Our Work
ASM is home to a strong community of medical and public health microbiologists who play a critical role in the detection and characterization of human and animal pathogens. We support our members by advocating for evidence-based policy and scientific funding, providing access to protocols and guidelines covering optimal procedures for a variety of clinical microbiology techniques, verification protocols and safety requirements and publishing authoritative research in the field.
Our Impact
Medical laboratory professionals provide up to 70% of the data clinicians use to make informed decisions about the diagnosis and treatment of microbial pathogens. They also play a significant role in the detection, control and prevention of hospital acquired infections (HAIs); characterize antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and monitor antimicrobial stewardship at the patient, institutional and community levels.
The overall impact is both essential and life-saving.
How to Get Involved
Volunteer with ASM
If you're interested in contributing to webinars, guidelines and other professional development resources, visit our volunteer page to learn about open opportunities.
Stay up to date on CPHM Activities
Sign up for our monthly CPHM Newsletter, and be the first to know about free educational webinars, continuing education credit opportunities, advocacy, updated guidelines and more.
Advocating for CPHM Issues
We advocate for evidence-based public policies that are rooted in science and support our Clinical and Public Health Microbiology community. Read policy statements on issues we have been following closely in 2023-2024 below:
- ASM Responds to CDC on National One Health Framework.
- ASM and IDSA Submit Joint Letter Expressing Concerns About Proposed Changes to LDTs to White House Executive Office.
- ASM Policy Recommendations to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance.
- ASM Joins Letter in Response to NIH Updated Policy Guidance.
- ASM Leads Support Letter for CDC Advanced Molecular Detection Program Funding.
- ASM Commends NSABB's Proposed Biosecurity Oversight Framework.
Addressing Workforce Shortages
Shortages of trained and experienced laboratory personnel have been encountered for decades, however, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the crisis. Factors compounding these staffing issues include:
- Burnout.
- Lack of awareness.
- Lack of resources.
- Lack of available training programs.
ASM has been working to address these concerns over the past 5 years, as the need for laboratory professionals is expected to grow by 7% between 2021 and 2031.
ASM-Weber State University Microbiology Certificate Program
In partnership with Weber State University, we developed a certificate program that offers an affordable and efficient option for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a qualifying field to recieve the education and training needed to work in a clinical microbiology laboratory.
Workforce Shortage Survey
In 2021, seeking to better understand the causes and scope of the problem, ASM's Personnel Standards and Workforce Subcommittee (PS&W) conducted a survey of members in the clinical microbiology profession. We hope that comparative data will support local and national efforts to improve these workforce shortages. A commentary related to this subject has been published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology.
Engaging With the Community
There are many ways to engage with the CPHM community online. The clinical microbiology community has 3 listservs:
- Clin Micro Net: for clinical and public health microbiology laboratory directors. (Please note: joining Clin Micro Net requires verification of one’s laboratory director position.)
- Division C: for all in the clinical microbiology community.
- Division Y: for all in a public health microbiology community.
All listservs are available to join for immediate access.
ASM Connect
Network with CPHM professionals, exchange ideas,
collaborate, mentor and learn.