title: Clinical biochemistry education in Spain.
abstract: Clinical biochemistry in Spain was first established in 1978 as an independent specialty. It is one of several clinical laboratory sciences specialties, together with haematology, microbiology, immunology and general laboratory (Clinical analysis, análisis clinicos). Graduates in Medicine, Pharmacy, Chemistry and Biological Sciences can enter post-graduate training in Clinical Chemistry after a nation-wide examination. Training in an accredited Clinical Chemistry department is 4 years. A national committee for medical and pharmacist specialties advises the government on the number of trainees, program and educational units accreditation criteria. Technical staff includes nurses and specifically trained technologists. Accreditation of laboratories is developed at different regional levels. The Spanish Society for Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Pathology (SECQ), the national representative in the IFCC, has 1600 members, currently publishes a scientific journal (Química Clinica) and a newsletter. It organizes a continuous education program, a quality control program and an annual Congress.
authors.affiliation: Servei de Bioquimica, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Queraltó
mesh_terms: D001671:Biochemistry / Q000193:education; D002624:Chemistry, Clinical / Q000193:education*; D004500:Education, Graduate; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel / Q000193:education; D012958:Societies, Scientific; D013030:Spain; D014495:Universities