Education of Resident Medical Doctors and Technicians in Neuroimmunology

Since May 15, 2008, the ENNI Lab has hosted resident medical doctors as part of their training in Neuroimmunology. The training period is set to 1 month and the residents have the ability to observe technics and methods applied in clinical and experimental Neuroimmunology, get trained in one of them. Upon request and  after the completion of the 1-month training program the residents may apply to work on one the running Research Projects of the Lab. Within the framework of the specific Outpatient Office for Multiple Sclerosis the residents have the opportunity to be trained in dealing with immunomodulating and symptomatic therapies, as well as the use of special scales for clinical evaluation.

In addition, the Lab provides the opportunity to graduate students (Technicians) of the Department of Medical Laboratories in the Technological Institute of Thessaloniki to be trained for 3 months in techniques of molecular immunology and neuropathology. A limited number of them may continue post-gradually their training in the Lab to gain experience in specialized techniques that interest them. Some technicians among them, according to their potential and dedication, may become integrated in research projects of the Lab. Furthermore, the liaison office of the Technological Institute of Thessaloniki refers graduates Technicians, interested in Neuropathology techniques, to the Lab for further training.

Education of graduate students and researchers from centers abroad

Since 2002, the ENNI Lab has hosted graduate students and researchers from various Research Centers of Europe and Israel for periods of 3-4 weeks. Their travel and accommodation expenses were provided by the institution from which they came or grants from agencies such as European Neurological Society (ENS) and European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS).The purpose of their transition was to be trained in techniques developed in our Lab. The educational program is adjusted on each one needs and includes theoretical presentations and practical practice under the guidance of the Senior members of the Lab.

1) Ofira Einstein, Master degree, Dept of Neurology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel: She was trained in techniques of Neuropathology (immunocytochemistry, histochemistry) and assessment preparation.

2) Moran Boimel, Master degree, Dept of Neurology and the Agnes Ginges Center for Neurogenetics, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel: She was trained in techniques of Neuropathology (immunocytochemistry, histochemistry) and assessment preparation.

3) Ronit Engelstein, Master degree, Dept of Neurology and the Agnes Ginges Center for Neurogenetics, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel: He was trained in techniques of Neuropathology (immunocytochemistry, histochemistry) and assessment preparation.

4) Anna Tsakiri, MD, resident in neurology, PhD student, The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark: She was trained in techniques of DNA and RNA isolation from peripheral blood cells and analysis-quantification of gene expression by Real Time PCR.

5) George Basiardes, PhD, Institute of Neurology and Human Genetics, Cyprus: He was trained in techniques of isolation, cultivation and analysis of progenitor cells (stem cells) of the CNS in vitro.