In the dynamic realm of infectious diseases, where the pursuit of mastery is both a calling and a commitment, the importance of mentorship, education, and community cannot be overstated. For new core infection trainees embarking on this exhilarating journey, two societies stand out as beacons of guidance and support: the British Infection Association (BIA) and the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS).
British Infection Association (BIA)
https://www.britishinfection.org/trainees
The British Infection Association (BIA) serves as a sanctuary for trainees, offering a wealth of resources and opportunities tailored to their unique needs. One of the most compelling aspects of the BIA is its accessibility—it is completely free for trainees to join via their website.
A cornerstone of the BIA’s commitment to trainee development is its biannual trainee days, held in both spring and autumn. These events are well organized and highly relevant to the day-to-day life of an infection trainee. I would personally recommend attending and I always try to attend at least once per year. These trainee days offer invaluable insights and practical knowledge that enrich trainees’ understanding of infectious diseases.
Moreover, the BIA trainee days open doors to involvement in national audits and Quality Improvement Projects (QIPs). By participating in these initiatives, it provides opportunities to play an active role in shaping best practices and standards of care.
A standout feature of the BIA is its online learning platform, BIA Learn Infection, which offers a treasure trove of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) tailored to the Combined Infection Certificate Examination (CICE). This resource, designed to support trainees in their preparation for exams, it serves as a valuable tool for self-assessment and knowledge reinforcement. Currently, it acts as the only online MCQ bank for this examination.
Healthcare Infection Society (HIS)
https://www.his.org.uk/training-events/trainee-education-programme
Complementing the offerings of the BIA is the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS), another essential resource for core infection trainees. Like its counterpart, HIS is free for trainees to join, ensuring equitable access to its educational offerings and resources.
Central to HIS’s commitment to trainee education are its training days, which offer a comprehensive overview of essential topics relevant to infectious diseases. Though traditionally held in person, these educational sessions have transitioned to online formats in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this shift, the quality and relevance of the content remain unwavering by providing trainees with the core knowledge and skills they require.
An additional incentive for trainees to engage with HIS is the opportunity to achieve a Foundation Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). By attending seven out of nine unique trainee education days and submitting a reflective diary, trainees can earn this prestigious certification, further enhancing their credentials and demonstrating their commitment to excellence in infection prevention and control.
