Interview with Professor Anita Arsovska

This week we want to introduce to you a valuable ESO member, a Fellow of the European Stroke Organisation and a strong collaborator of the WISE Committee of the ESO, Professor Anita Arsovska. Dr. Anita Arsovska is Head of Department for Urgent Neurology at the University Clinic of Neurology and Professor of Neurology at the University “Ss Cyril and Methodius”, Faculty of Medicine in Skopje, North Macedonia. Being a national coordinator for the ESO-EAST Northern Macedonia, Prof. Arsovska is working on implementing the stroke Action Plan in her country, promoting stroke prevention and raising stroke awareness, organising many public campaigns and scientific meetings and supporting the European and the World Stroke Day. Prof. Arsovska also participated in the Stroke Action Plan for Europe as part of the acute stroke management working group. We have been collaborating in the framework of the ESO EAST Project since 2015 and I would like to point out that Prof. Arsovska invests in an evidence-based treatment of stroke, with her time and expertise. She has an ability to motivate her colleagues and always brings a human positive energy into any of her actions.

Dear Prof. Arsovska, please tell us a bit about yourself and where do you work?

I am Professor of Neurology at the Faculty of Medicine, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” and Head of Department for Urgent Neurology at the University Clinic of Neurology in Skopje, N. Macedonia. I am Fellow of the European Stroke Organisation and current member of the ESO Education Committee. I was also a member of the Public Relations, ESO Trials Alliance and Membership Committees in previous years. ESO is a great platform that unites the stroke community and brings a sense of belonging.

Why are you attending ESOC? What does this bring to the participant?

ESOC 2023 is an excellent and exciting opportunity to learn about the latest advances in stroke management firsthand from renowned experts in the field. It is a great place to meet colleagues and friends, exchange ideas and establish future collaborations. The scientific programme offers a variety of educational workshops, debates about controversies, scientific communications and of course the results of the latest major clinical trials that shape the future of stroke neurology. I am honored that I will actively participate in the scientific programme with the lecture “Stroke in Pregnancy and Puerperium” which is part of the teaching course “Stroke in Women ”.

How have you benefited from attending ESOC in recent years?

Attending ESOC in the past allowed me to hear about the latest research, get to know new people in this field, and improve my presentation and communication skills.

Why is ESOC one the most impactful events of the year in the career of young neurologists?

I would strongly encourage young neurologists to attend ESOC. It aims to promote “state of the art” scientific content in all aspects of stroke, leading to better patient care and outcome. ESOC can positively influence the making of new professional connections that will be helpful in the personal future career path.

Please share the experience of presenting during ESOC, the topic and the emotions which you experienced during the preparation of the abstract and the presentation itself

During the ESO conferences in the past years I have taken an active part in the scientific programme, with poster/oral presentations and chairing scientific sessions. For example, I delivered an oral presentation entitled “Stroke Risk Factors in Women”, a topic in which I have a special interest. Preparing the abstract and the lecture is always a great responsibility, and I try to find new ways to engage the audience, spark discussion and communication and to keep the content fresh and interesting.

Why is sharing your research results on the ESOC Platform one of the steps for building-up a network with peers and why do you encourage this?

Basically, when we share our research data, it aids evaluation of research findings by a wider audience, so other colleagues can validate and replicate the results. ESOC fosters ideas and occasions to create/connect with stroke networks, encourages, and helps to better organise stroke care as well as allows identification of the most important/critical elements of one’s own work.

What does ESOC give you personally?

ESOC gives me new ideas and approaches that make me more effective and efficient at work. I learn new tips and tactics. I get to meet experts face to face; it brings me new energy of like-minded individuals. There are a lot of networking opportunities, endless possibilities to form new professional relationships and strengthen the existing ones.

Which ESOC experience will you never forget

Being part of ESO EAST (European Stroke Organisation: Enhancing and Accelerating Stroke Treatment) is a very special experience for me because this initiative brings together stroke enthusiasts from Eastern European countries. It is a first comprehensive programme to improve stroke care in Europe, closely linked to the RES-Q registry and the Angels Initiative. It is always a pleasure to participate in the ESO EAST meeting and share my own experience with colleagues who face similar issues in their efforts to ameliorate stroke management in their respective countries.