In 2011, I got the unique chance to carry out a project investigating changed pain inhibition with patients with complex regional pain syndrome at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany supported by the EFNS scientific fellowship. Because in Armenia we have no possibilities to make experimental researches, this was an excellent opportunity for me to explore the laboratory methods and state-of-the-art research, particularly in the pain area, which is especially interesting for me and which is not so well developed in Armenia. I have seen a lot of patients even with diseases I’ve never heard about before and got practice in taking history, diagnosing and treating these patients.
I could also improve my German language, learn a lot about German history, culture and visit some places of interest. I have obtained many friends who are going to visit me in Armenia and learned a lot from them and I hope I can introduce them to a part of Armenian culture and history as well.
This period was very useful for me and opened new perspectives for my academic career. I want to thank the EFNS for this great opportunity and for the nice time and great experience, which I had in Germany.
Dr. Diana Buniatyan works at the Yerevan State Medical University Klinik “Erebuni” in the department of Neurology, Yerevan, Armenia