EFLM LabX report by Kaan Kuzu, Turkey
I am Dr. Kaan Kuzu, MD. I work as a resident doctor at İzmir Bozyaka Education and Research Hospital, and I am nearing the end of my third year of education. From October 6 to October 18, 2024, I had the invaluable opportunity to participate in a two-week training program under the EFLM LabX program at the University Medical Centre Maribor in Slovenia, led by Evgenija Homšak. Being accepted into this program was both a great honor and a source of excitement for me. Since many methods are applied outside of biochemistry laboratories in my country, having the chance to work specifically in an immunology laboratory was uniquely meaningful and exciting for me. Working at the high standards of the Maribor laboratory, being introduced to modern equipment, and closely observing the healthcare and laboratory practices of another country enriched my professional knowledge and skills considerably.
As a young researcher with several years of experience in a medical biochemistry laboratory, this training provided me with an invaluable opportunity to expand my knowledge of laboratory diagnostics in autoimmune diseases. The entire laboratory team consisted of experienced instructors specializing in autoimmunity. The training program offered a combination of theoretical and practical lessons. Evgenija and her team introduced me to their working environment, equipment, tests, and approaches, and they shared their routine workflows, current developments, plans, and scientific research projects. I was encouraged to actively participate in the training and apply the techniques I learned. I had the chance to closely observe and work hands-on with methods like Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF), Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Western Blot (WB), and immunoassay techniques.
Throughout the training, I not only enhanced my technical skills but also strengthened personal competencies like analytical thinking, time management, and teamwork. With the guidance of Evgenija Homšak and her team, I gained in-depth knowledge of various biochemical analysis methods and next-generation diagnostic techniques. This laboratory exchange program provided me with new professional perspectives and inspired me to set new goals for my career by fueling my scientific curiosity.
During the program, the team in Maribor generously shared their knowledge and fostered a constantly educational environment. The working atmosphere was exceptionally warm and inclusive; my colleagues offered support whenever needed, helping me to integrate smoothly into the team. The knowledge and skills I gained from this experience will be instrumental in advancing my future projects and taking my work to new heights. In the future, I would be honored to be part of such a program, supporting young researchers in my country to satisfy their curiosity and achieve greater success in their careers.
The EFLM LabX exchange program was a transformative experience that broadened my perspective as a young professional in laboratory medicine. I extend my deepest gratitude to the EFLM for providing this much-needed opportunity for young scientists. Additionally, I would like to sincerely thank the EFLM President, the EFLM Profession Committee, the EFLM Office, and Evgenija Homšak for their contributions to bringing this project to life. I am grateful for being chosen and for the opportunity this bursary provided to enhance my knowledge and experience. Dober dan in Najlepša Hvala.
I am Dr. Kaan Kuzu, MD. I work as a resident doctor at İzmir Bozyaka Education and Research Hospital, and I am nearing the end of my third year of education. From October 6 to October 18, 2024, I had the invaluable opportunity to participate in a two-week training program under the EFLM LabX program at the University Medical Centre Maribor in Slovenia, led by Evgenija Homšak. Being accepted into this program was both a great honor and a source of excitement for me. Since many methods are applied outside of biochemistry laboratories in my country, having the chance to work specifically in an immunology laboratory was uniquely meaningful and exciting for me. Working at the high standards of the Maribor laboratory, being introduced to modern equipment, and closely observing the healthcare and laboratory practices of another country enriched my professional knowledge and skills considerably.
