EFLM LabX report by Pawel Kozlowski, Poland

The EFLM bursary program gave me the opportunity to complete a month-long internship at the Institute of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics at the University Hospital Center in Osijek, Croatia. I applied to go there because it is a highly specialized laboratory that conducts both routine and a wide range of specialized tests. My application was accepted by Professor Željko Debeljak, the head of the hosting laboratory. The main goal of my internship was to learn the basics of the MALDI-TOF technique in proteomic analysis and trace element analysis with emission spectroscopy from experienced colleagues, so that I can introduce these two techniques at my workplace in the future. I had a chance to learn about MALDI-TOF from Dr. Robert Grgac, who was not only a very committed and patient teacher, but also became a dear friend. Dr. Ivana Marković introduced me to emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. She shared her experience, knowledge, and problem-solving solutions from her own practice. I also had the opportunity to meet wonderful specialists in other fields of laboratory medicine: Ms. Blaženka Dobrošević in flow cytometry, Dr. Marta Žižek in molecular diagnostics, Professor Maria Milić and Ms. Ksenija Paradinović in hematology and hemostasis, and Ms. Jasna Pavela in the immunology department. Last but not least, I would like to mention Ms. Ivana Sarić and Ms. Inja Pavlić, who took care of me and made me feel at home. I also want to express special gratitude to Ms. Tara Rolić, EFLM representative, who made this internship possible—from applying, through paperwork and organizing my training, to the final goodbyes. Tara, please accept my deepest THANK YOU. You are not only a very supportive colleague, but also an excellent laboratory medicine specialist and a role-model mentor for younger professionals.

I would greatly encourage everyone who is considering taking part in the exchange program offered by EFLM not to hesitate and to participate. From my own experience, it is a chance to learn, develop, and build long-lasting friendships with wonderful people.

The EFLM bursary program gave me the opportunity to complete a month-long internship at the Institute of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics at the University Hospital Center in Osijek, Croatia. I applied to go there because it is a highly specialized laboratory that conducts both routine and a wide range of specialized tests. My application was accepted by Professor Željko Debeljak, the head of the hosting laboratory. The main goal of my internship was to learn the basics of the MALDI-TOF technique in proteomic analysis and trace element analysis with emission spectroscopy from experienced colleagues, so that I can introduce these two techniques at my workplace in the future