Scientists chasing viruses! Who is this virologist? Let's find out the details!

Have you ever wondered who is researching these viruses that cause diseases like colds and flu, and sometimes even the coronavirus that paralyzes the entire world? Who is researching how these viruses are created, how they spread, what to do to protect yourself from them, and how to find a cure? Virologists are the people who do such a valuable service. So today we are going to talk about who a virologist is, what they do, and how someone can become a virologist.

Who is a virologist? Simply put…

Simply put, a virologist is someone who studies viruses in depth and has a lot of knowledge about them. It's like a detective, but their subject is viruses. These small, invisible organisms called viruses can infect not only humans, but also animals, plants, and bacteria . So, these people study how these viruses spread ( reproduce ), how they infect a host (i.e. a person, an animal), how they spread from one place to another, or how to prevent and treat these infections.

These people can sometimes be medical researchers, perhaps professors who teach at universities, or doctors who treat patients. The title “virologist” can encompass a wide variety of job duties.

So, what exactly does a virologist do?

Remember, a virologist is not just someone who does one type of work. There are many things they can do. Let's take a look at what they do:

• Working in hospitals: Some virologists work in hospital labs. They test samples (blood, sputum, etc.) taken from patients to determine what type of virus is present. They then recommend treatment.
• Treating patients and conducting research as a doctor: Some people treat patients directly as doctors. They especially diagnose and treat infectious diseases . They also treat chronic (long-term) viral infections like HIV or Hepatitis.Their job is to manage existing patients. Some also conduct clinical research.
• Working as a physician-scientist: This is someone who, while treating patients as a doctor, also spends time on research. A very important role!
• Basic Research: This is like laying the foundation. Some virologists work in research institutes or universities and study in depth how a particular virus behaves, how it reproduces, how it infects humans, animals, plants, and bacteria, and how it spreads. This is also called “bench research.”
• Translational or Applied Research: This involves using the findings of basic research to find solutions to a specific problem . For example, developing new vaccines or antiviral medications. This can be done in academic institutions as well as in private sector organizations such as pharmaceutical companies.
• Working in Public Health Organizations: Some virologists work for government or international public health organizations (such as the World Health Organization). They conduct research, identify new epidemics as they occur, study emerging viruses, and advise on how to control the spread of viruses.

Just think of how much service these virologists have done during the coronavirus pandemic! They have made great efforts to identify the virus, understand how it spreads, and develop a vaccine.

In addition to this, there are many other opportunities for virologists, such as medical journalism, grant writing, and consulting.

What other job titles do virologists have?

Not all virus specialists have the job title “virologist.” They may also have other titles, such as:

• Lab or research technician
• Lab, research or staff scientist
• Postdoctoral fellow/researcher
• Laboratory Director (Lab dirECTor)
• Principal Investigator (PI)
• Professor
• Program director
• Infectious Disease Specialist
• Immunologist
• Pathologist (a specialist who examines tissues and cells to diagnose diseases)

Do you have to go to medical school to become a virologist?

Most virologists have a medical degree (MD) or a doctorate (PhD). Some may have both. An MD is a degree from a medical school. A PhD is an advanced degree that focuses on research in a specific field.

However, while many people go to medical school, it doesn't necessarily have to be a medical school, depending on what you want to do in the field. A PhD gives you valuable experience in research and problem-solving. A medical degree gives you experience working with patients and a focus on diagnosing and treating diseases. So, it really depends on your interests and goals.

So how do you become a virologist? What is the path?

What you need to study to become a virologist depends on what you want to do in your career. A good place to start is with a bachelor's degree in a science-related field. For example, in a subject like Biology, Chemistry, or Medical Laboratory Science. Then, you can pursue a higher degree depending on your goals.

Let's look at some examples:

• If you want to go into research: You may need a PhD in virology or a related field, or a Master's degree in science (MS). However, for some laboratory positions, a bachelor's degree is sufficient. For clinical research, a medical degree (MD) is helpful, but not always necessary. In some countries, you may also need to pass a state licensing exam to work in a medical laboratory.
• If you want to head a research lab or conduct your own research: You will probably need a ``PhD.`` Some lab directors may have a medical degree instead of or in addition to a ``PhD.``.
• If you want to treat patients directly: You will need to complete medical training. This means going to medical school, completing a residency, and then likely completing a fellowship in a specialty area, such as infectious disease or immunology.

The best thing to do is to research the jobs you are interested in and find out what educational qualifications are required for them. That way, you will have clear guidance.

How long does this trip take?

Whether you go to medical school or do a ``PhD'', you can expect to spend an additional 10 years training for your profession after A-levels. Here's how long it might take after you earn your first degree (usually four years):

• Five or six more years for a `(PhD)` program.
• If you want to treat patients, you need at least seven years of medical training.
• An MD-PhD program that offers both a medical degree and a doctorate takes about eight to ten years.

Although this may seem like a big sacrifice, it is worth it when you consider the service that can be provided in this field.

What subjects do you need to study to become a virologist?

If you dream of becoming a virologist, it's a good idea to be interested in these subjects:

• Biology: This includes the fields of Microbiology, Cell Biology, and Molecular Biology.
• Chemistry: This includes things like Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry.
• Genetics: Learning about the genes of viruses is very important.
• Immunology: Knowledge about the system that fights disease in our body.
• Infectious Disease: In-depth learning about various infections.
• Cancer/Oncology: Some viruses can cause cancer, so knowledge about this is also important.

Where do virologists usually work?

Here are some places where virologists can work:

• Universities and academic research laboratories
• Government or public health institutions (for example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, the World Health Organization (WHO))
• Hospitals
• Universities and higher education institutions (Colleges and universities – for teaching and research)
• Private medical research laboratories
• Pharmaceutical companies (develop new drugs and vaccines)

Are virologists in demand?

The demand for virologists can vary depending on the institution they work for (especially whether it's in the private sector or academia), your experience, and your area of ​​expertise. However, the importance of this field has increased with recent pandemics. Therefore, it can be said that there is a bright future for talented virologists.

What is the difference between a Virologist and an Epidemiologist?

Although both of these are important figures in the health sector, their roles are slightly different.

• A virologist is someone who studies, diagnoses, and treats viruses. They focus on the biology of viruses, how they behave, and more.
• An epidemiologist is someone who studies the causes of a disease and who is most at risk of developing it.They also decide how to prevent the disease and stop its spread. This applies not only to infectious diseases like viruses and bacteria, but also to autoimmune diseases, cancer, or accidents. Epidemiologists do not usually develop drugs or vaccines, or treat patients directly. What they do is look at the big picture and help control the spread of diseases.

Imagine, when the `COVID-19` pandemic came, virologists were researching the virus and a vaccine for it, while epidemiologists were researching how it spreads, who is most at risk, and how to control it through things like social distancing. The work of both is very important.

Finally, things you need to remember (Take-Home Message)

With the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a lot of interest in virology, hasn't there? While most of us have become "armchair researchers" researching this from home, some people have decided to actually focus on this field of virus research.

The good news is that virologists are not limited to one type of job. They can do a lot of things, including research, teaching, developing vaccines and antiviral treatments, working in public health, diagnosing viral infections, and treating patients. Where you choose to focus your career will depend on your strengths and interests.

Also, there is no “one way” to become a virologist. But you can’t do it from the comfort of your own home, you have to be dedicated! Most virologists have a PhD or MD, but the requirements can vary depending on the area of ​​specialization you choose.

Whatever your strengths, don't forget that studying these tiny, invisible viral invaders can have a big impact on the world!

So, if you're thinking of pursuing a career in this valuable field, try to get the education and dedication you need. Who knows, you might be the one who discovers a cure that will save the world in the future!

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