Author: 
Inna Savchyna
Host Institution: Stroke Unit, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
As part of the ESO TF4UKR Department-to-Department Visiting Programme, I had the privilege of completing a ten-day internship at the Stroke Unit of the University Hospital de Santa Maria under the supervision of Professor Ana Catarina Gaspar Fonseca, a highly qualified neurologist with extensive expertise in cerebrovascular medicine. Hospital de Santa Maria is the largest university hospital in Portugal and the country’s leading medical center, closely affiliated with the University of Lisbon. The Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit plays a central role in providing specialised care while integrating clinical practice, scientific research, and teaching.
During the internship, I followed the full pathway of patients with acute stroke – from admission at the emergency department to clinical evaluation, neuroimaging, and decision-making regarding treatment (thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy). Particular attention was given to ensuring alignment between presenting symptoms and diagnostic findings, which enabled a highly personalised approach to each patient. The Stroke Unit can be highly estimated by its high level of organisation: efficient triage, standardised imaging protocols, and well-coordinated teamwork of a multidisciplinary staff (neurologists, interventional neuroradiologists, anesthesiologists, and nurses). A key feature was that physicians strictly adhered to acute ischemic stroke treatment protocols, and patients are sure to receive timely and effective care. The level of interventional stroke therapy meets the highest international standards.
The atmosphere at the Stroke Unit was exceptionally welcoming and hospitable. Doctors were eager to share their expertise, explain the organisational structure of stroke care in Portugal, and engage me in clinical discussions. I also had the opportunity to observe other departments of the hospital, which provided a broader perspective on how practical stroke care is integrated within a large university medical center.
I am deeply grateful to Professor Ana Catarina Gaspar Fonseca as well as the entire team of the Stroke Unit at Hospital de Santa Maria, and the ESO TF4UKR programme for this invaluable professional experience.
Learn more about the TF4UKR Programme: https://eso-stroke.org/resources/tf4ukr/
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