By Prof. Dr. Serefnur Ozturk, President of Turkish Neurological Society, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
The traditional annual congress of Turkish Neurological Society, the 52nd Turkish Neurological Congress, was held on 25 November- 1 December 2016 in Antalya. It was attended by 1,600 participants. This national congress offers the possibility to maximize the scientific exchange, and develop a scientific and social platform for social exchange contributing to integrate the neurology society. The scientific program provided a detailed overview on both general and more specific approaches of neurology. The main theme of this year’s congress was “VASCULAR NEUROLOGY,” that covered prevention, diagnosis, and the latest treatments of cerebrovascular diseases. Relevant Scientific Working Groups of the Turkish Neurology Society (Working Groups on cerebrovascular diseases; neurological intensive care; interventional neurology; and neurosonology) provided a holistic approach to the issues. Since diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities are rapidly developing, the congress focused on finding ways to enable rapid diagnosis and make thrombolytic and interventional treatments more accessible in Turkey. To this regard, legal regulations were reviewed together with the relevant units.
Apart from the main theme, each one of the specific scientific working groups created a wide range of scientific content. In total, 28 half-day and 4 full-day courses and other sessions were organized. International speakers and Turkish speakers living abroad also took part in the congress program and shared their knowledge. This year, traditional ‘In the Region’ session addressed ‘Immigration and Neurological Diseases.’ In this session regional neurological problems were shared and reviewed together with the representatives from neighboring countries. Oral and poster presentations were assessed by the juries to be recommended by the working groups and assigned by Turkish Neurology Society in order to ensure particularly that the scientific efforts and outputs of our young colleagues are properly reflected. As in the past years, a one-and-a-half-day course was organized for neurology nurses who always support us in neurological training and services. Problems faced in our profession were discussed in a special workshop both individually and collectively.
The ‘Neurons are competing’ program (by Prof. Ersin Tan) which always attracts attentions provided a surprising content again at the evening session on 27th November. Science, fun and hospitality were experienced at the same time. Traditional gala dinner hosted winners from different areas. Awards was given to the medical students winning the essay competition on the future of neurology. Winners of the competitions held throughout the year was declared in the congress. The congress hosted the 12th Neurological Board Exam, accredited by the Turkish Medical Association and European Academy of Neurology. The Turkish Neurological Congress was evaluated as a very successful and connecting event providing a friendly and scientific environment.
Executive Board Members, and panel scientific working group moderators:
Above (Prof. Reha Tolun, Prof. Hadiye Şirin, Prof. Babür Dora, Prof. Mustafa Bakar, Prof. Bulent Elibol)
Below (Prof. Nese Celebisoy, Prof. Ayşe Bora Tokcaer, Prof. Serefnur Ozturk, Prof. Yeşim Parman, Prof. Mehmet Ali Akalın)
“Dear Members of the Neurological Society,
Neurology is not only developing in the field of science, but also in social areas all over the world. It is getting more and more attraction and having more effect in Turkey, as scientific branch of this century. In this regard, national congresses targeting to closely follow the developments in the neurological field and to contribute to these developments are organized each year with more enthusiasm and power. This year the National Neurology Congress will be held on 25 November-1 December 2016 at Susesi Hotel and Congress Centre in Antalya province.
Apart from the main theme, each one of the specific scientific working groups created a wide range of scientific content. In total, 28 half-day and 4 full-day courses and other sessions will be organized. Because of the limited availability, participants should make pre-registration to attend credited sessions. International speakers and Turkish speakers living abroad will also take part in the congress program and share their knowledge. This year, ‘In the Region’ session during which the regional neurological problems are shared and reviewed together with the representatives from neighboring countries will address ‘Immigration and Neurological Diseases’. Oral and poster presentations will be assessed by the juries to be recommended by the working groups and assigned by Turkish Neurology Society in order to ensure particularly that the scientific efforts and outputs of our young colleagues are properly reflected. As in the past years, a one-and-a-half-day course will be organized for neurology nurses who always support us in neurological training and services. Problems faced in our profession will be addressed in a special workshop both individually and collectively. Neurologist working in the different fields of neurology, including in particular those who do compulsory service or work in private healthcare institutions, will have an opportunity to share their experiences and problems; and solutions including legal assistance will be discussed all together. Questions and expectations of the participants will be collected during the entire congress, and then they will be distributed to the moderators before the workshop.
‘Neurons Competing’ program which always attracts attentions will provide a surprising content again at the evening session on 27th November. Science, fun and hospitality will be experienced at the same time. Traditional gala dinner will be accompanied by social media publications and awards. Awards will be given to the medical students winning the essay competition on the future of neurology. Winners of the competitions held throughout the year will be declared in the congress. The congress will host the 12th Neurological Proficiency Exam to be credited by the Turkish Medical Association and European Academy of Neurology. It is planning to provide registration, transfer and accommodation support to a certain number of participants contributing to the congress with their notifications.
We hope that the congress would be beneficial for the neurological society besides providing a friendly environment, hope to see you…”
Kind Regards,
Prof. ŞerefnurÖztürk
President of the Turkish Neurological Society,
On behalf of the Board on Organization of Congress and Science
