response to bioterrorism. He is also chairing a committee to plan and present a colloquium on bioterrorism on behalf of the American Academy of Microbiology.

Mike Saubolle, Vice-Chair of the American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM) is spearheading an initiative to re-examine whether board-certified doctoral scientists who direct clinical microbiology laboratories can bill for the professional component of laboratory tests. This is a joint PSAB, ABMM, ABMLI, and American College of Microbiology project.

The PAC is awaiting word from the ASM's CPC regarding its suggestion that ASM establish a clinical microbiology educational grant in order to conduct outcome studies regarding how quality microbiology testing leads to improved patient outcomes and saves money.

A LIABILITY INSURANCE PROGRAM

In response to the changing needs of clinical microbiologists and others, the Membership Committee has finalized a liability insurance package for all ASM members who qualify. The Membership Committee worked with several ASM

members in the clinical field to develop a program suited for today's litigious society. This insurance will provide coverage for a wide variety of member activities including independent contractors, consultant

activities, expert witnesses, publications, "moonlighting activities" and others. The program offers coverage for both individuals and laboratories. Damages covered under the plan include "contingent" bodily injury, property

damage, personal injury, and economic loss. ASM is partnering with its insurance administrator, Seabury & Smith, to offer the following coverage highlights:

* Offer liability coverage from $100,000 to $2 million for individuals and up to $10 million for laboratories;

* A wide range of deductibles including minimums: $0 for individuals and $2,500 for laboratories;

* Broad coverage for "microbiologist services" as defined by ASM.

* Broad definition of "Named Insured;"

* Coverage for prior acts; and

* An easy, short form application.

Those who have worked on the development of the program, including Joseph Campos are pleased with the coverage. "ASM's liability insurance plan is a welcome benefit for the eligible members of our Society. We should all be grateful to the Membership Committee for negotiating this valuable coverage for us at an affordable rate," he says.   For more information about ASM's new liability insurance program, please contact Melissa Sowa of Seabury & Smith at (212) 313-3044 or  sowam@seabury.com <mailto:sowam@seabury.com>

ASM-2001

Are you thinking of submitting an abstract for the year 2001 General Meeting of the Society? Ron Zabranski included a useful guide for abstract submission in last year’s newsletter. Because this component to our scientific program is so vital, I am taking the liberty in reiterating most of what was highlighted by Ron. The ASM General Meeting Program Committee has set strict criteria for the acceptance of all abstracts. When preparing your abstract, please follow the directions carefully. Here are some hopefully useful points to consider:

Abstracts must have-
-Introduction / background / objective / purpose
    -Method / procedure
    -Results / discussion
    -Analysis / conclusions / summary
    -Proper grammar and spelling

No tables, charts, or references are permitted; these will be rejected

English is the official language of the meeting. Proper grammar, sentence construction or and spelling are necessary. Have your abstract reviewed by someone for their input in this regard.

Electronic submissions may have formatting errors as a result of transmission. Follow the specific instructions carefully. If the resultant abstract is unreadable or uninterpretable it can be rejected.

Abstracts must represent studies that have a sound scientific basis. Studies that represent a rehashing of old reports or that yield predictable results can be rejected on the basis that they contribute nothing new to our scientific knowledge.

Case studies / reports are acceptable if they describe unique organisms on which additional and special studies have been conducted or multiple isolates of the same unique organism from multiple patients with the same clinical presentations. These abstracts must still meet the required style and format.

 

NCCLS UPDATES - Mary Jane Ferraro

Since so many of us rely on the NCCLS documents for clinical microbiology laboratory practice, I asked Mary Jane Ferraro if there was anything that we should be aware of in terms of published documents. The following was her response:

1. The revised NCCLS TEXT for both the disk M2 and dilution M7 documents as well as new

tables for each (M100) were published Jan 2000.

2. In Jan 2001, the revised anaerobe document M11 will be published.

3. The committee is also hoping that our newest guideline addition, Analysis and Presentation of

Cumulative Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Data, will be ready in proposed status in early to mid 2001. This later document should help both laboratories and laboratory computer software folks with a standard approach to creating the antibiogram.

Some ‘new’ goings-on at the meeting:

Colloquia sponsored by Division C (bear in mind that these colloquia do not get factored into the number of symposia allocated to Division C!): "Microbial Pathogenesis: Windows to novel clinical interventions for the treatment of infectious disease"

As a trial in this year’s meeting, we have introduced a "Meet the Clinical Microbiologist" early morning session for Division C members. This session entitled, "Organism identification: How far to go?" will be led by Peter Gilligan and Karin McGowan. This small group session) was developed as means to address some of the professional/ laboratory practice issues confronting many members of Division C without interfering with the scientific program of the annual meeting.. For those of you who attend (and even for those who are unable to attend), an evaluation of this type of program sent to my attention as well as ideas for other small discussion group topics (forbesb@upstate.edu) would be most appreciated. This information will then be taken into account for next year’s program. Another special thank you is in order to Becton Dickinson for sponsoring the session’s breakfast.

To register, send an E-mail message to: tcash@asmusa.org. In the body of the message, include your name and mailing address. Also include a sentence stating that you want to attend the Division C Breakfast Symposium, "Organism identification - how far to go?" Admission tickets will be mailed from ASM Headquarters to the first 50 registrants.

Division C Breakfast Mixer
The Clinical Microbiology Division will sponsor a breakfast get-together on Wednesday, May 24, from 6:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. at the convention center, room 151. During this time, a continental breakfast will be served. We look forward to seeing you there!

100TH GENERAL MEETING -- AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MICROBIOLOGY

Monday:
Serologic Assays
Diagnostic Mycobacteriology: Detection, Culture, Identification, Susceptibility Testing, and Epidemiology
Veterinary Microbiology: Laboratory Diagnosis and Epidemiology
Diagnostic Parasitology

Diagnostic Virology
Molecular Typing:: Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Organisms
Unusual Organisms, Case Studies

Tuesday:
Epidemiology and Surveillance I: General
Epidemiology and Surveillance II: Antimicrobial Resistance
Epidemiology and Surveillance III: Investigations Employing Molecular Methods
Specimen Collection, Transport and Processing

Diagnostic Mycology
Diagnostic Bacteriology: Molecular Methods I - General
Diagnostic Bacteriology: Molecular Methods I I - Organism-specific
Enteric Pathogens I

Wednesday:
Diagnostic Bacteriology - Non-Molecular Methods I: Gram-positive organisms including clostridia
Diagnostic Bacteriology - Non-Molecular Methods II
Diagnostic Bacteriology - Blood, Body Fluids and Urines

Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Resistance
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Methods I: Evaluations and Comparison of Systems and Novel Test Systems
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Methods II: Staphylococci and ESBLs

Thursday:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Epidemiology and Non-Molecular Based Methods of Detection
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Molecular-Based Methods of Detection
Laboratory Management, Utilization, and Quality Control
General Clinical Microbiology