by Anastasiia Yevtushenko
What does it take to truly feel like you belong in the global medical community? For me, I finally found the answer this summer in Geneva
When I arrived for the EAN Congress 2026, I felt a mix of genuine excitement and butterflies. The congress centre was buzzing with thousands of people from all over the world. I had the opportunity to present my e-poster during the congress, but I was there not just to listen and learn. I had the honour of attending as a winner of the EAN ‘Why Neurology?’ essay contest. Standing on stage to present my work was both thrilling and humbling. I had the chance to talk about things that are truly important to me: my country, Ukraine, and my personal path in medicine. Sharing my story and my roots with the global neurological community was a huge milestone for me.
The EAN organised everything to enable students to bond from day one. We all came from different countries and backgrounds, but our shared passion for neurology brought us together immediately. We quickly went from just introducing ourselves to becoming a real scientific community.
Our experience was not limited to the lecture halls. Outside our study schedule, we spent hours exploring the beautiful streets of Geneva. We walked along the lake, went for refreshing swims and joined the wonderful social events organised by the EAN. These moments together made the whole experience feel warm and welcoming. We built a network of international friendships that I know will last long after the congress.
The scientific sessions were just as memorable, especially the interactive, tournament-style formats. The EAN BrainChallenge was a clear favourite for me. The energy in the auditorium felt more like a sports match than a standard medical lecture. It was not just about watching, though. The audience got to vote and test clinical reasoning on the spot. It was a brilliant way to bring serious medicine together with great energy and teamwork. It showed us that learning can be incredibly fun.
The award lectures at the Presidential Symposium also left a lasting mark on me. I was particularly fascinated by Prof. John Rothwell’s Charles-Edouard Brown-Séquard Award Lecture. It opened my eyes to new ways we can understand brain function. I was equally captivated by Prof. Riccardo Soffietti’s Camillo Golgi Award Lecture on precision medicine in neuro-oncology. Hearing about these ground-breaking treatments showed me where the boundaries of neurology are moving. It gave me a massive boost of motivation for my own future work in this field.
Perhaps the most surreal part of the congress was meeting the very professors whose research first inspired me. In the medical field, these experts are like rockstars. Being able to walk up to them after a session, ask questions, and hear their advice was amazing. Everyone was open, warm and eager to share their wisdom. They encouraged us to stay curious and keep pushing forward.
The EAN Congress 2026 in Geneva showed me what a vibrant, supportive community neurology truly has. It perfectly balanced high-level science with human connection. To every medical student thinking about getting involved: please go for it. Apply for contests, join the student activities, and attend the congress. The clinical knowledge you will gain is huge, but the friendships and inspiration you take home are truly priceless. I left Geneva feeling ready to take on the next steps in my career.
