The Open Facilities for Training in European Neurology (OFTEN): an emerging pan-European exchange programme for junior neurologists

World Federation of Neurology

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To acknowledge the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the formation of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), the World Federation of Neurology was invited to contribute its perspective on the formation of the EAN and its activities over the past decade.

METHODS

This article is based on the experiences of the author in several functions with the European Union of Medical Specialists, the European Federation of Neurology and the European Neurological Society and with the World Federation of Neurology as a trustee since 2009. This article is supported by the author's own archive as well as by several publications.

RESULTS

The formation of the EAN was influenced by the activities of the two main predecessor societies, the European Neurological Society and European Federation of Neurology, which left an imprint on the structure of the EAN. The newly formed EAN underwent rigorous structural and organizational changes and has been acting as a successful and independent regional society, expanding increasingly in worldwide activities.

CONCLUSION

The EAN, with its 47 member countries, strong democratic leadership and structure, is an excellent example of a regional society with expanding global influence that uses its advocacy skills to influence and improve the structure of neurology in Europe.

The European Association of Young Neurologists and Trainees in 2013: striking a blow for European junior neurologists

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The main objective of the European Association of Young Neurologists and Trainees (EAYNT), an independent Brussels-based association of junior neurologists, is to represent and promote the interests of European junior neurologists.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A wide variety of projects and activities are ongoing, carried out by members of the organization in close collaboration with major European and National Neurology bodies. Most recently, we surveyed European junior neurologists about their views on the European Board of Neurology Examination, the status of e-learning in postgraduate neurology training and migration patterns of young neurologists.

CONCLUSIONS

The aim of this paper is to outline the current and future activities of the EAYNT. We run a series of lectures ('EAYNT special sessions') at the major European conferences and disseminate information to young neurologists at the EAYNT booth. We provide information about travel grants, fellowships as well as sharing personal experiences of working abroad. EAYNT members have the opportunity to sit on the scientific subcommittees of the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) and European Neurological Society (ENS), to chair poster sessions and review abstracts. Furthermore, we continue to provide a forum for young neurologists from all over Europe to network and socialize by means of get-together events and hospital visits.