Interview with winners of ESO Emerging Leader Programme 2024-2026

In order to give future candidates and the European stroke community a more personal view on the ESO Emerging Leader Programme we asked a few questions to the winners of the first edition 2024-2026 about their personal motivations, vision, experience about the programme and advice to young professionals.

 

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in stroke research and care, and how has your journey led to apply for the emerging leader programme?

Marieta Peycheva (Plovdiv, Bulgaria):

My journey in this field has been shaped by both academic and practical milestones. I graduated from the prestigious ESO Stroke Master Programme, which provided me with a comprehensive understanding of stroke pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Additionally, I am a certified vascular neurosonologist, which has allowed me to develop advanced skills in neuroimaging and diagnostic techniques, crucial for identifying and managing cerebrovascular conditions.

Through my clinical and research work, I have been fortunate to engage with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to initiatives aimed at improving stroke prevention, acute care, and treatment strategies. Applying for the Emerging Leader Programme feels like a unique experience in my career. It offers an important platform to collaborate with stroke experts, develop leadership skills, and drive innovative solutions to improve stroke care on a larger scale.

I believe the programme will help me not only refine my expertise but also enable me to contribute meaningfully to advancing stroke care in both local and international settings.

Rytis Masiliūnas (Vilnius, Lithuania):

My introduction to neurology began with my father, a neurologist in Panevėžys, Lithuania’s fifth- largest city. While his influence guided my decision to follow in his footsteps, my passion for stroke research and care was truly ignited by my mentor and academic supervisor, Prof. Dalius Jatužis. His unwavering trust, positive outlook, and visionary guidance made even the most ambitious goals feel attainable. Due to some circumstances independent of me, very early in my career, I was appointed to head the emergency neurology section of one of the largest comprehensive stroke centers in Lithuania – a country with some of the highest stroke incidence in the world. Ever since, my everyday work evolves around the organizational aspects of the management of acute stroke. It was Prof. Jatužis who encouraged me to apply to the ESO Emerging Leader Programme, which provides an opportunity for a deeper understanding of global stroke issues, the development of leadership qualities, and ideas for implementing quality improvement initiatives at home.

Lina Palaiodimou (Athens, Greece)

My passion for stroke research and care was driven by the profound impact that cerebrovascular diseases have on patients, families, and healthcare systems. Early in my medical career, I witnessed the devastating consequences of stroke and the urgent need for timely intervention, effective treatments, and long-term care strategies. These experiences motivated me to specialize in stroke neurology and actively contribute to improving stroke management in Greece and, hopefully, beyond. My involvement in research, clinical practice, and advocacy for enhanced stroke care naturally led me to seek opportunities for professional development and collaboration. When I learned about the ESO Emerging Stroke Leader Programme, I immediately recognized its potential to amplify my efforts. The programme offered a unique platform to engage with distinguished mentors, connect with like-minded colleagues, and develop leadership skills tailored to the field of stroke.

2. The Emerging Leader Programme highlights individuals with exceptional potential. What specific challenges in stroke care or research are you most passionate about addressing, and how do you envision making a difference in the coming years?

MP:

Stroke care and research face numerous challenges, but I am particularly passionate about addressing the gaps in early diagnosis, prevention, and equitable access to high-quality care. One key area I am committed to is improving the diagnosis and management of stroke mimics and rare cerebrovascular conditions, which can often be misdiagnosed or overlooked, leading to delays in treatment. Another critical focus is enhancing public awareness and education about stroke symptoms, particularly in underserved communities, to ensure timely intervention.

In the coming years, I aim to contribute through a combination of clinical innovation, research, and collaboration. By participating in the Emerging Leader Programme, I hope to develop the leadership skills and global connections needed to support initiatives that reduce stroke-related disparities and promote patient-centered care.

Ultimately, I hope that in the future I can contribute by playing an active role in shaping future policies, advancing multidisciplinary collaboration and mentoring young clinicians and researchers to drive significant improvements in stroke outcomes.

RM:

Throughout my short research career, I have been mostly interested in implementation science. My PhD thesis investigated how a comprehensive national health policy led to breakthroughs in reperfusion treatment in Lithuania. I am very passionate about Learning Health Systems – nationwide systems that enable intelligent automation, clinical decision support, surveillance, and real-world research. Currently, I am actively involved in the development of the Lithuanian Stroke Database, which automates real-time stroke patient data collection from all eleven Lithuanian stroke centers. In addition, it enables selected performance indicator monitoring, reduces reliance on manual data entry, and minimizes human-induced bias. The database with an interactive performance measure dashboard should be available for use in the second half of 2025, supporting national health policy decisions and ensuring continuous quality improvement in stroke care in my country.

LP:

One of the major challenges I am dedicated to addressing is the establishment and optimization of stroke care infrastructure in Greece, particularly within the public healthcare system. Until recently, there were no official stroke units in Greek public hospitals. However, a recent ministerial decision has initiated the formation of stroke units across key regions. My primary focus is on ensuring the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of these units by monitoring quality of care, supporting training programs for healthcare personnel, and promoting the use of stroke care registries to evaluate patient outcomes systematically.

3. How has participating in the Emerging Leader Programme shaped your perspective, skills, or approach to leadership within the stroke community? Are there any particular moments or lessons that stand out?

MP:

Participating in the Emerging Leader Programme has been a transformative experience, significantly broadening my perspective on leadership and collaboration within the stroke community. The programme has taught me that leadership in stroke care extends beyond clinical expertise — it requires vision, effective communication, and the ability to bring together multidisciplinary teams to drive meaningful change.

The mentorship component of the programme has also been invaluable. Learning directly from established leaders has refined my skills in decision-making, project management, and fostering partnerships. These lessons have inspired me to think beyond individual clinical practice and focus on building systems that improve stroke prevention, care, and research on a broader scale.

RM:

The Emerging Leader Programme has provided me with a platform for professional growth and personal development, introducing me to stroke specialist networks that I could not have discovered and become a part of on my own. Having been assigned Dr. Alastair Webb as my mentor, I am eager to learn from his professional advice, research expertise, and critical feedback.

LP:

The Emerging Stroke Leader Programme has profoundly influenced my professional growth, expanding my leadership capabilities and reinforcing the importance of collaboration. One of the most impactful aspects has been the connections I have built with my fellow emerging leaders, Marieta Peitcheva and Rytis Masiliunas. Meeting them online and later in person during ESOC 2024 was a highlight of the programme. Our discussions and shared aspirations have inspired me to adopt a more global perspective on stroke care challenges and solutions. Overall, the programme has reinforced my belief that leadership in stroke care is not about individual achievements but rather about fostering teamwork, mentorship, and a shared vision for improving patient outcomes. The mentorship I have received has been invaluable, and I look forward to applying these insights to my ongoing initiatives.

4. What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to contribute to stroke research and care? How can they prepare themselves for leadership roles in such a dynamic and impactful field?

MP:

For young professionals aspiring to contribute to stroke research and care, my advice would be to remain curious, proactive, and collaborative. Stroke care is a rapidly evolving field, and staying updated on the latest research and guidelines is essential. Building a strong foundation in both clinical practice and research methodology will enable to understand and address the complexities of stroke from multiple perspectives.

Seek mentorship early in your career and don’t hesitate to reach out, ask questions, and engage with senior colleagues or networks like stroke societies or professional organizations.

Lastly, collaboration is key in this field. Stroke care is inherently multidisciplinary, involving neurologists, radiologists, nurses, therapists, and researchers. Build relationships across disciplines and engage in international networks to contribute to projects that make a broader impact.

The journey requires dedication, but the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of stroke patients and their families makes it incredibly rewarding.

RM:

In my humble opinion, some key elements for successful leadership are having a clear vision, building honest relationships, taking responsibility, and aligning your words with actions. I would advise other young professionals not to be afraid to ask for guidance and feedback from senior colleagues. Engaging with others, whether to seek advice or share a perspective, encourages growth, prevents making avoidable mistakes, and helps develop a meaningful course of action.

LP:

                To young professionals passionate about stroke research and care, I would emphasize the importance of continuous learning, networking, and perseverance. Stroke is a rapidly evolving field, and staying informed about the latest developments in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation is crucial. Attending conferences, participating in research projects, and engaging with stroke-focused organizations such as ESO can provide invaluable exposure and learning opportunities. Equally important is building strong professional relationships and seeking mentorship. Connecting with experienced stroke specialists can offer guidance, open doors to collaborations, and inspire new ideas. Leadership in stroke care requires not only scientific and clinical expertise but also the ability to advocate for systemic improvements, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively across disciplines.

Learn more about the Emerging Leaders Programme

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