My name is a Medical Laboratory Scientist, haematology specialist with Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
The ARISE secondment program availed me the opportunity to have a two months’ internship from June 14 to August 13,2024 in a well-equipped research laboratory at the Health and Research Centre (HTRC), Escola Superior de Technologia da Saude Lisbon (ESTeSL) Instituito Politecnino de Lisboa (IPL) Lisbon, Portugal.
My secondment work is on work package 3. The aim is to improve laboratory diagnostics and quality assurance systems for population screening of sickle cell disease.
Before the commencement of the training, it was a requirement to undergo compulsory online courses with certification. The courses are:
• Good Clinical Practice
• Good Laboratory Practice
• Basic Molecular Module 1-2
• Nucleic Acid Extraction
• Nucleic Acid Amplification
The courses were quite informative and worth the stress despite the volumes. The Certificate obtained for each course has to be submitted to show that I have gone through the course successfully.
The main assignment started with training on Isoelectric Focusing (IEF). I was introduced to the laboratory under the tutelage of Mrs. Catarina and professional supervision of Professor Miguel Brito. I was taken through the nitty gritty of the IEF procedure from sample sorting, sample lysing, gel preparation, use of IEF equipment, fixing, staining of the gel and the reading of result.
After few days of observation, I was allowed to start handling the analysis with other colleagues and this gave me a sense of belonging and enhanced my performance till date. Coincidentally during my stay at Lisbon, we were opportune to run about 10,000 samples from Angola.
DNA extraction and preparation of gel for DNA electrophoresis was also done using Real Time PCR equipment to confirm some of the IEF electrophoresis results that requires further clarification.
Besides the laboratory procedures, I had the opportunity to participate in online training on gel reading and various presentations focused on sickle cell disease. Prof Miguel Brito was also helpful with literatures on sickle cell to enhance our understanding. It was such a huge and lifetime experience for me. It will be my pleasure share this knowledge and skill with my colleagues through a step down training.
My short stay in Lisbon, Portugal is a pleasant memory that will linger on. The transportation within the metropolis and compliance with the traffic laws is highly commendable. The serenity of the atmosphere with clean environment and the people are always willing to help when need arises. It wasn’t all work throughout my stay as we also visited many beautiful places such as Atlantic Ocean beach.
This Secondment was not just a huge success but an eye opener and career enhancing.
My profound gratitude goes to Prof. Baba Inusa and all the ARISE team members for availing me the opportunity to benefit from this program. I more than grateful to my hosting supervisors who created enabling and conducive learning environment. It was an absolute pleasure working with Prof Miguel Brito and Mrs Catarina.
Finally, my appreciation to my colleagues on this ARISE project, my amazing project coordinator, Dr.Akinwumi and the entire LASUTH management for making the secondment a success.
