The European Register of Specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine opened in January 1999 and by November 2003 it comprised more than 1500 practitioners from 15 different countries, and the numbers are rising rapidly. Registrants include both scientific and medically qualified practitioners.
How to register?
An on-line application form to join the European Register of Specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine may be obtained from the EC4 website (www.ec-4.org). Once completed this should be submitted electronically and a printout, together with a curriculum vitae and a single payment of 50 EUR, should be sent to the address given for the appropriate country. Successful applicants are admitted to the register for a five-year period, with no annual fee. A certificate is issued to all registrants. Subsequent re-registration will require the registrant to demonstrate that he/she is still in active practice and undertaking continuing professional development.
The Perspective of the Profession
The existence of a strong European Register of Specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine:
Provides an important benchmark of quality across the profession within Europe.
Develops the corporate identity of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine in Europe.
Assists with the promotion of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine within Europe.
Assists greater understanding of the practice of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine within Europe.
Provides a basis for pursuing agreed projects of common interest to the profession.
Strengthens the influence of EC4 in dealings with other professional societies and the diagnostics industry.
Increases the likelihood that the profession of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine will be afforded Common Platform Status within the European Union.
Provides a pool of experts who may be willing to work for the good of the profession.