It is June 1994, and I have just failed my microbiology finals at Medical School.

Too much alcohol, way too many parties, and definitely not enough study…

I was shocked. I had never failed an exam in my life before, but given the above, I should have expected it.

I was also indignant. How dare someone tell me I’m not much good at something!

So my summer of 94′ was spent in the Edinburgh Medical Library studying for the Resit Exam. It was during this time (of intense study and contemplation) that I developed a deep passion for microbiology, a passion that has never left me to this day.

The irony is not lost on me. Since that initial failure, I have gone on to become a consultant clinical microbiologist. I have people from all over the world clicking on my blog/website to get my opinions on clinical microbiology. Indeed, I have even compiled a book of my microbiological musings!

I have had failures since, and I will undoubtedly have further failures in the future.

Because failure is part of life. Everyone fails at something, at some point.

Learn from your failures and move on…

Michael