Introduction

. Last Updated: 03 December 2024Hits: 62

The postgraduate Diploma in Medical Microbiology (DMM) was first established in 1978 at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) in Malaysia. This prestigious program is conducted annually over a 6-month period. For 2025, the course will run from 15 April to 26 October. The postgraduate DMM program is designed to provide advanced training for medical doctors, scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals in both basic and applied Medical Microbiology. It also focuses on equipping participants with critical skills in research, diagnostics, and strategies for effective disease management and control programs—areas that are increasingly important in today's dynamic healthcare environment. As the world undergoes rapid modernization and globalization, we are facing an increasing number of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. These changes are accompanied by shifts in the geographical distribution of diseases, further complicated by the global movement of people and goods. This complex landscape has created significant challenges in the prevention, control, and treatment of infections. Despite considerable progress in medical science, infectious diseases remain a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, particularly in developing regions.  In this context, medical laboratories play a vital role. They are essential in identifying the causes of both new and re-emerging infectious diseases, providing accurate diagnoses, and detecting novel pathogens. Furthermore, laboratories are central to surveillance efforts, tracking antimicrobial resistance and supplying crucial data for public health responses. To maximize their impact, it is imperative that these laboratories perform diagnostic and research tasks with the highest level of competence and precision. For the 2025/2026 session, the Postgraduate DMM will be led by Dr. Rohaidah binti Hashim, Head of the Bacteriology Unit at IMR, as Dean, and Dr. Rozainanee binti Mohd Zain, Head of the Infectious Disease Research Centre at IMR, as Deputy Dean.