Infectious disease diagnostic competencies of medical students as a fundamental basis for physicians' resilience in addressing future infectious disease challenges.

Teaching in the field of "Medical Microbiology, Virology, and Hygiene" focuses on the development of clinical competence in infection medicine, primarily achieved through time- and cost-intensive practical courses, which often compete with other educational offerings. These courses must address the defining feature of transmissibility of infectious agents, with far-reaching consequences for individual patients, their environments, society, animals, and the broader ecosystem (One-Health concept). Understanding the complexity of pathogen-associated risks requires comprehensive knowledge in epidemiology, prevention, diagnostics, and therapy of infectious diseases. Ensuring long-term resilience in the medical profession against the challenges of infectious diseases can only be achieved through fostering infection-related competencies in medical students. Qualified infection diagnostics are a core competence for independent, evidence-based medical practice. Proficiency in rapid and appropriate infection diagnostics is indispensable, as it forms the foundation for rational antimicrobial therapy. This is critical in preventing the misuse of antibiotics, which is the primary cause of the development of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Additionally, rapid infection diagnostics play a central role in controlling outbreaks and interrupting infection chains. In virology, microbiology, and hygiene, prompt medical intervention is likewise essential, as the interpretation of infection diagnostics depends heavily on factors like the timing of infection, clinical context, and pre-existing conditions or vaccinations. Correct sample collection, selection of appropriate tests, and the critical evaluation of microbiological and virological findings are essential medical competencies, which cannot be shifted to self-learning formats but can only be acquired through structured, practice-oriented education including hands-on-training. These competencies are central to infection diagnostics, prevention, and therapy.