Gian Luigi Lenzi (GLL): As Member at Large to the EAN, can you illustrate the role you give to EAN within the community of European Neurologists?
Per Soelberg Sorensen (PSS): As member at Large to the EAN I am proud to be a part of this new important amalgamation of ENS and EFNS. It is the aim of the new board to develop EAN into a European organisation that can match the American Academy of Neurology in worldwide importance.
GLL: How may the EAN integrate with the Neurological Sub-specialties, such as on Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, and Movement Disorders, without replicating news and messages?
PSS: EAN can work together with the neurological sub-specialities to reach those European neurologists who do not identify themselves with a particular sub-speciality and do not attend specific meetings of the neurological sub-specialities. There is a large part of the general neurologists that does not attend the sub-speciality meetings, and could get their information on the development in important neurological disorders like stroke, MS, epilepsy and movement disorders from meetings and congresses held by the EAN.
GLL: EAN aims to be the overall umbrella for neurology and neurology related specialties. How can your specific work on multiple sclerosis bring an added value to this aim?
PSS: Being the secretary general to the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS), I think that I can convey thoughts and ideas from the board of ECTRIMS to the board of EAN and vice versa. I think that I would be able to facilitate the collaboration between ECTRIMS and EAN on common guidelines and educational projects.
GLL: What is your view on the future of the educational grants for young neurologists allowing them to visit (short terms) and/or work (longer terms) in different neurological departments throughout Europe? Previously, with two Neurological Societies, it was not infrequent for a young neurologist to have a fellowship from one Society for one year and from the other Society for the next year.
PSS: I think that EAN will grow in size and scientific competence to a level at which it will be possible to offer more educational grants for young neurologists than both EAN and EFNS. Further, EAN will be stronger represented in European countries than any of the two previously active neurological organisations.
GLL: Can you share with our readers your vision on how Neuropenews can help strengthen EAN’s identity?
PSS: Neuropenews is the link between EAN and European neurologists, and is the most important body that can convey the visions and goals of the European Academy of Neurology to European neurologists and keep them informed about the activities of EAN, both in the field of science and education.
GLL: Thank you for your time.
Per Soelberg Sorensen is Professor of Neurology at the Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet Department of Neurology, Denmark
