Condensing six weeks of one of my favourite summers into a single blog post is a real challenge. Spending my summer at Mater Dei Hospital, in a laboratory on the friendly island of Malta, where rain and cloudy days are virtually non-existent, sounded like the perfect placement for me. Little did I know just how much I would enjoy those 42 days, which flew by so quickly! Like the Maltese would say, Mela, let’s get into it.

I was fortunate to be placed in the pathology department, specifically in Cytogenetics, Immunology, Haematology, and Coagulation. My day started at 8 am and ended at 3 pm, and what truly surprised me was how friendly and welcoming everyone in these departments was.

In previous placements, I was accustomed to watching scientists conduct tests, often too busy to explain their techniques. However, no matter how busy they were, they always ensured that I had hands-on experience and answered my questions. By the end of each day, I had accumulated at least 15 pages of notes. Here are some of the highlights from each department:

In cytogenetics, I gained experience with karyotyping and G-banding while learning to conduct a constitutional peripheral blood culture, including the seeding and harvesting of chromosomes. Additionally, we analysed Fluorescence in situ Hybridisation (FISH) probes for molar pregnancies and chronic lymphoid leukaemia. I also had the opportunity to learn about a study on the duplication of chromosome 7q31.31 to 7q36.2, which led to an insertional translocation between chromosomes 2q and 7q.

In immunology, I observed the neutrophil function test using Nitro Blue Tetrazolium and performed immunofixation for multiple myeloma, analysing the resulting banding patterns. We conducted tests using a Siemens analyser and Euroimmun Analyzer 1, reflecting testing for DsDNA and AEA, leading to the validation of clinical results.

Within haematology, we analysed complete blood counts (CBCs) and prepared blood films, identifying conditions such as chronic and acute lymphoid/myeloid leukaemia, lymphocytosis, malaria, and thalassemia, major and minor. I witnessed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis for suspected acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), prepared bone marrow samples for iron staining, and conducted the Kleihauer test for foetal red blood cells.

I analysed prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) for heparin monitoring and warfarin dosage adjustments in the coagulation department. I also observed specialised assays such as Factor VII/IX, von Willebrand factor antigen and antibody, Protein S and C, and platelet function testing.

I was fortunate to complete this placement with another student from my university, Martina, who was also selected. After our placement, we took advantage of being in such a beautiful country and explored every inch of the island. We visited numerous cities, bays, Popeye’s Village, and even spots where Game of Thrones was filmed, including Gozo! We even managed to go to a free concert hosted by MTV where Nelly Furtado, DJ Snake and Raye performed. By the end of the placement, we practically became locals.

While having the opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge in a laboratory setting, I also developed amazing connections with all the scientists in the departments. I was even invited to join seminars hosted by the Malta Association of Biomedical Scientists. The hardest part of the placement, I would say, was leaving. After spending a month in the Haematology and Coagulation departments, I had grown attached to the environment and developed strong relationships with everyone. I am certain that I will revisit Malta to see the scientists in the pathology department, as I miss them all. I still miss our conversations about pastizzis and our debates about how the weather in Malta is much better than in England.

I encourage everyone to apply for this amazing opportunity, and I am so glad I did. My main concern before applying was the fear of navigating myself for what I thought was a really long time on an island where I did not know people, let alone the language. The Maltese honestly have a different definition of friendly and welcoming, and you are highly likely to bump into students, local and international, who are completing the placement, too. Do not let your fear of loneliness stop you from applying to experience one of your greatest summers.