Two years ago, the European Academy of Neurology – Residents and Research Fellows Section (EAN-RRFS) started a new initiative called “junior national representatives network” to establish a team of junior national representatives within the EAN-RRFS. The main aim is to enable closer links between the European countries in order to facilitate the speed of information flow, exchange experiences, and learn from each other.
On March 24-25, the first joint workshop between the EAN-RRFS and the Swiss Association of Young Neurologists (SAYN) was held in Zurich, Switzerland.
The workshop was organised in collaboration with the SAYN, which generously sponsored accommodation and lunch for all delegates. Travel costs and part of the dinner was covered by a grant from the EAN. The workshop allowed junior national representatives from 12 different countries (Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom) to come together, meet and discuss topics relevant to residents and research fellows in Europe. The current state and further development of RRFS projects, how national societies and the RRFS can improve collaborations and encourage the exchange of professional and personal experiences were just a few topics. Each represented country had the opportunity and sufficient time to contribute to the discussions. In more detail, every delegate presented their junior national society, neurology education and their differences that led to interesting discussions regarding positive aspects as well as unmet needs. Furthermore, current RRFS projects and the numerous ways of how RRFS members can get involved in the EAN and improve the European education of Neurology were discussed.
On the evening, the delegates could network during a “Swiss Apero”. The following day a keynote lecture held by Professor M. Sturzenegger opened the morning session. He nicely summarised the „Pitfalls for young neurologists“ out of his personal own perspective.
This 2-day meeting doubtlessly further strengthened the relationship and exchange among residents and research fellows in Europe. This represents the basis of a growing network of junior national representatives working together to improve the future of Neurology.
The EAN-RRFS thanks the SAYN for their generous contribution to make this event possible and their great collaboration together with the junior national representatives leading this meeting to success!
The video below summarizes the vivid and mobilising spirit of the European network and we hope to welcome more members from all over Europe in the near future!
https://www.ean.org/Resident-and-Research-Fellow.2676.0.html
Anna Sauerbier, MD
EAN e-communication Team
