by Yea Seo (Judy) Kwon
Walking into the EAN Congress for the first time, I honestly felt both nervous and excited, not knowing exactly what to expect, but those few days turned out to be some of the most inspiring of my journey as a medical student.
From the very beginning, I was struck by how student-friendly the congress was. It can be intimidating for us to attend conferences that seem tailored more for practicing doctors, but the organisers made an effort to welcome us into the neurology community. We weren’t just observers; we were participants. It felt easy to approach people, ask questions, and get involved, making the entire experience far more valuable. The networking events were a highlight, allowing us to connect with other students (hopefully our future colleagues) and to hope for future meetings at the EAN congress.
The programme itself was very well organised, offering a balance between broad topics and highly specific sessions. I especially enjoyed the talks that provided a deep dive into different treatment approaches. As a student, it is most fascinating when we learn through the real-life experiences of doctors and their case studies, seeing how clinical decisions are shaped in practice. One of the sessions that stood out to me was the discussion on therapeutic hypothermia; I was particularly interested to hear how it is applied differently across the world.
We also appreciated the small but thoughtful details of the congress. The photoshoot areas, where people posed for cheerful jumping pictures, brought smiles to everyone’s faces. The friendly staff welcomed us warmly and offered help without hesitation, and the relaxing areas with comfortable chairs provided a perfect space to recharge between sessions. These little touches created an atmosphere that was not only professional, but also joyful and inclusive.
My time at the congress was highlighted by two rewarding experiences. I had the honour of winning the ‘Why Neurology?’ essay competition, and I also had the opportunity to present a poster. Standing alongside my mentor, engaging with doctors and students, and discussing my project opened up new perspectives and made me feel even more connected to the community.
Overall, my days at the EAN Congress were filled with learning, exchange, and inspiration. It is easy to forget what first sparked our interest in medicine and neurology when we are caught up in personal life, deadlines, and exam preparation, but this congress gave us the chance to reconnect with that original spark and to remember why we want to do what we do! This was a strong reminder of why I chose this field in the first place.
