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How to become a medical scientist

Improve human health through research, testing and analysing information.

What does a medical scientist do?

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.

Duties and tasks

  • Design and conduct studies that investigate human diseases and ways to prevent and treat them.

  • Examine, prepare and analyse medical samples and tissue sections to study the effects of microbial infections.

  • Investigate causes and treatment of toxicity, pathogens, or chronic diseases.

  • Advise medical practitioners on the interpretation of tests and methods for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

  • Standardise drug potency, doses, and methods to allow for mass manufacturing and distribution.

  • Setting up the steps and rules of laboratory medical testing including contamination and safety procedures.

  • Preparing scientific papers and reports.

Professional bodies

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