ESO Scholarship Report – European Master Programme in Stroke Medicine (MAS) – Vojtech Novotny

My first experience with the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) was at the ESO Conference in 2017 in Prague. I immediately understood the importance of this wonderful organisation for a developing stroke researcher and clinician, as well as the educational opportunities it offers. I had the opportunity to participate in other ESO events and initiatives, including the Stroke Summer School and the ESO Young Stroke Physicians and Researchers (YSPR) Committee, where I became more familiar with all the amazing work being done. I first learned about the master programme from my two colleagues in Bergen who participated in the previous one at the University of Krems in Austria. Their positive experiences and reviews made it my dream to start the master programme one day, aligning with my emerging interest in this field.

Finally, in 2021, I received an email from ESO about the new European Master Programme in Stroke Medicine (MAS), organised by one of the leading stroke centers in Europe affiliated with the University Hospital in Bern, Switzerland. Without hesitation, I applied in the middle of my residency. Specialized education programmes can be costly and often beyond the financial abilities of a regular resident. Fortunately, ESO offers scholarships for many of its events, including the MAS. This way, ESO provides opportunities to all physicians interested in stroke, regardless of their financial situation, country of origin or career stage. After a friendly but comprehensive interview, I received a scholarship covering 25% of the tuition. This prestigious recognition from ESO helped me secure an additional grant locally, and my dream came true.

The programme is certainly one of the best experiences of my life, both professionally and personally. Several aspects stand out and are worth mentioning for future candidates. I had the opportunity to meet and learn from top experts in stroke medicine. I also gained insights into various national healthcare systems and their logistics within stroke care, which are inspiring and motivating for further professional development. The networking with other students throughout the two-year programme has been invaluable; many of them have become not only good friends but also potential future collaborators.

Despite the programme being primarily online, the three onsite weeks in Bern were highly enjoyable and provided valuable experience at the Bern Stroke Center, where I met many experts and other students in person. The other three onsite weeks were dedicated to visits at renowned European stroke centers, making the programme even more exciting from a professional point of view.

In conclusion, I sincerely recommend this programme to all physicians interested in stroke medicine, regardless of age or career stage. I would like to express my deep gratitude to ESO and the Bergen Stroke Research Group for this life-enriching opportunity. I also thank the local organising committee in Bern for creating an extremely high-quality educational programme that contributes to the global improvement of stroke care, which is the goal for us, the representatives of the European Stroke Organisation.

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