Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Purpose of the Research: To obtain more comprehensive data on the perceptions of strengths and weaknesses in Medical Microbiological Pathology training against the background of rapidly changing pathology services. Methods: On-line surveys were conducted of potential employers and recent graduates of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Pathology. Results: There were 15 employer respondents and 19 newly trained pathologist respondents out of the 88 pathologists that were identified to participate in the study. From the employers’ standpoint, the majority expressed overall satisfaction with newly trained pathologists. Specific areas of deficiency were Administration, Management and Research. In addition, almost a half of employers agreed that the same amount of guidance and support for newly trained pathologists is needed now than was required a decade ago. Newly trained pathologists did not appear to be inappropriately overconfident in their abilities. In selecting new pathologists, employers perceived ability to work in a team, academic knowledge and interpersonal skills as the most important applicant characteristics. When newly trained pathologists were asked why they thought they were offered their position, the responses were very varied, ranging from academic background to contractual obligations. Conclusion: We believe that with this study some insights were obtained into the perceived strengths and weaknesses of newly trained pathologists entering Microbiology Pathology Services and that the results of the study can be used as input for further discussions and training of pathology registrars. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Doel van die Navorsing: Om meer omvattende data te bekom oor die tekortkominge en sterk punte in Mediese Mikrobiologiese Patologie opleiding in ag genome huidige vinnig veranderende patologie dienste. Metodes: Internet-gebasseerde vraeboë is gerig aan potensiële werkgewers van patoloeë asook nuut gekwalifiseerde graduanti van Mediese Mikrobiologie en Kliniese Patologie. Resultate: Van die 88 patoloeë wat uitgenooi is om deel te neem aan die studie het 15 werkgewers en 19 nuut gekwalifiseerde patoloeë deelgeneem. Die meerderheid van die werkgewers was oor die algemeen tevrede met nuwe aanstellings. Spesifieke areas waaraan meer aandag behoort te gee word, is Administrasie, Bestuur en Navorsing. Bykans die helfde van die werknemers het saamgestem dat nuut gekwalifiseerde patoloeë nou dieselfde hoeveelheid bystand en ondersteuning benodig as patoloeë ‘n dekade gelede. Dit wil voorkom asof die nuut gekwalifiseerde patoloeë nie oormatige selfvertroue in hulle eie vermoëns het nie. Werkgewers het die volgende eienskappe as die belangrikste ge-ag as hulle nuwe patologeë aanstel: vermoë om in ‘n span te werk, akademiese kennis en interpersoonlike vaardighede. Toe nuut gekwalifiseerde patoloeë gevra is hoekom hulle dink hulle is aangestel was die antwoorde baie uiteenlopend en het gewissel van akademiese prestasie tot kontrakturele verpligtinge. Gevolgstrekking: Ons glo dat met die resultate van hierdie studie ons beter insigte bekom het oor die tekortkominge en sterk punte van nuut gekwalifiseerde patoloeë wat Mikrobiologiese Patologie Dienste betree. Hopelik sal hierdie studie ‘n bydrae kan maak tot die toekomstige beplanning van nagraadse patologie opleiding.