EFLM LabX report by Salome Kusiani, Georgia

Participating in the EFLM LabX Exchange Programme through the Visiting Laboratory Organisation traineeship at the University Hospital of São João in Porto, Portugal, was a valuable and inspiring experience that contributed to my professional and personal development as a Medical Doctor and Specialist in Laboratory Medicine from Georgia.
During my one-month traineeship in the Serviço de Patologia Clínica (Clinical Pathology Department), I had the opportunity to learn about laboratory technologies and practices that were new to me, including sample storage and management systems, autovalidation protocols, and the organization of a modern clinical laboratory. This experience broadened my understanding of laboratory workflows, automation, and quality management, providing valuable insights that I hope to apply in my daily work in Georgia.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Eva Molnar, my direct supervisor during the traineeship, for her guidance, kindness, and continuous support. I am also deeply grateful to Professor João Tiago Guimarães, Head of the Department, for making this valuable learning opportunity possible.
My heartfelt thanks go to every member of the laboratory staff for their time, attention, patience, and willingness to share their knowledge and experience. Their warm welcome and supportive attitude made me feel included and made this exchange a truly meaningful experience.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Megalab Laboratory in Georgia, particularly Nino Gulatava, Clinical Director, and Nino Muradashvili, my direct supervisor, for providing the recommendation letters in support of my participation in the programme and for their contribution to my professional development.
I am equally grateful to the EFLM for creating opportunities for international knowledge exchange and professional collaboration. This experience strengthened my motivation to continue developing my skills, learning from colleagues across different healthcare systems, and contributing to the advancement of laboratory medicine in Georgia.
Beyond the professional experience, my stay in Porto also gave me the opportunity to discover this beautiful city, its culture, and its warm atmosphere. It made my time in Portugal even more memorable and meaningful.

I warmly encourage other laboratory professionals to take part in the EFLM LabX Exchange Programme. It offers an opportunity not only to gain new knowledge and discover different approaches to laboratory practice, but also to build professional connections, broaden perspectives, and find inspiration for future development.
I will always be grateful to the EFLM, the University Hospital of São João, Megalab, and everyone who contributed to making this experience so rewarding.

Participating in the EFLM LabX Exchange Programme through the Visiting Laboratory Organisation traineeship at the University Hospital of São João in Porto, Portugal, was a valuable and inspiring experience that contributed to my professional and personal development as a Medical Doctor and Specialist in Laboratory Medicine from Georgia.
During my one-month traineeship in the Serviço de Patologia Clínica (Clinical Pathology Department), I had the opportunity to learn about laboratory technologies and practices that were new to me, including sample storage and management systems, autovalidation protocols, and the organization of a modern clinical laboratory. This experience broadened my understanding of laboratory workflows, automation, and quality management, providing valuable insights that I hope to apply in my daily work in Georgia.