by Vitalie Lisnic
On October 1-3, 2015 the 5th Congress of Neurologists of the Republic of Moldova took place in Chisinau. The congress was held jointly with the works of the Symposium of Neurologists and Neurosurgeons Chisinau (Republic of Moldova) – Iasi (Romania) at its 14th edition.
It was a remarkable scientific event which offered great opportunities for the neurologists of Moldova to assess the situation in the field of neuroscience, to discuss the outstanding international achievements and to predict and analyse the ways and methodologies to improve neurological services in the country. 250 local neurologists and 22 neurologists and neurosurgeons from Romania took part in the meeting.
The programme covered the main neurological topics such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, neurodegenerative diseases, headache etc. The presentations were made by outstanding professors from Europe and the USA: Günther Deuschl, Oliver Blanck, Robert Wolf, Serghei Groppa (Germany), Eugen Trinka (Austria), Rigmor Jensen (Denmark), Bill Wisden, Bianka Kuehler (Great Britain), Maurizio Leone, Maura Pugliatti, Cristina Tassorelli (Italy), Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu, Cristian Dinu Popescu, Sorin Tuta (Romania), Vera Osipova (Russia), Jerzy Krupinski (Spain), Nemanja Damjanov (Serbia), Mihail Oros (Ukraine), Murat Aksu (Turkey), Mada Prasad (USA) as well as local opinion leaders (Mihail Gavriliuc, Stanislav Groppa, Vitalie Lisnic, Ion Moldovanu, Stela Odobescu etc.).
The languages of the Congress were English and Romanian. The Chairman of the congress, Prof. Stanislav Groppa, smartly combined in the programme the presentations made by local and foreign speakers, so that at the end of the congress the guest professors, especially Italian speakers could easily understand the Romanian language. The participants were very curious and asked lots of questions to the speakers which made it difficult to keep the condensed format of the congress. The lecture hall was full during all the 3 days of the event.
For his exceptional achievements in the field of neuroscience and collaboration between European and Moldovan neurology the President of the European Academy of Neurology, Chairman of the Department of Neurology, UKSH, Kiel, Professor Dr Günther Deuschl was awarded the title Doctor Honoris Causa of the Academy of Science of the Republic of Moldova. Professors Eugen Trinka, Maurizio Leone, Cristian Dinu Popescu were awarded the title of Honorary Members of the Society of Neurologists of the Republic of Moldova.
The congress participants and speakers had a unique opportunity for discussions, exchange of opinions and traditions. The professors visited the main neurological settings in the country, and gave recommendations on how to improve the quality of neurological services. Professor Deuschl visited the Department of Neurology of the Institute of Emergency Medicine. He gave valuable advice on how to achieve the European standards in the clinical and research activities and told the young neurologists how to apply for educational and research grants.
The social programme, which included visit of the medieval city Old Orhei, monasteries, dinner at the well-known underground winery Cricova as well as a city tour, contributed to familiarisation with the traditions, art and culture of Moldovans.
Professor Vitalie Lisnic is President of the Society of Neurologists of the Republic of Moldova.
