Infectious diseases

This page contains information on the specialty of infectious diseases (ID), one of the 16 specialties participating in RCP-SRO-coordinated ST3 recruitment.

The specialty

Infectious diseases (ID) is a particularly interesting and varied specialty because it combines the clinical skill of making the diagnosis with the satisfaction of effective treatment for a wide range of common serious infections in acutely ill patients.

NB - recruitment to infectious diseases here includes 'all' ID recruitment at ST3-level.

Most posts will be ID & general internal medicine. Candidates aiming to progress to posts within the infectious diseases group - ID & medical microbiology, ID & tropical medicine, ID & virology - should apply here.

Information will be published to the post numbers page on where ID sub-specialty posts will be available.

Infectious diseases - trainee characteristics

Infectious diseases will particularly suit trainees who enjoy:

• a great variety of clinical presentations
• the challenge of making the correct diagnosis
• laboratory sciences.

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Working/training in an ST3 ID post

Infectious diseases (ID) is a particularly interesting and varied specialty because, unlike many medical specialties, it is not confined to a single organ or system; infections can present in so many different ways, in patients of all ages and backgrounds.

Diagnostical skill

Making the correct diagnosis often involves considerable detective skill in history-taking, physical examination and interpretation of laboratory data.

Treating serious infections in acutely ill patients is very satisfying, because the vast majority of patients make an excellent recovery.

Before entering ID ST3, core experience in a broad range of specialties is desirable; prior experience of ID is useful but not essential.

In many centres, training in ID can be combined with training in general internal medicine (GIM), leading to a dual CCT in ID & GIM.

Joint training

Many centres also offer joint training in ID & medical microbiology, or ID & virology. Most trainees undertake research leading to an MD or PhD degree.

Most ID consultants work in teaching hospitals with access to specialized investigations and many pursue research interests.

The increasing number of ID consultant posts is evidence of the wider recognition of the distinctive clinical value of ID as a specialty.

Given the growing numbers of patients with HIV and tuberculosis, the widespread use of immuno-suppressive treatments, and the importance of healthcare-associated infections and wise antimicrobial prescribing, there has never been a better time to become an ID physician.

2013 ST3 recruitment

Further information

• A career in infectious diseases, by Yasmin Akram. BMJ Careers July 2008
• NHS medical careers
• JRCPTB specialty page
• RCP (London), My specialty
• 2010 curriculum (revised August 2012)
• 2013 person specification

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