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Communications of the European Neurological Society July 2008 Topics I. Statistics of the 18th ENS Meeting in Nice, France The statistics of the total number of abstracts submitted (1066) to the Scientific Committee of the Eighteenth Meeting of the European Neurological Society, which took place on June, 7-11, 2008, in Nice, France, have been evaluated, and are given below. The bar-chart of Fig. 1 illustrates the number of abstracts submitted according to each topic dealt with at the ENS meeting. Concerning the number of abstracts accepted, the pie-chart of Fig. 2 gives the distribution by which those abstracts selected by the Scientific Committee were presented at the congress in Nice; as poster or oral presentations. Each abstract is peer-reviewed by three experts assigned by the Scientific Committee of the Nice Meeting. The experts include both specialists and non-specialists, whereby at least one is a specialist in the particular research field being presented. Using a ranking system ranging from 0 to 5, where 5 is the highest score, allows the experts to grade each abstract according to its scientific quality. An average grade is then calculated for the particular abstract, producing an evaluation range from the highest to lowest score. Based on this ranking system, and in agreement with the author, abstracts are selected for either podium or poster presentation. Specialists web-based computer software permits the immediate retrieval of data from reviewers throughout Europe, in order to support the reviewing system. All accepted abstracts were published in the Journal of Neurology, Volume 255, Supplement 2, June, 2008.
Fig. 1 Number of Abstracts Submitted per Topic. The highest number of abstracts submitted for presentation at the Nice Meeting dealt with the topics Multiple Sclerosis [202], Cerebrovascular Disorders [157] and Dementia/Higher Function Disorders [70], followed by Epilepsy [62].
Fig. 2 Percent of Abstracts Accepted According to the Method of Presentation. Out of the total number of abstracts accepted (875) for presentation at the Eighteenth ENS Meeting in Nice, 80% (698) were selected as posters, while 20% (177) were chosen to be presented orally. However, out of the total number of abstracts submitted (1066) for presentation, 18% (191) were rejected. Final Registration Statistics: Total number of participants were 3238, from 86 countries, worldwide. The number of participants (3238) to the 18th ENS Meeting in Nice, France, represents a continuous increase in general interest in the Annual Meetings of the Society, an expansion which has been observed over the past several years. ENS extends thanks to sponsors and exhibitorsThe European Neurological Society wishes to express its most cordial thanks to all sponsors and exhibitors for their participation at the 18th ENS Meeting in Nice, France. Their contributions played a significant role in the success of this annual meeting of the Society. Sponsors
List of Exhibitors Allergan, Mougins / FR
II. Special Programme for Young Neurologists to Attend the ENS Meeting in Nice As concerns the ENS meeting in Nice, the statistics on the number of grant applications received per country have been evaluated. Applications were obtained from 39 countries, while the total number of applicants applying for the grant was 535. Out of this number of applicants, 330 were approved for participation in the Young Neurologists Programme to attend the 18th ENS Meeting in Nice, France, June 7-11, 2008.
III. ENS Fellowship Stipend 2009: 2nd Deadline October 15, 2008
Fellowship terms: The European Neurological Society will support the scholarship holder for a period of 6 months. The monthly stipend amounts to € 2,000. The scholarship is to be held at a host institution in Europe during the year 2009. ENS sponsors this programme to provide an opportunity for talented researchers to participate in an exchange of scientific activities between home and host institutions. Programme is primarily aimed at young neurologists contributing actively at ENS Meetings. Eligibility: Applicants must be less than 40 years of age, and affiliated with an academic neurological department. Applicants and/or home or host institution must be active at ENS meetings. The ENS invites applicants from European nations, as well as those outside Europe. Application: The following documents are required:
Application forms: Application forms can be obtained online at: (www.ensinfo.org). An original and 5 copies of each application must be sent to: Prof. A. Steck Submission deadline: October 15, 2008
IV. Report on the Annual Meeting of the YNT After a short introduction on current YNT activities by Johann Sellner, refer to the YNT website (www.eaynt.org), Prof. Bassetti opened the Session with his view on important steps towards How to Present Difficult Cases at Grand Rounds. He unravelled this struggle for young neurologists by guiding them through 6 important aspects to be considered. The presentation was accompanied by interesting clinical cases and videos to exemplify his point of view, and included interactive case discussions with the participants. Prof. Schmutzhard continued the Session with hints on How to Examine Comatose Patients, which included 10 steps towards a comprehensive examination. He reported on his own experience and major shortcomings, and gave examples frequently made by young clinicians. Finally, the Session was concluded by Dr. Martin S. Weber, a promising junior scientist currently active in multiple sclerosis, with suggestions as How to Get a Paper Published Despite Major Revisions. He impressively guided the participants through the reviewing process of his recent paper published in Nature Medicine, and provided insights as to correspondence with editors and the handling of reviewer comments. Particularly, he stressed the importance of discussing these often difficult steps with an experienced mentor, and maintaining self-confidence towards one’s data and results. The YNT would like to thank the ENS Executive Committee for making this event possible, and the continuous support it provided during recent years. The Association looks forward to the next YNT Annual Meeting, which will take place during the 19th ENS Conference in Milan, Italy, June 20-24, 2009.
V. Letter from the European Union of Medical Specialists, Section of Neurology - European Board of Neurology Wolfgang Grisold and Svein Mellgren on Behalf of the UEMS/European Board of Neurology and the Joint ENS /EFNS Examination Committee. The UEMS/Board and Section of Neurology will establish a European Board Examination in neurology from 2009 onwards. This will be part of a European quality circle to improve and boost the training and education of neurology in Europe. Additionally the UEMS/EBN will establish visitation of departments by a UEMS/EBN visitation committee to secure the quality of education. Residents who train in visited centres will receive a reduction of the examination fee. The examination will consist of two parts. A written part is based on a multiple choice test and an oral examination, where 4 cases with structured questions and answers will have to be answered. Extra points can be obtained by presenting an own case or his or her scientific work achieved during training. The details and registration procedure will be announced on the UEMS/EBN website (www.uems-neuroboard.org). In the first phase of the examination only candidates from EU countries are eligible, and they must either have passed their national examination or have a confirmation of their national society, that they are eligible to do so. This national confirmation will also take into account the practical skills. Thus, the UEMS/EBN examination will be a three step process consisting of national certification, and the written and oral UEMS/EBN test. As the European countries have their own qualification systems, the UEMS/EBN examination will have no legal power but may be considered as a significant mark of excellence. For the future it is hoped that countries which have no qualification system yet will adopt this examination as their standard. The successful candidates of the UEMS/EBN will be awarded the title ‘Fellow of the European Board of Neurology’. The UEMS/EBN will cooperate with the two largest European neurological societies (ENS and EFNS) to develop the UEMS/EBN examination, launch it and maintain the quality by a continuous update and scientific input. An examination committee of the UEMS/EBN and the ENS and EFNS is in the process of being put together. The first examination will take place during the 19th Meeting of the ENS, which will convene on June 20-24, 2009, in Milan, Italy.
Editor Dr. Clay E. Reilly |
The Annual Meeting of the European Association of Young Neurologists and Trainees (YNT) took place during the 18th ENS meeting in Nice on June 8th 2008. It was attended by a overwhelming number of young neurologists interested in issues on How to Improve Clinical and Scientific Performance. The Session was chaired and organized by the Secretary of the YNT, Johann Sellner of Munich, Germany, and the former YNT President, Cristian Falup-Pecurariu of Brasov, Romania. Speakers at the YNT Meeting included Prof. Claudio Bassetti, Zurich; Prof. Erich Schmutzhard, Innsbruck and Dr. Martin S. Weber, Munich, Germany.