by Henriette Szabo Mathe
The EAN Mentorship Programme is designed to build connections between early-career neurologists and some of Europe’s most respected clinicians, educators and researchers. The reasons for applying as a mentee can vary – from seeking advice on designing a research project or developing specific clinical skills to getting advice on maintaining a healthy work life balance.
My reason for applying for this programme, as a mentee, was to seek advice on the process of relocating to a new country and continuing my career as a neurologist. I have the honour of being matched with Professor Nils Erik Gilhus from Norway, with whom I have monthly online meetings. We also had the opportunity to meet in person during the EAN Mentorship Programme Workshop at the 11th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology, in Helsinki.
This year’s mentorship workshop was held on Sunday, 22 June, and was led by the Mentorship Task Force members Francesca Morgante, Matthieu Perrenoud, Selma Aybek, Irina Vlad and Cristian Falup-Pecurariu.
My main reason for attending the workshop was to meet my mentor in person, without having any particular expectations otherwise. What I appreciated and gained from this workshop was not only the opportunity to speak to my mentor; it also gave me the chance to connect with fellow mentees and mentors during the informal coffee break at the beginning of the session, to listen to the experience of two mentor-mentee pairs: Taras Voloshyn and Tatia Gakharia, and Sunil Narayan and Daniela Prisacaru, and to participate in the interactive group activity. During the group work we discussed our expectations regarding the mentorship programme and mentoring, identified common challenges and worked together to find possible solutions.
I also learned that since the start of the programme in 2021, a total of 131 mentor-mentee pairs have been matched, with 38 new matches made for the fifth round in 2024/2025. The workshop was not designed exclusively for current mentors and mentees; it was also open to anyone interested in joining the programme, offering them the opportunity to learn from the experiences of those already involved. What I would like to transmit to future mentees is this: if you get accepted into the programme, commit to it fully. Value and make the most of every meeting with your mentor; be prepared, be engaged and take initiative. It truly is a unique opportunity to connect with renowned neurologists and receive valuable guidance and advice for your professional development.
I would also like to thank the EAN Mentorship Task Force for creating this programme and for all the hard work they have invested in it!
Are you interested in joining the EAN Mentorship Programme? The application for mentees is open until 15 September 2025; mentors can apply all year round!
