The Balkan Clinical Laboratory Federation (BCLF) as a regional organization includes all Balkan countries, i.e. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, that are also EFCC and IFCC members. As a regional organization BCLF gathers all clinical chemists from the Balkan region with the aim of improving clinical laboratory practice in each of the Balkan countries, as a result of new medical discoveries, new technologies, and changes in the organization and in the process of laboratory support of clinical activities. To achieve this aim BCLF will work on the basis of a strategic plan.

Administrator: dmbj@eunet.rs
Updated: February 27, 2024

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News from the Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia
SOCIETY OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTS OF SERBIA
THE TWENTY FIRST ANNUAL PROFESSOR IVAN BERKEŠ
SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE

Prepared by dr Sne`ana Jovičić Liaison Member of the IFCC eNewsletter Working Group Scientific Conference dedicated to the life and work of the esteemed prof. dr Ivan Berkeš, one of the founders of medical biochemistry in former Yugoslavia, is organized for twenty one years now under the auspices of the Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia (SMBS), and Scientific Foundation "Professor Ivan Berkeš".

The Conference is the occasion when the best graduate students of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade are awarded by the Scientific Foundation "Professor Ivan Berkeš". The 2018 Annual Scientific Conference "Professor Ivan Berkeš" is the second co-organized and hosted by the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade. It gathered over 200 participants–students, older colleagues who were the students of Professor Berkeš, young graduated medical biochemists, and teachers of the Faculty of Pharmacy. Traditional guests were the family members of Professor Berkeš – his son and grandson, with their families. This traditional meeting of students and professors of the Faculty of Pharmacy, honoring the legacy of one of its most distinguished professors. was held on 6 December 2018.

After the opening words of the organizer, prof. Nada Majkić-Singh, the musical band of pharmacy students performed, adding the festivity to the event. Following the welcoming address of the Dean prof. dr Slađana Šobajić, prof. Majkić-Singh, together with the President of the SMBS, dr Zorica Šumarac, presented awards of the Foundation.

This year’s recipients were Jelena Pavlović, Master of Pharmacy-Medical Biochemist, and Natalija Arsić, Master of Pharmacy.

During the scientific part of the program, chaired by prof. dr Svetlana Ignjatović, prof. dr Vesna Spasojević-Kalimanovska, and dr Zorica Šumarac, this year’s defended doctoral thesis at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Belgrade, were presented. This year, their doctoral theses also presented the colleagues from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska - Bosnia and Herzegovina. The first speaker was dr Dragana Bačković, with her thesis on the influence of CYP2C19*2 gene variant on therapeutic response during clopidogrel treatment in patients with carotid artery stenosis. Dr Dragana Puhalo Sladoje’s thesis was about the concentration of appetite regulators and adipocytokines in blood plasma adolescents with obesity and/or metabolic syndrome. Oxidative stress status in blood and lipoprotein fractions in patients with chronic kidney disease was the topic of the lecture of dr Milica Miljković. The lecture on risk factors for the occurrence and development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with oxidative stress in Serbian population by dr @ivka Malić followed. Redox disbalance and inflammation influence on PON1 activity and distribution at the HDL lipoprotein particles in polycysticovary syndrome was presented by dr Iva Perović-Blagojević. The conference closed the doctorate of dr Vanja Todorović on antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of cocoa powder and its impact on mice behavior after short-term and long-term supplementation.

Professor Nada Majkić-Singh address to Professor Berkeš Scientific Conference participants.	Professor Slađana Šobajić, Faculty of Pharmacy Dean address to the Conference participants.
Pharmacy students’ musical band oppening the Conference.
Conference presidents: Nada Majkić-Singh, Vesna Kalimanovska Spasojević, Svetlana Ignjatović, Zorica Šumarac.
This years laureates, Jelena Pavlović and Natalija Arsić, with prof. dr Nada Majkić-Singh and dr Zorica Šumarac.
Chairs and lecturers, from left to righ: dr Milica Miljković, dr Iva Perović-Blagojević, prof. Vesna Spasojević-Kalimanovska, prof. Nada Majkić-Singh, dr Željka Malić, prof. Svetlana Ignjatović, dr Dragana Bačković, dr Dragana Puhalo-Sladoje, and dr Zorica Šumarać.
Professor Vesna Kalimanovska Spasojević introducing the lecturers.	Conference participants.
Dr Velibor Canić and Professor Slađana Šobajić.
Lecturers: Dragana Bačković and Iva Perović Blagojević.

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15th BELGRADE SYMPOSIUM FOR BALKAN REGION
Neighbouring Countries:
The Same Professional Aim Under IFCC and EFLM Auspices

Download (PDF)
Registracioni list (PDF)
Registration form (PDF)
Pismo učesnicima (PDF)

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TWENTY FIRST ANNUAL IVAN BERKEŠ CONFERENCE
DEDICATED TO PROFESSOR IVAN BERKEŠ LIFE AND WORK
ORGANIZER PROFESSOR NADA MAJKIĆ-SINGH

Download (PDF)

EUROMEDLAB ATHENS 2017 CONGRESS

www.athens2017.org

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13TH EFLM SYMPOSIUM FOR BALKAN REGION
SEPTEMBER 21 AND 22, 2017
BELGRADE, SERBIAN

Preliminary Program (PDF)

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60th ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOCIETY OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTS OF SERBIA
AND 11th EFLM SYMPOSIUM FOR BALKAN REGION
dr Snežana Jovičić
Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia

DOWNLOAD (6 MB)

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EUROMEDLAB Athens 2017 Congress

WWW.ATHENS2017.ORG

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11th EFLM SYMPOSIUM FOR BALKAN REGION AND 60th SMBS ANNIVERSARY
dr Snežana Jovičić

Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia
Liaison Member of the IFCC eNewsletter Working Group

For the 11^th time, the Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia (SMBS) was the host of the EFLM Symposium for Balkan Region on May 14 and 15. This year’s Symposium, entitled "Laboratory Medicine Specialist Focuses on the Patients Wellbeing", was organized by SMBS, EFLM and Department of Medical Biochemistry of the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy, and under the auspices of IFCC, Balkan Clinical Laboratory Federation (BCLF), Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development and Ministry of Health of Republic of Serbia. During the two day Symposium, the participants had a chance to hear about the current hot topics concerning the laboratory medicine profession today from the leading European experts in this field – Prof. Mauro Panteghini, Prof. Simone Zerah, Dr Gilbert Wieringa, Dr Ian D. Watson, Dr Wytze Oosterhuis, Prof. Elizabeta Topić, Dr Wim Huisman, and Prof. Ana-Maria Šimundić; as well as about the situation in training of specialists in laboratory medicine, accreditation and key processes quality indicators in Serbian medical laboratories from Prof. Nada Majkić-Singh and Dr Zorica Šumarac. The talks were about the role of laboratory medicine specialists in verification of in vitro medical diagnostics metrological traceability, implementation and the transposition of the Directive on the professional qualifications, common training frameworks for specialists in laboratory medicine, common values in the liberal professions in Europe, laboratory medicine in the EU, the implementation of continuous professional development, present situation on accreditation in Europe, and preanalytical phase quality management. This year’s round table discussion, which finalized the Symposium, was exceptionally vibrant. It was hosted by students of medical biochemistry from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, gathered in the "Team of Medical Biochemists". After the short presentation they had made on their extracurricular activities, they initiated a discussion with (and among) the distinguished lecturers about the topic of the utmost interest to these enthusiastic young people, and that is, as they defined it, what it takes to become a lab hero.

After the completion of the Symposium sessions, the Ceremony of the 60th Anniversary of the SMBS celebration began. The ceremony was opened by the Infinity Quintet and their inspiring performance of popular pieces by Guns’n’Roses, Whitesnake, Scoripions, in classical adaptation for a string quintet, symbolizing the continuity of the Society’s work during the past 60 years and its constant change and advancement according to the demands of the actual time. Prof. Nada Majkić-Singh, the Executive Director of the SMBS, reminded us briefly of the beginnings and development of medical biochemistry in Serbia, from the middle ages on, as well as of the foundation of SMBS and its various activities. This was followed by photos from numerous events that SMBS patronized and organized during the last 60 years, which were included in the book "Serbian Medical Biochemistry in 21^st Century – 70 years later", published on this occasion by the SMBS. Many distinguished guests from Serbia and abroad were invited and responded to the summons, and they made the welcoming address to the gathering. The greatest honor to the SMBS was made with the attendance and addressing of Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia. Congratulations to the SMBS were delivered also by the IFCC President Prof. Maurizio Ferrari, EFLM President Prof. Mauro Panteghini, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy University of Belgrade Prof. Zorica Vujić, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine University of Belgrade Prof. Nebojša Lalić, and the Director of the Chamber of Biochemists of Serbia Dr Slavica Cimbaljević. Also, the President of the Croatian Society of Medical Bio chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Ana-Maria Šimundić and Sonja Kuzmanovska, Representative of the North Macedonian Society of Medical Biochemistry congratulated the Anniversary, and the letter from the Polish Society of Laboratory Diagnostics sent on this occasion was read. Regarding the 60th Anniversary of the SMBS, the President of the SMBS Dr Zorica Šumarac delivered the awards. The Honorary Diploma, the highest recognition of the SMBS, intended for the designated individuals for promoting clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine in Europe and globally, was handed to Prof. Simone Zerah. The highest award, the Charter, regarding the 60 years of existence and work, in appreciation and gratitude for the significant contribution to the work and development of the SMBS, was delivered to IFCC and EFLM. As recognition and gratitude for significant contribution to the work of the SMBS, Diplomas and Acknowledgments were handed to 60 individuals and organizations. The special Honorary Diploma and Anniversary Logo were delivered to Prof. Nada Majkić-Singh, the longtime President of the SMBS and present Executive Director, for her enormous contribution to the foundation and development of the SMBS and the profession of medical biochemistry in Serbia.

The socializing of guests and many members of the SMBS continued long after the official part of the Ceremony. Among many kind wishes the SMBS received for its 60th birthday, one was mostly heard to celebrate at least a hundredth.


Lecturers and participants of the 11th EFLM Symposium for Balkan Region and SMBS 60th Anniversary


Prof. Nada Majkić-Singh delivers the Charter of the SMBS to IFCC President Prof. Maurizio Ferrari


Prof. Nada Majkić-Singh and Dr Zorica Šumarac delivering the Charter of the SMBS to EFLM President Prof. Mauro Panteghini


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10th EFLM Symposium for Balkan Region Held in Belgrade on September 9-13

“Integrative Algorithms in Patient Focused Laboratory Medicine”
EFLM CORNER by Dr. Snezana Jovicic
Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia

Photo: (From left to right) Sitting: N. Majkic-Singh, Z. Sumarac, M. Cvorkov-Drazic;
standing: I. Balogh, E. Delvin, R. Pollitt, A. Burlina

Тhe end of summer and first days of autumn are the traditional season for Belgrade meetings of medical biochemists of Serbia. This year, September 9–13, 2014, were the days of the 19th National Congress of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine and of the 10th EFLM Symposium for the Balkan Region. The Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia and the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) together with the Medical Biochemistry Clinical Center of Serbia, and Faculty of Pharmacy University of Belgrade organized in Belgrade (September 11–12, 2014) the 10th EFLM Symposium for Balkan Region under the title "Pediatric Laboratory Medicine: Some Aspects of Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, Neonatal Screening, Reference Intervals and Critical Values." EFLM appointed Belgrade (Serbia) and the Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia (SMBS) as the organizer of educational symposia for clinical chemists in the Balkan region and as a result of this decision ten symposia have been organized thus far very successfully. The 10th EFLM Symposium for Balkan Region is organized under the auspices of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC), Balkan Clinical Laboratory Federation (BCLF), as well as the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, and Ministry of Health of Republic of Serbia. The Scientific Committee mem- bers were Symposium President Nada Majkic-Singh (Serbia), Edgard Delvin (Canada), Elizabeta Topic (Croatia), Grazyna Sypnievska (Poland), and Svetlana Ignjatovic (Serbia).

The Symposium lectures were presented through three sections: Pediatric Obesity – Insulin Resistance – Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD); Neonatal Screening for Metabolic Dis- ease (two parts); and Pediatric Reference Intervals and Critical Values. The lecturers were from Canada (2), Italy (2), North Macedonia (2), Serbia (5), UK (1), Hungary (1), Slovenia (1), France (1), and Sweden (1). The papers of the lectures presented were published in Journal of Medical Biochemistry 2015;34:1-150 (www.degruyter.com/view/j/jomb). Special thanks of the organizers go to Prof. Edgard Delvin (Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Mon- treal, Canada) who helped to design the program of the symposium, and suggested the topics and lecturers.

The first section of the symposium was dedicated to pediatric obesity, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Prof. Delvin gave the introduction with the lecture about the prevalence, secular trends and consequences of obesity, where he also mentioned the fundamentals of sented results of several studies in obese children of different ages performed in the Republic of North Macedonia, which showed higher leptin and lower adiponectin levels in obese children, who also presented with a more atherogenic lipoprotein profile, associated with increased insulin resistance, emphasizing the need for the onset of therapy preventing cardiovascular complications at a younger age. Prof. Vera Zdravkovic closed the first section with the talk about the importance of early diagnosis of prediabetes, as early complication of childhood obesity, and non-invasive methods to perform it. The second section was dedicated to the neonatal screening for metabolic disorders. The opening lecture by Prof. Rodney Pollitt (Sheffield Children's Hospital, UK) reviewed different viewpoints and international perspectives on newborn screening, which was an excellent introduction for the issues in standardization of neonatal screening programs presented by Prof. Alberto Burlina (University of Padua, Italy). Prof. Istvan Balogh (Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary) talked about the relevance of adding the detection of population-specific mutations to commercial allele specific CFTR gene mutation detection method in order to achieve the required sensitivity of molecular testing in newborn screening. The first part of the section was closed with Serbian experiences in screening in the prevention of Thalassemia syndromes, presented by Dr. Milica Cvorkov-Drazic (Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia). The second part continued with the presentation of results of the study of direct molecular diagnosis of CYP21A2 point mutations in North Macedonian and Serbian patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency by Prof. Violeta Anastasovska (Genetic Laboratory, Department of Endocrinology and Genetics, University Children's Clinic, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia). Prof. Barbka Repic Lampert (Unit for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children Hospital, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slovenia) presented the selective screening for metabolic disorders in a Slovenian pediatric population. The section dedicated to newborn screening was closed by Dr. Tatjana Milenkovic (Department of Endocrinology, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia "Dr. Vukan Cupic," Belgrade, Serbia), who presented their 30 years' experience with the screening program for congenital hypothyroidism in Central Serbia (1983–2014). The Symposium was closed with current issues in pediatric reference intervals and critical values. Prof. Joseph Henny (Versailles Saint Quentin University, Villejuif, France) introduced the concepts and complexity in establishing reference values in pediatrics. Afterwards, Prof. Khosrow Adeli (Clinical Biochemistry, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Canada) discussed the concept and feasibility of common reference intervals, as well as the CALIPER reference interval database. Finally, the epidemiology and pathophysiology of NAFLD, and covered the present biomarkers and the development of new ones. Prof. Valerio Nobili (Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy) continued with the epidemiology and natural history of NAFLD, elaborating on the complex interplay between genes and the environment in NAFLD pathogenesis, and the possibility of discovering the potential early predictors and suitable noninvasive diagnostic tools based on the pathogenetic mechanisms and histological patterns. Metabolic setup and risks in obese children was discussed by Prof. Mirjana Kocova (University Pediatric Clinic, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia). Prof. Kocova presection and the whole symposium was concluded by Prof. Peter Ridefelt (Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Sweden), who presented the results of a population-based Swedish study which obtained pediatric reference intervals, and emphasized the problem of lacking reference intervals for the youngest age group – those under six months of age.

The design of the program of this symposium enabled the laboratory professionals in the Balkan region and our country to learn about this very important area of laboratory medicine. The presence of excellent lecturers and professionals in this field gives very high recognition and prestige to this meeting, which will influence the development of clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine in the Balkan region. We hope that the EFLM Symposium in Belgrade will continue its successful progress like in previous years, striving to focus on the new data in the field of laboratory medicine.

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Mr ph Tatjana Plećaš-Drljača, one of the first Society President	Professor Ivan Berkeš, founder of specialization in medical biochemistry

In May 1971, the Society of Medical Biochemists of Yugoslavia became the 28th member of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC). At that time the president of YuSMB was Tatjana Plećaš-Drljača. The Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia and Montenegro becomes also a member of the FESCC, now European Federation for Clinical Chemistr y and Laborator y Medicine (EFLM) and the regional Balkan Clinical Laboratory Federation (BCLF) organization.

In 2006 the Society was renamed to the Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia (SMBS). The Society is run by the Executive Board and the Assembly and acts through various committees for: science, education, standardization, organization and technolgy of laboratory services, quality control, as well as quality management ad accreditation, cooperation with industry, history of medical biochemistry and clinical chemistry, award committee, ethics committee, and committee for cooperation with IFCC, EFCC, BCLF, and related organization in country and abroad.

Since its establishment the Society has undertaken significant activities in all fields of clinical chemistry according to the guidelines and orientation of the IFCC. The main activities of the Society are in the field of education, and the organization of laboratory services, external quality control, conferences and publishing. In collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Society has devised education programs for undergraduate and postgraduate clinical chemists (master's degree and residency) through which fulltime 5-year studies for medical biochemists and subsequent 4-year advanced training are being successfully completed. A very important role in establishing the specialization of medical biochemistry in Yugoslavia was played by Professor Ivan Berkeš as the founder of medical biochemistry and clinical enzymology.

The Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia has collaborated with the Ministry of Health for the organization of laboratory services within all segments of the healthcare service (primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare) in terms of implementing plans of action, education, organization, equipment, etc. In addition, a program of external quality control has been carried out since 1965 within the laboratories organized by the Yugoslav Society of Medical Biochemists, recently called the SNEQAS program. External quality assessment is implemented throughout our health system, which allows continual improvement of the workflow in all clinical biochemical laboratories in Serbia. To improve and maintain the quality of services, the Society, together with the Institute of Medical Biochemistry of the Clinical Center of Serbia and the Accreditation Body of Serbia and Montenegro (ATS), started working on the introduction of a quality management system according to standard ISO 9001, and accreditation to ISO 17025 and ISO 15189. In all this activities special role had Professor Nada Majkić-Singh, the Society President.

Professor Nada Majkić-Singh deliver the Society Diploma to Professor I. Berkeš

The Society is involved in significant publishing activity. Experts of the Society have participated in the preparation of published professional methodological guidebooks for the field of medical biochemistry through the Republic and Federal Ministries of Health. For over 20 years, the Society has published the journal "Jugoslovenska Medicinska Biohemija" (Yugoslav Medical Biochemistry), since 2007 known as Journal of Medical Biochemistry (https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/jomb), internationally recognized, as well as a series of books and scientific literature written by its members. It is worth mentioning that the Society published a monograph with the title "Development of Medical Biochemistry in Yugoslavia" (Majkić-Singh N, Đurđević J, Kavarić J, 1998) illustrating the development of medical biochemistry in our country since the Middle Ages.

The first professional and scientific meeting of medical biochemists in Yugoslavia was held in 1955 in Zagreb, and the first Congress of Medical Biochemists of Yugoslavia was held in 1963 in the same town. Each new congress represented a step forward in the development of science and quality. At present, the Society is involved in the organization of congresses (biennial), and events such as Biochemical days (every year), and Innovations in laborator y medicine (every year, International Fair on Medical Equipment Medipharm, Belgrade). The XIXth Congress of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine will be held this year in Belgrade (2014). The Society regularly organizes courses for continues medical education of clinical chemists. In addition, as a member of the Balkan Clinical Laboratory Federation, the Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia organized three congresses of the Balkan Clinical Laboratory Federation, the Fourth Congress in 1996 in Budva and the 11th Congress (Belgrade, 2003) and 20th BCLF Congress (Belgrade, 2012). Plenary lectures presented at these congresses are published in the monograph Advances in Laboratory Medicine (YuSMB, 1996), "Yugoslav Medical Biochemistry" (2004), and Journal of Medical Biochemistry (2012).

Professor Nada Majkić Singh deliver the Society Diploma to T. Plećaš Drljača

Professor Nada Majkić-Singh Society President (1988–2012)	Primaries Olivera Janković General Secretary (1988–2012)

The lectures on the First FESC Symposium for Balkan Region (Belgrade 2005)



Participants on 50-year Society Anniversary (Belgrade, 2005)

EFLM appointed the Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia and Belgrade (Serbia) as the organizer of educational symposia for clinical chemists in the Balkan region and as a result of this decision nine symposia have been organized thus very successfully on different topics from the profession practice and laboratory medicine. The 10th EFLM Symposium for Balkan Region will be held this year (2014) under the title "Pediatric Laboratory Medicine: Some Aspects of Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, Neonatal Screening, Reference Intervals and Critical Values". The Congresses end Symposia are held under the auspices of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistr y and Laborator y Medicine (IFCC), European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) and Balkan Clinical Laboratory Federation (BCLF), as well as the Ministry of Science and Health of the Republic of Serbia.

The Society established the "Professor Ivan Berkeš" Scientific Conference, devoted to the founder of clinical chemistry in Yugoslavia, which takes place in Belgrade every year (sixteen scientific conferences have been organized so far). The Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia founded also Magistra Milica Marković Fund. During the scientific and professional conferences organized each year the Society awarded the best students of the Pharmaceutical Faculty and clinical chemists, Society members.

The Society has Centre for Continuing Medical Education who organized the education for medical and clinical chemists in Serbia. Ethics Committee takes care of personal and professional ethics or codes of behavior of the Society members. The Awards Committee recognizes and individual or organization who has made outstanding contribution to the Society, and promoting Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine in Serbia and globally.

The members of the Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia actively participate in all IFCC and other relevant Congresses and Conferences in the field of clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine. This participation promotes the implementation of standard procedures for diagnosis, forming of proto- col and implementing uniform organization in all lab- oratories in the country.

The purpose of the SMBS is to engage all medical biochemists in the development and improvement of all the branches of medical biochemistry and labo- ratory medicine in the health service. Its tasks are as follows: to standardize operations in clinical biochem- ical laboratories, the education of young biochemists at all levels, to encourage scientific research, to set up working standards, and to implement ethics codes and monitor the compliance of health workers. The SMBS is also involved in promoting systemized standards in the field of medical biochemistry with the relevant republican institutions and in facilitating exchange of experience between its members with the members of affiliate associations at home and abroad.

SMBS had the main role in the establishing and organization the Chamber of Biochemists of Serbia (2006) responsible for giving the license to all medical biochemists working in health service in Serbia.

The Society of Medical Biochemists (https://www.dmbj.org.rs) has a wide net of regular members (over 700), associate members and student members. There is a growing tendency for other experts from related natural and medical disciplines to become members as well. As a member of all the internation- al expert and scientific organizations for clinical chemistry and related disciplines, i.e., laboratory medicine (International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, IFCC; European Federation for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, EFLM, and the Balkan Federation of Clinical Laboratory, BCLF) the Society is involved in cooperation on an international scale.

Since year 1988 to 2012 President of the Society has been Professor Nada Majkić-Singh, who was also the National IFCC Representative, and the General Secretary was Primaries Olivera Janković, who was the FESCC Representative of the Society. Currently the SMBS President is Dr Zorica [umarac, SMBS Director Professor Nada Majkić-Singh, who is IFCC and EFLM National Representative, and Pro- fessor Svetlana Ignjatović is BCLF Representative.

References

1. IFCC Handbook 2009–2011.
2. Lines J, Heeren J. IFCC Celebrating 50 Years. IFCC, 2002.
3. Majkić-Singh N. History of medical biochemistry in Yugoslavia. Clin Chem News 1990; 32: 43.
4. Majkić-Singh N. Clinical chemistryan independent discipline. Jug Med Biohem 1992;11:1–2.
5. Majkić-Singh N. Razvoj medicinske biohemije. Jug Med Biohem 1993; 12: 65–70.
6. Majkić-Singh N. Društvo medicinskih biohemičara Jugoslavije. Jug Med Biohem 1994;13:77–9.
7. Majkić-Singh N. Položaj i uloga medicinske biohemije u zdravstvenoj službi. Jug Med Biohem 1995;14:1–5.
8. Majkić-Singh, Đurđević J, Kavarić J. Razvoj medicinske biohemije u Jugoslaviji. Beograd: DMBJ, 1998.
9. Majkić-Singh N. Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia and Montenegro: 50-year anniversary. Clin Chem Lab Med 2006; 44(2): 234–5.


Address for correspondence:

1) The author is Director of the Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia
*Corresponding author:
Prof. Dr. Nada Majkić-Singh,
Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia
Vojislava Ilića 94B/7
11050 Belgrade, Serbia e-mail: singh@eunet.rs

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9TH EFLM SYMPOSIUM FOR BALKAN REGION

“Integrative Algorithms in Patient Focused Laboratory Medicine”
dr Snežana Jovičić
Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia

Nine years ago, EFLM appointed the Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia as host of educational symposium for clinical chemists of the Balkan region. This year’s, 9th EFLM Symposium for Balkan Region entitled “Integrative Algorithms in Patient Focused Laboratory Medicine” was organized under the auspices of the IFCC, Balkan Clinical Laboratory Federation, Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of Serbia, and Ministry of Health of Republic of Serbia. The two-day symposium was held from October 3rd to 5th as part of the EFLM Committee of Education and Training and EFLM Working Group on Congress and Postgraduate Education activity in 2013.

The first section was dedicated to the introduction to molecular-genetic diagnostics and molecular genetic markers, as a base for personalized medicine, presented by two leading Serbian scientists in this field – prof. Ivana Novaković (Institute of Human Genetics of Belgrade’s University School of Medicine, Serbia) and prof. Sonja Pavlović (Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering of University of Belgrade, Serbia). After woods, we had the honor to listen about the incorporation of molecular diagnostics in clinical laboratories and quality assurance in molecular biomedicine and life sciences from the two leading experts in these fields, prof. Mario Pazzagli (Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Italy) and prof. Michael Neumaier (Institute for Clinical Chemistry, Medical Faculty Mannheim of University of Heidelberg, Germany).

Second section was dedicated to patient focused management of thrombophilia. This complexed topic was opened with the lecture about its molecular basis, presented by dr Valentina Djordjević (Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Serbia). The talk about the laboratory investigation of thrombophilia followed through the comprehensive presentation of dr Sandra Margetić (Department of Laboratory Haematology and Coagulation, University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia). The section was closed with the presentment of principles of integrative approach to patient with thrombophilia, when dr Gorana Matić from the Department of Haematology, Haemostasis, and Prevention of Thrombosis (Laboratory Medicine Center, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia), presented their experiences in this field.

Section three was dedicated to the detection of molecular defects in the field of endocrinology. The lecturers from the Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases of Clinical Center of Serbia and University of Belgrade's School of Medicine brought us closer to understanding the application of molecular diagnostics in the management of endocrine tumors. We had the privilege to listen about integrative protocols in evaluation of multiple endocrine neoplasia from the distinguished professor Svetozar Damjanović, and dr Dragana Miljić presented molecular defects in the pathogenesis of pituitary tumors. The role of pharmacogenetics in the treatment of diabetes was elaborated in the presentation of the esteemed professor Elizabeta Topić, Chair of the EFLM Committee of Education and Training, and professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry of University of Zagreb, Croatia. The section was closed with the lecture about molecular genetics and molecular cytogenetics in the evaluation of congenital heart defects, presented by dr Goran Čuturilo from the Department of Clinical Genetics, University Children's Hospital of the University of Belgrade's School of Medicine, Serbia.

The following section, dedicated to pharmacogenomics, was opened with the introduction by the distinguished professor Gerard Siest, from the research unit “Cardiovascular Genetics” of the Nancy University of Lorraine’s Faculty of Pharmacy, France, with the emphasis on its future evolution and the role of the European Society of Pharmacogenomics and Theranostics (ESPT) in it. Professor Irena Mlinarič-Raščan from the University of Ljubljana’s Faculty of Pharmacy, Slovenia, talked about the pharmacogenomics of thiopurine S-methyltransferase and presented her work in this field. The section was concluded with the lecture about pharmacogenomics of drugs for cardiovascular system, presented by dr Sanja Stanković (Center for Medical Biochemistry, Clinical Center of Serbia).

The Symposium’s closing section was dedicated to rare diseases. Professor Ksenija Fumić from Clinical Department of Laboratory Diagnostics of Medical Center of Zagreb and University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Croatia, in her comprehensive lecture opened the section and presented integrative algorithms in diagnostics of lysosomal storage diseases. The talk about molecular basis, clinical presentation, therapeutic options and integrative approach in diagnostics of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency was presented jointly, from the aspect of both the laboratory and clinical practice professional, by dr Andjelo Beletić, from Center for Medical Biochemistry, and dr Aleksandra Dudvarski-Ilić, from Clinic of Pulmology of Clinical Center of Serbia. Dr Maja Stojiljković-Petrović, from the Laboratory for Molecular Haematology of University of Belgrade's Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, concluded the section with her presentation of molecular characteristics, phenotypic diversity and genotype-estimated therapeutic responsiveness of Serbian patients with phenylketonuria.

All sections were extremely well visited and about 250 registered participants and students attended the Symposium. The lectures instigated interesting discussions which completed the overall impression that once again Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia organized a succesfull meeting according to the EFLM standards.


Members of the 9th EFLM Symposium for Balkan Region Organizing and Scientific Committee with lecturers. (From left to right: dr Sandra Margetic, dr Andjelo Beletic, prof. Mario Pazzagli, prof. Elizabeta Topic, prof. Nada Majkic-Singh, prof. Ksenija Fumic, prof. Sonja Pavlovic, dr Zorica Sumarac, prof. Svetlana Ignjatovic)


Students and graduates of University of Belgrade School of Pharmacy with their professors (prof. Nada Majkic-Singh and prof. Svetlana Ignjatovic), President of SMBS (dr Zorica Sumarac), their liaison with SMBS (dr Andjelo Beletic) and Director of Chamber of Biochemists (dr Valibor Canic).

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THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOCIETY OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTS OF SERBIA
Contributed by Snežana Jovičić

Center for Medical Biochemistry, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade
Liaison of the Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia
to the IFCC eNews Working Group

The Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia (SMBS) celebrated its 58th anniversary on May 15th, 2013. On that day in 1955, the Alliance of Pharmaceutical Societies of Yugoslavia (APSY) during its 6th Plenary Session, held in Split, decided to establish the Section for Medical Biochemistry. The Section was renamed 10 years later, on May 15th, 1965, during the 16th Plenary Session of APSY held in Banjaluka, to Society of Medical Biochemists within the APSY. After six years, in May 1971, the Society became the 28th member of the IFCC.


From left to right, Executive Director, prof. dr Nada Majkić-Singh and SMBS President, dr Zorica Šumarac,
with the long time Secretary of SMBS, mr Olivera Janković.

From its beginnings, Section's activities were directed towards the education of medical biochemists, especially concerning the development of a curriculum for postgraduate education of laboratory specialists, thanks to which the specialist studies in medical biochemistry were introduced in 1960. Later, the Society pursued the establishment of a separate graduate program of Medical Biochemistry at the University School of Phar macy. The Society continuously worked on the improvement and advancement of clinical laboratory profession. One of the activities was the launching and implementation of the external quality assessment scheme in 1972. In 1989, the Society left the APSY and became independent, since its membership included medical biochemists with various graduate education and not only in pharmacy. After the disintegration of Yugoslavia, the Society of Medical Biochemists of Yugoslavia was renamed once again and became the Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia. SMBS continues to be actively involved in the advancement of clinical laboratory profession in Serbia through directing its work towards government institutions. It was actively involved in the formation of the Chamber of Biochemists of Serbia, a professional orga nization of medical biochemists and clinical chemists with mandatory membership. The SMBS organizes several courses in Continuous Medical Education every year, as well as the annual EFLM Symposium for Balkan Region, and the national Congress of Medical Biochemists of Serbia biannually.


Prof Dr Nada Majkić-Singh addresses the gathering

The Society is a member of the IFCC, EFLM and Balkan Clinical Labo ra tory Federation (BCLF), where our members contri bute to the work of these international organizations through various committees and working groups. The SMBS publishes the Journal of Medical Biochemistry, the official journal of the Society of Medical Biochemists of Serbia with international peer-review. The Journal publishes original scientific and specialized articles on all aspects of clinical chemistry, medical biochemistry and the related scientific disciplines where chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and immunochemistry are dealing with the study of normal and pathologic processes in human beings. The Journal is published four times a year and its 2012 impact factor is 1.084 (https://www.degruyter.com/view/j/jomb).


Throughout the evening, guests were reminded of the past years with slide show of photographs made
during numerous activities of the Society

The SMBS celebrated its 58th anniversary in new offices with guests from organizations to whose work it has contributed and which have aided its work – Dean and professors of the University School of Pharmacy in Belgrade, Director of the Chamber ofBio chemists of Ser bia, Director of the Chamber of Pharmacists of Serbia, President of the Pharma ceutical Association of Serbia, and many representatives of the clinical laboratory industry. During this gathering, Executive Director and long time President, Prof Dr Nada Majkić-Singh re min ded the guests about the Society's beginnings and growth. Also, on this occasion, the Society's renewed web page was presented (https://www.dmbj.org.rs) by the newly elected President Dr Zorica Šumarac, emphasizing that it will improve and facilitate communication with members through numerous new contents. After more than half a century of fruitful work, the SMBS continues to be the leader and support for clinical laboratory professionals in Serbia.

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