Fellowship Training Programme
Faculty of Medical Microbiology
Overview
The Faculty of Medical Microbiology encompasses the laboratory study of microorganisms that cause human disease. Covering bacteriology, virology, parasitology, mycology, and entomology, this faculty produces specialist medical laboratory scientists who support disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and infection control across West Africa.
Medical Microbiology
Medical Microbiology provides comprehensive training in the isolation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of pathogenic microorganisms. Trainees develop the laboratory skills needed to support clinical infection management, antimicrobial stewardship, and public health surveillance programmes.
Scope of Training
Culture and identification of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi from clinical specimens; antimicrobial susceptibility testing; infection control; epidemic investigation; and biosafety.
Bacteriology
Isolation, identification, and characterisation of pathogenic bacteria from clinical specimens. Fellows master culture techniques, biochemical identification, molecular typing, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing critical to combating AMR.
Core Competencies
- Aerobic and anaerobic culture techniques
- Biochemical and molecular identification methods
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (MIC, disk diffusion)
- Antimicrobial resistance surveillance and reporting
Virology
Detection and characterisation of human viral pathogens using serological, molecular, and cell culture techniques. Especially critical for surveillance of HIV, hepatitis, influenza, and emerging viral threats in the ECOWAS region.
Core Competencies
- Viral nucleic acid detection (RT-PCR, real-time PCR)
- Serological screening and confirmation assays
- Viral load quantification and genotyping
- Cell culture for virus isolation
Parasitology
Laboratory diagnosis of parasitic infections — malaria, helminths, protozoa — that remain among the leading causes of morbidity in West Africa. Fellows gain expertise in microscopy, antigen detection, and molecular diagnostics for parasitic diseases.
Core Competencies
- Thick and thin blood film preparation and reading
- Stool concentration and special staining techniques
- Rapid diagnostic tests for malaria and other parasites
- Molecular detection of drug-resistant parasites
Mycology
Identification of fungal pathogens from superficial, subcutaneous, and systemic infections. Fellows learn culture-based and molecular approaches to fungal diagnosis, with emphasis on opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients.
Core Competencies
- Fungal culture and macroscopic/microscopic identification
- Antifungal susceptibility testing
- Histopathological identification of tissue fungi
- Molecular identification (ITS sequencing)
Entomology
Study of arthropod vectors of human disease — mosquitoes, tsetse flies, ticks, and sandflies. This sub-specialty trains fellows in vector identification, insecticide resistance monitoring, and the laboratory support of vector control programmes.
Core Competencies
- Morphological identification of disease vectors
- Insecticide resistance bioassays
- Vector infection rate determination
- GIS mapping for vector distribution
Training Structure
The WAPCMLS Fellowship Training Programme is structured into three progressive stages spanning five (5) years.
Primary Examination
A qualifying assessment serving as the prerequisite for entry into Part I (Junior Residency).
Part I — Junior Residency Programme
A two-year structured training programme at an accredited training centre, covering the core specialty areas of the faculty.
Membership Certification (MWAPCMLS)
Upon successful completion of Part I, candidates are awarded the Membership of the College, which qualifies them for entry into Part II (Senior Residency). Members may also enter practice and return later to continue.
Part II — Senior Residency Programme
A three-year advanced training in a chosen sub-specialty, including research, dissertation work, and advanced written and practical examinations.
Fellowship Certification (FWAPCMLS)
Upon passing the Part II examinations and successful dissertation defence, candidates are awarded the Fellowship of the College and invested at the annual ceremony.
Entry Requirements
GENERAL REQUIREMENT
- BMLS, B.Sc, AIMLS, or MLSD qualification
- Fully registered and licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist
Minimum post qualification experience
- BMLS/BSc MLS holders: 4 years
- MLSD holders: 2 years
- Applicants with accredited M.Sc. qualifications may obtain exemption from the Primary Fellowship examination.
- Enrollment in a College accredited institution or hospital is required for Part I and Part II Fellowship training.
Curriculum
Curriculum details will be published here.
Faculty Members
Prof Helen O. Ogefere, PhD, FWAPCMLS
Faculty Chairman
Prof. Helen O. Ogefere is a distinguished Professor of Microbiology and an accomplished researcher with extensive experience in medical microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, and molecular diagnostics. She is affiliated with the University of Benin, Nigeria. Prof. Ogefere has contributed significantly to postgraduate training, research, and professional development in laboratory medicine across West Africa.
Torgbi Dr. Robert K. Adedze-Kpodo, Mls.D, Ph.D, FWAPCMLS
Faculty Secretery
Dr. Adedze-Kpodo serves as Secretary of the Faculty of Medical Microbiology, supporting faculty administration, coordination, and academic activities within the College. He is involved in medical microbiology practice and postgraduate laboratory science training in Ghana.
Dr Tatchémè Filémon Tokponnon, PhD, FWAPCMLS
Training Cordinator
Tokponnon Tatcheme serves as Training Coordinator for the Faculty of Medical Microbiology. He supports the planning and coordination of faculty training activities, residency programs, and academic development initiatives within WAPCMLS.