by Ana Catarina Fonseca, Lisbon, Portugal
The EAN Leadership Programme is all that I could expect and even more. I am a Portuguese neurologist with a special interest in stroke and I have been actively involved in the care and treatment of patients.
I am currently the national coordinator of the Action Plan for Stroke 2018-2030 of the European Stroke Organization/SAFE in Portugal. Our aim is to improve stroke care conditions in Portugal and therefore to advocate for stroke, interact and lobby with different stakeholders and know how to effectively communicate. I am also responsible for the Cerebral Hemodynamics Lab at the Hospital de Santa Maria. My aim in taking part in this programme was to gain skills in conflict mediation, team communication, advocacy, lobbying, and communicating with the press.
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When I thought about the EAN Leadership Programme, I initially expected it to have quite theoretical content. However, it is nothing like that. From the very first meeting it was very practical and truly hands-on.
The programme is divided into modules that cover various leadership topics. Each module starts with the transmission of key concepts which you are expected to reflect upon and put into practice in exercises that you do with your colleagues. In these exercises you analyse the concepts that you learn and carry out roleplay of certain situations. The feedback that is received from the instructors and colleagues helps you to better understand what needs to be improved.
Most of us have already had some experience with management and leadership at some point during our careers and already know some of the fundamentals. What this course mainly does is to make you reflect on what you probably already knew but did not have much time to really think about. This happens with the help of the instructors and your peers. What you realise is that you already knew many of the answers and just needed to think thoroughly about them.
A very important component of the leadership programme is also learning with the experience of others. These included your colleagues, the instructors, and members of the EAN Board. We learn about their motivations, mission, and purpose and what they have learned through their journeys.
The different skills that you acquire from this course can be applied to your everyday life as a neurologist/doctor/individual. Every day, we interact with individuals with diverse ages, personalities, backgrounds, and perspectives. Most of our daily activities are carried out in groups that ideally should be teams. Knowing how to communicate, give feedback and manage conflict is vital to establish effective work teams.
The course also helps you to improve how you manage yourself and leads you to reflect on your own path and whether it aligns with your key values and leadership style. It helps you not to “miss the forest for the tress”.
There is always something new to be learned and that can be improved. Therefore, I advise everyone regardless of their age or background to apply for the EAN Leadership Programme.
