Thriving in ID/CM: Essential skills for young scientist members

Event Description

A successful career in Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (CM/ID) requires more than clinical and scientific expertise. Early-career professionals are increasingly expected to communicate clearly, teach effectively, collaborate internationally, and remain resilient in demanding environments — yet these competencies are rarely included in formal training. This interactive international course addresses these real-world needs. Over three intensive days, participants develop practical skills directly applicable to clinical work, research, and professional life in CM/ID. The programme emphasises hands-on learning through workshops, group activities, and case-based discussions. Participants strengthen communication skills, practise delivering and receiving feedback, improve case presentations, and learn to tailor scientific messages to different audiences. Career-focused sessions support decision-making, mobility during training, and combining research with clinical practice. Mentorship and teaching are key components, including bedside education, innovative formats such as podcasts and gamification, and effective supervision of learners. Personal well-being and sustainability are addressed through sessions on coping with setbacks, preventing burnout, and building long-term resilience. The course also supports development of professional identity within the international CM/ID community, covering networking, responsible social media use, and the growing role of innovation and AI in the field. Collaborative activities encourage peer learning and shared problem-solving. Participants build competence in five core areas: communication, career development, mentorship and teaching, personal sustainability, and professional visibility. A limited group size ensures interactivity, personalised feedback, and meaningful networking.

Intended audience: 

This course is intended for motivated early-career professionals in Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology who wish to actively shape their career path and develop skills beyond purely clinical or laboratory expertise.
The primary target group includes ESCMID Young Scientist Members across Europe and globally: 
• Trainees in CM/ID 
• Early-career clinicians (approximately 1–5 years after specialty training) 
• PhD candidates and post-docs working in CM/ID-related fields
 

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Communicate ID/CM topics effectively across different audiences. 
2. Promote sustainability practices 
3. Apply practical strategies to maintain personal well-being and resilience in the context of high clinical and research demands.
4. Navigate career options in ID/CM, including opportunities for research mobility, dual-track development, and integration of academic work into clinical practice.
5. Develop effective educational and mentorship practices, and explore innovative teaching tools. 
6. Build professional networks and communicate one’s work and identity clearly, including the use of social media and digital platforms to increase visibility and collaboration.
7. Reflect on personal experiences and challenges as a tool for growth, and co-create solutions to systemic problems in the field through collaborative activities.

Course coordinator:

Filip Bielec, Lodz, Poland
Galadriel Pellejero, Zaragoza, Spain
Annabel Niessen, Utrecht, the Netherlands

Organisers: 

Trainee Association of ESCMID (TAE)
ESCMID Sustainability Commission
ESCMID Professional Affairs Subcommittee
ESCMID Sexually Transmitted Infections Study Group (ESTISG)
American Society of Microbiology
Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC)

Accreditation:

ESCMID office will apply for EACCME accreditation. 
Each participant can only receive the number of credits according to actual participation in the event and upon completion of the feedback survey.

Certification:

Course organisers will monitor attendance. Only participants attending sessions will be able to receive the certification.

Course venue:

INFORMATION AND LIBRARY CENTER of Medical University of Łódź
ul. Jana Muszyńskiego 2, 90-151 Łódź, Poland

Accommodation:

Accommodation in the Medical University of Lodz dormitory is included in the registration.

Registration details: 

Registration fees include full access to the course, coffee breaks, lunches and accommodation at the university dormitory. Travel costs and meals outside those specified in the programme are not included with either fee.  

Registration Fees