by Panagiotis Zis
The EAN Spring School took place between the 12th and the 15th of May 2016, in Hotel Bezděz, Staré Splavy, Czech Republic. In total, 103 participants from 30 countries attended the Spring School.
Staré Splavy is in North Bohemia, about 90km from Prague at altitude of 270 meters above sea. It is situated on the shore of Lake Mácha, which is surrounded by a lovely pine forest.
The first day of the School was dedicated to Epilepsy with high standard talks given by Hannah Cock (UK), Ivan Rektor (Czech Republic) and Jan Novy (Switzerland). The second day was dedicated to Movement Disorders. The participants had the luck to attend lectures from Günther Deuschl (Germany), Elena Moro (France) and Carlo Colosimo (Italy). The third day of the School was dedicated Palliative Care. The day started with a lecture, given by Theodor Landis (Switzerland), which included a fascinating overview of the mental state-examining tool Maxi Mental. Then David Oliver (UK) and Stefan Lorenzl (Austria) talked about palliative care in Neurology, which is extremely important but in some countries yet neglected. The last day only included morning lectures about the European Board Examination of Neurology, WHO priorities in Neurology, a presentation about the Lundbeck Institute and a presentation about the postgraduate education opportunities for Neurologists as well as a presentation of the EAN-Resident and Research Fellow Section (EAN-RRFS). Overall it was a very well organized course. Special thanks should be given to the hosts Pavel Kalvach, the course director, and to Magda Dohnalová, who helped every participant to have a smooth arrival and stay.
Apart from the educational value of the Spring School, participants had the chance to meet with colleagues from other European and non-European countries. Also, the lovely area where the Spring School takes place is ideal for trekking and sightseeing. In fact, two castle visits were organized during the School. The first was to Bezděz Castle and the second to Mělník Castle. The latter also included wine tasting of the local wines in the cellar of the Castle!
On top of the Bezděz Castle
Social dinner at Mělník Castle
Next year’s Spring School, again will be organized at the same venue between the 11th and the 14th of May 2017.
