EFLM LabX report by Roman Belyakov, Portugal

Participating in the EFLMLabX Exchange Program through a two-week international internship at the Clinical Department of Laboratory Diagnostics of Dubrava University Hospital in Zagreb proved to be a deeply formative experience, both professionally and personally. What was initially conceived as a short period of training soon unfolded into an opportunity for reflection, inspiration, and meaningful European exchange.
The internship was primarily centered on quality assessment and quality management, offering insight into how the different elements of a well-established Quality Management System (QMS) function within a large University Hospital Laboratory. Fully aligned with ISO 15189:2022, the system illustrates how international standards can be implemented not as rigid frameworks, but as practical tools that support reliability, consistency, and patient-centered laboratory practice.
However, the most valuable lesson extended well beyond understanding compliance or responding to normative requirements. What stood out most was the deeply embedded culture of quality. At Dubrava, quality is not treated as an administrative obligation, but as a shared professional value. This commitment is evident in the attitude of every member of the laboratory team, whose sense of responsibility, precision, and engagement left a particularly strong impression on me.
Throughout the two weeks, I observed how quality management permeates all stages of laboratory activity, reinforcing the idea that a mature QMS is a living structure, sustained by people, communication, and collective ownership rather than documentation alone. This perspective reshaped my understanding of quality, shifting it from a procedural concept towards one of mindset, leadership, and professional identity.
One of the most powerful realizations from this experience was also one of the simplest: exposure to different professional cultures, approaches, and ways of thinking has the capacity to profoundly alter how we perceive our own practices. Sometimes, simply observing, listening, and learning from others is enough to transform both our professional outlook and our personal perspective.
Equally defining was the human dimension of this internship. I was welcomed into an environment characterized by openness, generosity, and a genuine willingness to share knowledge. I am sincerely grateful to all the colleagues and mentors who dedicated their time, experience, and guidance throughout my stay, in particular Prof. Dr. Lovorka Đerek, Dr. Sanja Marević, Dr. Marina Tomičević, Dr. Brankica Šimac, and Prof. Dr. Marko Žarak. Their mentorship exemplifies the impact that committed professionals can have in shaping the next generation of laboratory specialists.
Beyond the laboratory setting, Zagreb itself became an integral part of the experience. I developed a genuine affection for the city and for Croatian culture. Having had the opportunity to explore Zagreb extensively, its streets, history, and everyday life, I gradually stopped feeling like a visitor and began to feel truly at home. By the end of my stay, I felt less like a guest and more like a citizen of Zagreb, a sense of belonging that enriched the experience in ways I had not anticipated.
I wish to express my sincere gratitude to AQUALAB – Laboratório Clínico e de Saúde Pública, from Portugal. The support and encouragement provided by the Administration, Human Resources, and all my colleagues were fundamental in enabling me to embrace this international opportunity. Their trust allowed me to grow professionally and to return enriched by an experience that will continue to influence my practice and perspective.
This internship was made possible through the vision and commitment of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM). Programs such as EFLMLabX play a vital role in fostering professional mobility, encouraging the exchange of best practices, and strengthening collaboration between European laboratories, thereby contributing to a more connected and resilient laboratory medicine community.
The EFLMLabX Exchange Program was far more than a brief placement abroad. It was a defining chapter, one that reinforced my commitment to quality, broadened my professional vision, and reaffirmed my belief in the value of shared experience within a truly European framework.

Participating in the EFLMLabX Exchange Program through a two-week international internship at the Clinical Department of Laboratory Diagnostics of Dubrava University Hospital in Zagreb proved to be a deeply formative experience, both professionally and personally. What was initially conceived as a short period of training soon unfolded into an opportunity for reflection, inspiration, and meaningful European exchange.
The internship was primarily centered on quality assessment and quality management, offering insight into how the different elements of a well-established Quality Management System (QMS) function within a large University Hospital Laboratory. Fully aligned with ISO 15189:2022, the system illustrates how international standards can be implemented not as rigid frameworks, but as practical tools that support reliability, consistency, and patient-centered laboratory practice.
However, the most valuable lesson extended well beyond understanding compliance or responding to normative requirements. What stood out most was the deeply embedded culture of quality. At Dubrava, quality is not treated as an administrative obligation, but as a shared professional value. This commitment is evident in the attitude of every member of the laboratory team, whose sense of responsibility, precision, and engagement left a particularly strong impression on me.