The New York City Branch of the American Society for Microbiology is a volunteer- based, non-profit and tax-exempt corporation organized exclusively for educational, diagnostic and scientific purposes. The NYC ASM is represented on the Council of the American Society for Microbiology from which the Branch draws support yet functions independently. Our goal is primarily focused on promoting knowledge of the field of diagnostic microbiology and related disciplines to our members, the student community and the public at large. Our mission is achieved through symposia, branch meetings, joint ventures with public health facilities and other clinical and scientific societies, newsletter publications, our website and social media. We offer our members networking opportunities to help foster professional camaraderie and job opportunities and to prepare the local clinical laboratory community in meeting the future challenges in diagnostic microbiology.