D2D Report – Stefan Bojovic

First of all, I would like to thank Prof. Mira Katan for the invitation, as well as the European Stroke Organisation for the opportunity to participate in the Department-to-Department Visit Programme. During my two-week stay, I had the chance to be part of the stroke team at the University Hospital of Basel, and it was a truly valuable and inspiring experience.

As a neurology resident from a hospital with a specialised stroke unit, I am aware of the importance of timely intervention and comprehensive stroke care. Continuous learning and exposure to different clinical systems are essential for improving patient outcomes. My visit to the University Hospital of Basel offered valuable insight into how one of Europe’s leading healthcare systems delivers high-quality stroke care through excellent organisation and teamwork.

My stay began with a short morning meeting involving the neurology department, followed by rounds at the stroke unit. During rounds, the team discussed newly admitted patients, outlined diagnostic plans, and reviewed options for potential transfers. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and included as part of the team. Later, I joined the emergency department team and observed a live stroke code. I was truly impressed by the efficiency of the pre-notification system. The ED team was already well informed about the patient before arrival, and everything from the initial assessment through CT, CTA, and CT perfusion imaging was carried out smoothly and quickly. Decisions about reperfusion therapy were made with confidence and speed, and door-to-needle as well as door-to-groin times were impressively short, reflecting excellent team coordination and preparation.

Throughout the visit, I participated in neurology consultations across the ICU and other wards, mainly focused on cerebrovascular cases. In addition, I participated in neurosonology examinations of stroke patients. Learning about the hospital’s protocols and performing some of the examinations myself was very valuable for my clinical practice. An important part of the weekly routine was the regular collaboration with neuroradiologists. These meetings involved reviewing imaging together, discussing individual cases, and making joint decisions on further diagnostics and treatment options. This interdisciplinary approach was both effective and inspiring.

A particularly interesting aspect was learning about the ongoing MOSES Study, which explores whether stroke patients with elevated MR-proANP may benefit from DOACs even in the absence of previously diagnosed atrial fibrillation. This important question highlights the evolving landscape of secondary stroke prevention and the role of biomarkers in guiding individualised therapy.

I would especially like to thank my mentor during this journey, Dr. Joachim Fladt. It was a real pleasure to work alongside him and learn from his knowledge and clinical approach. I’m also very grateful to all the staff in the stroke unit and emergency department for their warm welcome and for openly sharing their experience with me.

With kind regards,

Stefan Bojovic, MD
Clinical Centre of Montenegro, Clinic for Neurology