Report from 4 weeks in Paris
by Eliza Zhunusova
visiting the Department of Neurology, Movement disorders group. Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital
I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to study for a month with the wonderful team of Prof. Marie Vidailhet. I would like to express my gratitude to the EAN for the Student Teaser Fellowship, which provided such a wonderful opportunity to gain valuable experience at the Department of Neurology, Movement disorders group, in the Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital in Paris.
My first day started with the clinical rounds in the inpatient clinic under the supervision of Prof. Marie Vidailhet. We examined patients, discussed their issues, and considered treatment options. I appreciated that Prof. Marie Vidailhet and residents translated patient complaints and questions for us during clinical rounds. In the inpatient clinic with other French speaking students, we provided UPDRS, cognitive tests, scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia, identified orthostatic hypotension, and watched how residents perform a lumbar puncture.
In the outpatient clinic with other fellows, we attended patient examinations. Movement disorder specialists demonstrated how to examine patients, how to identify phenomenology and they explained every case and interesting moments. We had the opportunity to see how to perform ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injections. We also participated in weekly case discussions and lectures.
During the fellowship we were also fortunate enough to have a guided tour where some amazing details on the history of the “cradle of neurology” were shared with us. In my spare time, I was able to enjoy the fascinating city of Paris; the warm moments which hold a special place in my heart.
This fellowship has provided many inspiring ideas that can be applied in my country. Through this valuable experience I have fully determined my future plans in the field of neurology. Also, it provided an opportunity to meet so many awesome people with whom I have the possibility to maintain communication in the future as well.
Report from 4 weeks in London
by Elarbi Goufa
visiting the Movement Disorders Unit of the Department of Neurology at St. George’s University Hospital in London
For my Student Teaser Fellowship I spent four weeks in the Movement Disorders Unit at the Neurology Department at St. George’s University Hospital in London under the supervision of Prof. Francesca Morgante in October 2022.
On my first day, I had the opportunity to meet with the movement disorders specialists and fellows and get to know more about the clinical aspect of this sub-specialty.
During my fellowship, I attended out-patient consultations on a daily basis, where I saw many patients with different movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. I also had the opportunity to do clinical examination and eventually learn about the different treatment protocols for each patient. I also attended the programming sessions for patients with Parkinson’s disease who have deep brain stimulation devices. I was able to participate in neurology related seminars and team meetings to discuss cases related to movement disorders with the presence of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and radiologists. I also had the opportunity to attend out-patient consultations related to general neurology, where I saw very interesting cases of patients with dementia and neuromuscular diseases.
This fellowship has contributed to my education and knowledge as a future neurologist and has positively impacted my journey as a medical student. I would like to thank Prof. Morgante for taking the time and effort to mentor me during this fellowship and also thank the EAN for giving me this opportunity to improve my knowledge and training in neurology.
