by Nina Vashchenko, RRFS Past Chair, and Pablo Fritz
The 9th Congress of the European Academy of Neurology, in the vibrant city of Budapest, was a resounding success, attracting neurologists and researchers from all over the world. Among the many participants were members of the Resident and Research Fellow Section (RRFS), a group that represents an impressive 51% of all EAN members. Throughout the congress, the RRFS held a series of engaging meetings and activities that provided invaluable opportunities for learning, networking and collaboration.
The RRFS kicked off the congress with a special meeting exclusively for national and committee representatives. Held on the first day of the event, 1 July, this meeting served as a platform for participants to introduce themselves face-to-face and share the latest updates for residents from their respective countries or EAN committees. This session fostered a sense of friendship among participants and facilitated the exchange of knowledge and experience.
Adding to the already vibrant programme, the second day of the congress concluded with a remarkable hospital visit to the well-known Semmelweis University. This exceptional opportunity provided an exclusive insight into the inner workings of the hospital, thanks to the efforts of the Neurology Department’s director, Professor Dániel Berecki, vice director, Tibor Kovács, head of neurointensive care Ildikó Sipos and the RRFS representative from Hungary, Pablo Fritz, accompanied further by local neurologist residents Marcell Palotai and János Bíró. Participants were guided through the outpatient clinic, stroke unit, emergency department and neuropathophysiology laboratory – a historic area pioneered by Hungarian pathologists. This enlightening visit allowed RRFS members to see first-hand the latest advances and practices in neurology in the capital of Hungary.
Continuing its commitment to fostering connections and collaboration, the RRFS hosted an exciting networking event for young neurologists and research fellows on the same evening. The meeting provided a lively platform for members to connect with their peers from across Europe. The event buzzed with excitement as attendees shared experiences, exchanged ideas and made meaningful connections that will undoubtedly shape their professional journeys.
The third day of the Congress was a pivotal moment for the RRFS as it held its General Assembly in the evening. This meeting served as an important forum for the RRFS to discuss key issues and make important announcements. One of the highlights of the meeting was the introduction of Alicia González Martínez as the new Treasurer.
In addition to engaging meetings and networking events, the RRFS was also at the centre of the Scientific Theatre, where members presented a series of engaging talks on important topics.
On the first day, Giacomo Sferruzza captivated the audience with his insightful presentation, highlighting the vast opportunities the EAN offers RRFS members. The following day, Vlad Tiu presented the preliminary results of a survey on pain, dementia and neurosonology education, shedding light on crucial aspects of these fields. On the third day, Vanessa Carvalho gave a compelling presentation on the latest RRFS project entitled “RRFS in the pipeline: new surveys planned for next year”. Last but not least, Adnan Mujanovic delved into the fascinating field of endovascular treatment and presented the RRFS’s innovative educational proposal on this topic.
The Congress undoubtedly left a lasting impression on RRFS members, providing them with new knowledge, inspiring connections and a renewed drive to continue pushing the boundaries of neurological research and practice.
