Dr Antonella Macerollo, Editor-in-chief, EANpages
Professor Moro introduced the networking session dedicated to challenges for women in the field of neurology. Three female colleagues from different countries and with different backgrounds were involved in this session to provide advice to junior female neurologists: Professor Marina A. J. de Koning-Tijssen, Professor Matilde Leonardi, and Professor Alia Mansour.
Professor de Koning-Tijssen outlined the high risk of burnout in residents (1/5) due to high pressure at work and the need for better work-life balance. Prof de Koning-Tijssen provided practical suggestions to deal with this issue including help in organising care, room for personal development, creating a positive work culture, and dedicating attention to the person behind the doctor. She highlighted the importance of finding a good mentor at the beginning of one’s career.
“Enjoy life” as well as improving the ability to say “no” are the two key tips that de Koning-Tijssen highlighted during her lecture.
Professor Leonardi summarised her tips and advice in the “F line rule” – F as in female! She made an overview of her life journey including family, common experience and fatigue, fabulous international job, opportunities to know foreigners and fascinating culture. Professor Leonardi discussed her work in the field of disability inside the WHO since 1995. As a passionate woman and passionate neurologist, she also discussed the common fears that she had throughout her life. Professor Leonardi encouraged the junior female neurologists to ask for help when it is necessary, without being afraid.
Professor Mansour opened her lecture discussing her journey in developing clinical skills as well as her advocacy in transferring knowledge towards generations. Professor Mansour was one of the first female neurologists to develop a service for functional treatments in movement disorders in Africa. The lecture was an opportunity to learn about the challenges that she had to deal with as one of the first experts in that field in her country.
It was a pleasure to see the growing success that this network session has every year. This has been the sixth edition and 96 attendees were recorded in the platform!
See you next year with other amazing speakers.
