Awardee: Dr. med. Nataliia Chemer
Host Institution: Visit to University Hospital Bern (Switzerland), PD Dr.med. Mirjam Heldner
I arrived at the hospital due to the kind invitation of PD Dr.med. Mirjam Heldner, who is doing a great job supporting Ukrainian colleagues during such a difficult time for all of us.
My direct interest is the organisation of the process of care for patients with асute stroke, but the experience I gained turned out to be much broader. Taking daily part in rounds, examinations of patients in the stroke unit, observe the work of the emergency department and the diagnostics department, I had the opportunity to delve into all the details of the process. My mornings began by a round in the stroke unit. Under the direction of PD Dr. med. David Seiffge, there was a detailed analysis of patients’ status, a discussion of MR-imaging, a treatment plan, rehabilitation programme for patients with acute stroke.
The professionalism and working atmosphere created in the stroke center is something the hospital can be proud of. The organisation of the patient’s reception, the transfer of information by the ambulance team, neuroimaging, the adoption of a clinical decision on the treatment of the patient are organised with the clarity of a Swiss watch. The decision-making process seems simple and obvious when performed by a team of professionals.
My favorite part of the day was working in the ultrasound laboratory (neurosonography). Each patient, outpatient and inpatient, has a detailed examination, which is compared with the previous period and discussed as a unique case. In parallel, research programmes are being carried out – a huge amount of work that is being done by the laboratory specialists.
The equipment of the clinic impressed me, but the greatest impression was made by the friendliness and readiness of colleagues for a detailed explanation of the diagnostic nuances. I was involved in all processes, both clinical and educational. Lectures, lunches, online learning, discussion of patients on rounds and during breaks – a non-stop educational process in the intensive life of the hospital. I was pleasantly surprised by the opportunity to observe the thrombextraction procedure directly in the operating room, accompanied by comments from the interventional surgeon about the difficulties that arise during the intervention and the subsequent analysis of the case.
The Stroke Center under the direction of Prof. Marcel Arnold, serving a population of around 2 million, is the unique place for diverse education, diagnosis and treatment of stroke. In my practice it was the best opportunity for knowledge acquisition and clinical experience that I was able to take full advantage of. Additionally, staying in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, with all its vast cultural heritage, museums and architecture is an obvious benefit in an
observership programme.
Sincerely, Thanks from Ukraine
Nataliia Chemer
The ESO Task Force for Ukraine developed a special edition of the Department to Department programme for Ukrainian physicians.
The ESO Ukraine Department to Department Visit Programme offers a grant of €1,500 to 10 Ukrainian physicians and researchers to support a short visit of 1-2 weeks, or as a contribution to a longer visit to a European Stroke Unit.
