Awardee: Sopiko Kartsivadze, S. Khechinashvili University Hospital, Tbilisi Georgia
Host Institution: Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria, under the supervision of Prof. Michael Knoflach
In October 2023, I had a great chance from ESO Department to Department Visit Programme to spend one month in the Stroke Unit in Neurology Clinic of University Hospital of Innsbruck under the supervision of Prof. Michael Knoflach.
Every morning I had an opportunity to attend a morning conference where doctors, residents and students from different neurological departments were present and the condition of patients admitted during the night shift was discussed. Twice a week we could listen to young doctors sharing their research results or curious medical cases, which was followed by an interesting discussion.
During my visit, I spent most of the time in the acute stroke care unit which provides specialized services for people with new suspected stroke. Prof. Priv. Doz. Dr. Gregor Brössner and Dr. Wolfgang Nachbauer would lead morning rounds in the ward. Despite the busy and stressful environment, they were keen to explain everything to me and answer all my questions. Dr. Christian Böhme and Dr. Federico Carbone were kind and considerate, trying to make my stay in the clinic informative and diverse.
I also had an opportunity to spend some time at the Emergency Department, which is the first point of contact with the doctors for patients with neurological problems as well as suspected
cerebrovascular events. I had a chance take part in the management of acute stroke, where patients received thrombolysis and were transferred for thrombectomy. The process was very well organized and everyone was aware of their tasks.
First time I visited Innsbruck as a tourist in 2016. The city left a great impression on me. I was
amazed by the beauty of the mountains and always wanted to come back. A month spent in
Innsbruck introduced me to the Austrian culture. I attended the Austrian National Day on October 26 and really fell in love with Tyrol and especially the beautiful Innsbruck nestled in the Alps.
I should definitely mention that there is a beautiful atmosphere between residents, doctors, students and nurses in the hospital. They make a strong team with knowledge and experience of fighting against stroke.
Upon returning home, I shared the knowledge gained in Austria with my colleagues.
I will be forever grateful for this opportunity that ESO and Prof. Michael Knoflach gave me. It
was a really important step forward for my neurological career.
About the ESO Department to Department Visit Programme
The Department to Department Visit Programme aims to provide insight into stroke departments outside the applicant`s home country through a grant of EUR 1,500 offered to up to 10 young physicians and researchers to support a short visit of a week or as a contribution to a longer visit to an European department or laboratory.
