The ERN Preceptorship experience in the IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa

«The Preceptorship on Bone Marrow Failure took place, under the auspices of ERN-Eurobloodnet, in Genova, Italy, from January 16th to 19th 2023. For four days the Hematology Unit of Gaslini Research Children's Hospital offered the participants lectures covering the entire front of acquired and constitutional Bone Marrow Failures Disorders. The participants attended the ward rounds of the Hematology and Hematopoietic  Stem Cell Transplantation Units as well as specialist hematology and genetic laboratories performing second and third-level diagnostic tests. In addition, they interacted with the Infectious Disease Unit to hear about the principle of infection control in Pediatric Hemato- Oncology. It was a great pleasure for the Hematology Unit staff to interact with participants who displayed a high cultural level and showed an elevated interest in all discussed topics and a high interaction capacity. In addition, this preceptorship represented a great opportunity to revise the results of the ongoing projects to pursue new ideas and to better delineate our future working strategies..» Prof. Carlo Dufour, Coordinator of the Preceptorship (IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy).

«The ERN-EuroBloodNet preceptorship on 'Inherited and Acquired Bone Marrow Failures in Children and Adolescents' has been a really valuable experience. The coordinator Prof. Dufour and all members of the hosting institution (IRCCS Institute Giannina Gaslini) have been inclusive and professional hosts, and the proposed activities have been interactive and tailored, outreaching my expectations of the program. I'm very grateful for this opportunity, which will be highly profitable for my clinical and research work, and I would definitely recommend it to hematologists and pediatricians at any stage of their career». Francesco Pegoraro, Participant (Foundation CNR Tuscany Region G. Monasterio, Italy).

«ERN-EuroBloodNet preceptorship on 'Inherited and Acquired Bone Marrow Failures in Children and Adolescents' at Pediatric Hospital - IRCCS Institute Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, coordinated by Professor Carlo Dufour, was an invaluable experience! During my 4-day stay there, I had the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, the correct diagnostic and treatment approach for patients with inherited and acquired bone marrow failure conditions. Through a highly interactive and engaging process, Professor Dufour and his exceptional team shared their diagnostic and treatment/follow-up algorithms, as well as their laboratory experience on techniques adopted in bone marrow failure syndromes (e.g., flow cytometry, NGS analysis, colony assays, chromosomal fragility test). Real clinical cases were discussed, and diagnostic/decision dilemmas were thoroughly elaborated in ward rounds and team meetings and all of the above, in a warm, friendly and hospitable environment. I am grateful to ERN-EuroBloodNet/ERN Exchange Programme and Professor Dufour's team for this unique opportunity, and I am looking forward to applying all the new knowledge to my daily practice for the benefit of patients with bone marrow failure disorders in my country». Panayiota Papasavva, Participant (Archbishop Makarios III Hospital, Cyprus).

«The ERN-EuroBloodNet preceptorship on 'Inherited and Acquired Bone Marrow Failures in Children and Adolescents' at Pediatric Hospital - IRCCS Institute Giannina Gaslini, Genova, coordinated by Professor Carlo Dufour, has been a very satisfactory experience. It has met all my expectations. We have enjoyed a high scientific quality event as well as remarkable human quality attention. It is a centre with great expertise in rare diseases. The combination of the lectures, the laboratory and the clinical approach has facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the concepts, as well as the facility to establish a discussion with all its members. An experience with usefulness in clinical daily practice and motivation to carry out scientific projects. For sure I think it is an exceptional opportunity to be trained in the exciting world of bone marrow failure.» Maria Solsona, Participant (Hospital de Sant Joan de Déu- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Spain).

«The ERN-EuroBloodNet preceptorship on 'Inherited and acquired bone marrow failures in children and adolescents' at IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, coordinated by Professor Carlo Dufour, has been a wonderful opportunity of training and absolutely a great experience. During our stay at Gaslini Hospital we had the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of Bone Marrow Failures, in particular, we spent our time with Professor Dufour and his team, all with significant experience in the field and also a great inclination for teaching and sharing their expertise with us. The entire team was warm to us during the preceptorship and showed great technical and also non-technical skills (empathy, communication with parents...) in the management of patients. During the program we had the opportunity to learn from lectures of experts but also from laboratory activities and ward rounds that gave us the possibility to be involved in the everyday activities of the team and to appreciate the quality of care offered to patients. We had the opportunity to exchange doubts and opinions with each of the team members but also with colleagues from other countries and this was great for sharing diagnostic and therapeutic pathways. I am very grateful to ERN-EuroBloodNet/ERN Exchange Programme and Professor Dufour's team for this amazing opportunity for my professional growth and also for having known so many nice people! Thank you so much and hope there will be other opportunities to get in touch and meet together again".» Alessia Pancaldi , Participant (AOU - Modena, Italy).

«The ERN-EuroBloodNet preceptory on 'Inherited and Acquired Bone Marrow Failures in Children and Adolescents' at the Pediatric Hospital - IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, coordinated by Professor Carlo Dufour, has been a wonderful experience and I am very happy and grateful for having had the opportunity to enjoy this experience. The entire team was hospitable and warm to us during the preceptorship. It was a great pleasure for me to learn from each of the team members, as they all have significant experience and expertise in this field. The program contemplated a perfect balance between theory, laboratory and clinical experience, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of this group of diseases, essential to offer quality care to patients. The possibility of fluently exchanging doubts and opinions with each of the team members was a very positive plus for my personal and professional growth. I am grateful to ERN-EuroBloodNet/ERN Exchange Programme and Professor Dufour's team for this amazing opportunity and experience. Thank you so much» M. Luz Uria Oficialdegui, Participant (Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron).