career – European Stroke Organisation

ESO YSPR Research Design Workshop at ESOC 2024 – Interview with Chuanhui Li

Carine Legio — Tue, 14 May 2024 16:00:47 +0000

14/05/2024/in ESO, ESOC /by Carine Legio

During the Young Stroke Physicians and Researchers (YSPR) session at ESOC 2024, four early career stroke physicians and researchers will present their planned or ongoing projects and receive feedback from two renowned stroke experts.

The session is open to all and will take place on Wednesday, 15 May, 08:30 – 10:00 CEST, in Room Singapore.

In this series of interviews, we are going to introduce the early career physicians and researchers who have been selected to present their research.

Today we introduce Chuanhui Li.

Chuanhui is a medical doctor and interventional neurologist at Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University in China.

The title of his presentation is Endovascular Treatment Of Severe Cerebral Venous Thrombosis.

Can you tell us something about yourself?

I am a medical doctor and interventional neurologist based in Beijing. Currently, I am an early-career physician and researcher at the Department of Neurology and Stroke Centre at Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, China. My research focuses on recanalization therapies for acute ischaemic stroke, including intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatments.

How did you get involved in stroke research? Why did you choose this topic?

During my internship in neurosurgery and neurology, I developed a preliminary interest in cerebrovascular diseases. I later learned that stroke is a challenging disease that causes death and disability among the Chinese population, which further strengthened my determination to engage in work related to cerebrovascular disease. Dr. Xunming Ji, my postdoctoral supervisor at Xuanwu Hospital, informed me that research was essential if I wanted to become a top clinical physician. High-quality clinical research can guide clinical practice and assist in the prevention and control of cerebrovascular diseases.

Having gained some experience in conducting clinical research through internships and by working on the BAOCHE trial, I decided to continue my journey in stroke research, in collaboration with Dr. Xunming Ji and Prof. Tudor Jovin.

What have been the most difficult challenges regarding your research career so far?

So far, the most difficult challenge of my research career came from the research process of the BAOCHE trial. BAOCHE was an investigator-initiated, multi-centre, randomized controlled trial conducted over a 5-year period in China. The results of BAOCHE were published in NEJM, in 2022. BAOCHE was the first trial in which I fully participated. There were many difficulties and challenges during the trial, but of course, difficult things teach you the most, and I have gained a lot of experience from working on this trial.

How do you balance work life and free time/home life?

Balancing work life and personal time is an ongoing challenge for many people. Here are some of my strategies that can help strike a healthier balance:

Set clear boundaries: Define your work hours and stick to them. Avoid checking emails or working late into the night unless it’s absolutely necessary. Communicate your availability and boundaries to your colleagues and supervisor.
Make a schedule: Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes both work and personal time. Block out time for activities you enjoy, such as reading, exercise, or spending time with family and friends.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep. These habits will improve your energy levels and help you stay focused at work and at home.
Communicate with your family: Talk to your family about your work schedule and responsibilities. Explain when you need to focus on work and when you’re available for family time.
Find a hobby: Having a hobby or interest outside of work can help you decompress and maintain a sense of identity and purpose.

Remember, achieving a healthy work-life balance is an ongoing process that requires conscious effort and adjustment.

What do you think a mentor should do to support the projects and the career of a mentee and, conversely, what should a mentee expect from a mentor?

A mentor should offer advice, direction, and insights into the field to help the mentee navigate challenges and opportunities. This could include suggesting strategies for tackling project issues, offering advice on career paths, or identifying areas for professional growth. While providing guidance, a mentor should also encourage the mentee to take risks and try new things. This can help the mentee develop their skills and confidence, ultimately leading to greater success in their projects and careers.

The mentee should actively seek the mentor’s guidance and advice, using it to enhance their work, projects, and career path. Although the mentor-mentee relationship can be personal, it should remain professional. The mentee should respect the mentor’s boundaries and maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions. In summary, a successful mentor-mentee relationship requires a commitment from both parties to support, learn from, and grow together.

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ESO YSPR Research Design Workshop at ESOC 2024 – Interview with Georgina Figueras- Aguirre

Carine Legio — Tue, 14 May 2024 16:00:28 +0000

14/05/2024/in ESO, ESOC /by Carine Legio

Session ID SC2 is open to all and will take place on Wednesday, 15 May, 08:30 – 10:00 CEST, in Room Singapore.

In this series of interviews, we are going to introduce the early career physicians and researchers who have been selected to present their research.

Today we introduce Georgina Figueras- Aguirre.

Georgina is a medical doctor specialised in Neurology at Parc Tauli Hospital. Within the hospital, she is part of the neurovascular team under the leadership of Dr. Canovas.

The title of her presentation is Cognitive Improvement After Carotid Revascularization in Asymptomatic Patients.

Can you tell us something about yourself?

I’m a mother of two lovely children, and I find joy in practicing yoga, playing tennis, and reminiscing about my past in competitive skiing. Curling up with a good book is also one of my favorite pastimes.

How did you get involved in stroke research? Why did you choose this topic?

During my medical studies, my fascination with neurology and the intricate exploration of the nervous system blossomed. Throughout my residency in Neurology, I found myself increasingly drawn to neurovascular pathology, captivated by its urgency, the acute nature of its treatments, and the complexities of its underlying causes.

Concerning carotid disease, we established a multidisciplinary committee comprising vascular surgeons and interventional neuroradiologists. Together, we meticulously evaluate each case to determine the most appropriate treatment and management strategies for asymptomatic carotid arteries. It was during these evaluations that we observed a recurring trend: many patients presented with memory complaints, and intriguingly, some experienced noticeable improvements following revascularization procedures.

What have been the most difficult challenges regarding your research career so far?

Balancing all aspects of life can indeed be the greatest challenge. Juggling the demands of work and family requires careful navigation, while ensuring our patients receive the highest quality of care amidst conducting research and staying updated on advancements can feel like a constant juggling act. However, with passion and enthusiasm driving our efforts, we find that everything falls into place in the end.

How do you balance work life and free time/home life?

Indeed, navigating through busy or intense periods can be quite complicated. However, with a strong sense of organization and resilience, we can effectively manage even the most demanding of times. I firmly believe in the importance of carving out time for oneself and nurturing hobbies, as well as dedicating quality time to our loved ones. These moments of personal rejuvenation and connection serve as vital anchors amidst life’s whirlwind.

What do you think a mentor should do to support the projects and the career of a mentee and, conversely, what should a mentee expect from a mentor?

From my perspective, effective communication and a shared commitment to teamwork are paramount on both ends. A mentor’s role is to empower their mentee, drawing out their best qualities while ensuring they feel supported and not overwhelmed. It’s crucial for the mentor to be approachable and available, fostering an environment of trust and open dialogue. Simultaneously, the mentee must demonstrate dedication and actively cultivate this relationship, fostering a mutual exchange of ideas and insights.

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ESO YSPR Research Design Workshop at ESOC 2024 – Interview with Alexandra Rodrigues

Carine Legio — Tue, 14 May 2024 16:00:18 +0000

14/05/2024/in ESO, ESOC /by Carine Legio

Session ID SC2 is open to all and will take place on Wednesday, 15 May, 08:30 – 10:00 CEST, in Room Singapore.

In this series of interviews, we are going to introduce the early career physicians and researchers who have been selected to present their research.

Today we introduce Alexandra Rodrigues.

Alexandra is a neuroradiology resident based in Lisbon and Funchal, Portugal. She is affiliated with NOVA Medical School.

The title of her presentation is Development of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Relevant Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Treatment in Posterior Circulation Stroke.

Can you tell us something about yourself?

Art and science are probably what describe me best, making neuroradiology an obvious choice since it combines neuroscience with imaging. I love to explore new places, immerse in different cultures and try food. Music and introspection echo is my routine.

How did you get involved in stroke research? Why did you choose this topic?

Stroke offers a unique window into the brain; particularly how certain functions can be selectively shut down and yet may recover in surprising ways. I am especially interested in artificial intelligence and advanced MRI techniques. The development of a predictive algorithm was prompted by our hospital needs, which is a high-volume stroke center (around 500 mechanical thrombectomies for acute ischemic stroke per year). Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in posterior circulation stroke is one of the most severe consequences of reperfusion therapies. Still, the debate continues on the best approach to treat these patients. Our goal is to enhance our understanding of HT following successful thrombectomy, with or without intravenous thrombolysis, by exploring the associated risk factors. Additionally, we aim to develop an algorithm to stratify the risk of HT, aiding the stroke team in the management of patients who undergo these procedures.

What have been the most difficult challenges regarding your research career so far?

Time. It is challenging to meet all the demands of residency, including shifts, studying, staying up-to-date, completing courses, attending conferences, and finding time for research. I believe there should be space for the creativity to flourish. Additionally, especially in the neuroradiology setting, access to software and equipment isn’t always straightforward, sometimes even impossible.

How do you balance work life and free time/home life?

The Portuguese national health system is facing tough times, and I agree that sometimes it is hard for me to interrupt the rhythm when the demand is high. I try to allocate specific time to my family, friends and to Amélia, my dog, all of whom I value the most. Regarding personal time, the most sacred rule I have is to get enough sleep. Yoga and dancing are good ways to relax. Travelling is the best way to disconnect.

What do you think a mentor should do to support the projects and the career of a mentee and, conversely, what should a mentee expect from a mentor?

I am grateful to be surrounded by inspiring women, who lead me in every way. Besides a mentor who provides references and tools, I value their expertise in soft skills, which are difficult to learn on google. I count on them to first identify my mistakes and direct me towards improvement. As a mentee I try to be reliable in the first place, and second, I work to be consistent. Communication is the most important aspect in the relationship.

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ESO YSPR Research Design Workshop at ESOC 2024 – Interview with Bonaventure Ym Ip

Carine Legio — Tue, 14 May 2024 16:00:06 +0000

14/05/2024/in ESO, ESOC /by Carine Legio

Session ID SC2 is open to all and will take place on Wednesday, 15 May, 08:30 – 10:00 CEST, in Room Singapore.

In this series of interviews, we are going to introduce the early career physicians and researchers who have been selected to present their research.

Today we introduce Bonaventure Ym Ip.

Bonaventure is a vascular and interventional neurologist currently serving as a clinical assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He works at the Prince of Wales Hospital (Hong Kong), which serves a catchment area of 1.8 million people in its thrombectomy network.

The title of his presentation is Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist In Acute Large VesseL Occlusion Stroke Treated By RePerfusion Therapies – A Pilot Study (GALLOP).

Can you tell us something about yourself?

I am interested in neuroprotection in large-vessel-occlusion (LVO) stroke, advanced image analysis in LVO and stroke treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation on oral anticoagulation. I have two lovely cats and I love reading, cooking and music.

How did you get involved in stroke research? Why did you choose this topic?

I was first involved in cerebrovascular researches led by my mentors Professors Thomas Leung, Vincent Mok, Lawrence Wong, and Dr Yannie Soo. The immersion in their patient-centric researches fueled my passion in scientific discoveries and patient care. My colleagues in the Prince of Wales Hospital are also very supportive of researches.

I started to explore neuroprotective agents for LVO patients after a midnight thrombectomy. The patient improved dramatically after the procedure but developed reperfusion syndrome with malignant cerebral edema and passed away shortly despite aggressive resuscitation. I hope to find a neuroprotective agent that could alleviate blood-brain barrier dysfunction during acute LVO in the periprocedural period. Inspired by Professor Ho Ko from our institute who demonstrated the reversal of blood-brain barrier leakage with relevant transcriptomic changes in aged mice after GLP1-RA treatment, we thought it could be useful in LVO patients. We anticipate enthusiastically the final results of our pilot study.

What have been the most difficult challenges regarding your research career so far?

5. What have been the most difficult challenges regarding your research career so far?
Building a research network within and among hospitals can enhance patient recruitment and yield fruitful discussions to shape study design, scientific merit and new ideas. It is at the same time challenging given the immense clinical and research duties we all shoulder. A close collaboration is also built heavily on mutual trust and respect, this is especially true for investigator-initiated studies. Therefore, I would like to take the chance to thank my friends in the Linyi People’s Hospital, especially Professor Fengyuan Che and Dr Hao Wang, for their trust and participation in the GALLOP study.

How do you balance work life and free time/home life?

I play music at dawn.

What do you think a mentor should do to support the projects and the career of a mentee and, conversely, what should a mentee expect from a mentor?

A mentor should ensure academic freedom, while simultaneously guide the scientific quality, funding acquisition and necessary collaboration opportunities for the mentee’s projects. Also, early career researchers could be overwhelmed by the amount of work and rejections. Psychological support is therefore an indispensable part of mentorship. I am extremely grateful that my mentors have supported me in this way all along. A mentee should expect guidance from a mentor, not direct solutions.

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ESO YSPR Research Design Workshop at ESOC 2023 – Interview with Lina Palaiodimou

Carine Legio — Wed, 24 May 2023 05:30:30 +0000

24/05/2023/in ESO, ESOC /by Carine Legio

During the Young Stroke Physicians and Researchers (YSPR) session at ESOC 2023 in Munich, four early career stroke physicians and researchers will present their planned or ongoing projects and receive feedback from two renowned stroke experts, Prof Charlotte Cordonnier and Dr Bob Siegerink.

The session is open to all and will take place on Wednesday, 24 May at 8:30 in Room 13 a.

In this series of interviews, we are going to introduce the early career physicians and researchers who have been selected to present their research.

Today we introduce Lina Palaiodimou.

She completed her Neurology Residency Program at the Second Department of Neurology at the National and Kapodistrian University (Athens, Greece) in 2019. She currently works as a member of the stroke team and research assistant at the Attikon University Hospital (Athens, Greece) directed by Prof Georgios Tsivgoulis. During the last year, she has been attending a training program on Neurosonology offered by Prof Christos Krogias (Department of Neurology, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Herne, Germany).

How did you get involved in stroke research?

The most important role in my involvement in stroke research was played by Dr Georgios Tsivgoulis, Professor and Chairman of Neurology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Greece, who showed me the way to evidence-based stroke science. In addition, he inspired me with his perseverance, organizational skills and teamwork. Hopefully, I will also be able to integrate these qualities into my professional life.

What have been the most difficult challenges regarding your research career so far?

The most difficult challenge for me so far has been maintaining a balance between my professional and personal life, which I think we all struggle with from time to time. For me, being with my loved ones, trying out new hobbies and gaining new experiences have given me the strength to come back to work focused and with new ideas. That is why I believe that personal and professional life are complementary and should not compete with each other.

Why did you choose this topic and how do you think this may have an impact on future stroke care?

The topic of my presentation is the investigation of potential predictors for clinical outcomes after symptomatic intravenous thrombolysis (sICH) for acute ischemic stroke. Several risk factors have been detected and incorporated into risk scores for predicting sICH post intravenous thrombolysis. However, when a sICH does occur, risk factors associated with adverse functional outcomes are less studied. During my current research project, we aim to investigate these factors with a specific interest on hematoma location. Does an extra-ischemic sICH vs. an intra-ischemic sICH have similar prognosis? And if not, should I also focus on risk factors predisposing on extra-ischemic sICH specifically?

What inspires you?

Stroke patients and their families, and the fight they face post-stroke, give me strength and inspiration to continue my own “fight” in stroke care and research.

What helps you clear your head after a hard day’s work?

When I need to reset, jogging will do the work! If I feel stressed or just want to clear my head after work (making room for new ideas), then I’ll just go for a quick run in the neighborhood.

The post ESO YSPR Research Design Workshop at ESOC 2023 – Interview with Lina Palaiodimou first appeared on European Stroke Organisation.

ESO YSPR Research Design Workshop at ESOC 2023 – Interview with Esther Janssen

Carine Legio — Wed, 24 May 2023 05:30:26 +0000

24/05/2023/in ESO, ESOC /by Carine Legio

The session is open to all and will take place on Wednesday, 24 May at 8:30 in Room 13 a.

In this series of interviews, we are going to introduce the early career physicians and researchers who have been selected to present their research.

Today we introduce Esther Janssen .

She completed her bachelor in Psychobiology at the University of Amsterdam and the Psychopharmacology and Pathophysiology Master’s track of the Biomedical Sciences program, also in Amsterdam (The Netherlands). She currently is a PhD student at the Department of Neurology at the Radboudumc in Nijmegen, with a research focus on the effects of hypertension on the brain.

How did you get involved in stroke research?

This was mostly a coincidence. During my Master’s programme I applied for a research project at the Anatomy Department of the Radboudumc on the effects of different diets on the brain. One of the expertises of this group was cerebrovascular pathology, so here I first learned about the brain microvasculature and using MRI to visualize this. Because I wanted to dive deeper into this matter, I went to Edinburgh for a second internship to work with Prof Joanna Wardlaw. This was a great experience and when I got the opportunity to come back to the Radboudumc for a PhD position in this research field, I didn’t have to think about it for very long!

What have been the most difficult challenges regarding your research career so far?

The most difficult challenge so far was starting my PhD during the Covid-19 lockdown. Especially during the first months of your PhD, interaction with colleagues and exchanging ideas about your research is very important, but unfortunately I had to work from home. The pandemic also made the inclusion of participants very challenging, so I wasn’t off to the best start. Fortunately, when the restrictions were lifted, I discovered how much fun collaborating with colleagues and working together in the same research field is.

Why did you choose this topic and how do you think this may have an impact on future stroke care?

During my first research project, I examined the effects of hypertension in brain tissue obtained post-mortem, so per definition in a late stage of small vessel disease (SVD). This is in fact one of the caveats in SVD research; most studies are performed in older individuals, where MRI markers of SVD such as white matter hyperintensities are already visible. But how are we going to delay SVD onset or slow down SVD progression if we’re looking only in individuals with late stage disease? This is why we started the Hyperintense study, where we examine the effects of hypertension and temporary increase in blood pressure in younger individuals, without evident SVD. I believe that studying these early cerebrovascular changes can help us move forward by providing much needed knowledge about SVD onset. This may ultimately be translated to new therapeutic or lifestyle strategies to treat SVD.

What inspires you?

I get most of my inspiration from simply talking with my colleagues, researchers from other hospitals and departments or friends. Just a simple chat while waiting for your coffee at the coffee machine can sometimes give you insights that are easily overlooked when you’re very focused on your own research project. I think discussing your research with people outside your research field can offer new perspectives and creative ideas.

What helps you clear your head after a hard day’s work?

I find that working out is the best way to clear my head and end my working day. I especially enjoy cycling, but I also like to go for a run. Lucky for me, the surroundings of Nijmegen, the city where I live, are a great place to do both. After a long day of work, cooking a nice meal and trying out new recipes also helps me relax (especially when I get to eat it afterwards ?).

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ESO YSPR Research Design Workshop at ESOC 2023 – Interview with Jonathan Andrae

Carine Legio — Wed, 24 May 2023 05:30:23 +0000

24/05/2023/in ESO, ESOC /by Carine Legio

The session is open to all and will take place on Wednesday, 24 May at 8:30 in Room 13 a.

In this series of interviews, we are going to introduce the early career physicians and researchers who have been selected to present their research.

Today we introduce Jonathan Andrae .

He studied medicine at the Philipps-University Marburg where he graduated in summer 2021. Before starting his residency at the University Hospital Freiburg (Germany), he worked at a reception center for refugees. He currently works at the Stroke Unit and is part of the “neurovascular imaging” research group led by Prof A Harloff.

How did you get involved in stroke research?

I was approached by one of my senior physicians who asked me about my career plans and my interest in research, and we talked about some of his projects that sounded very interesting. A few days later, I was asked if I could imagine joining the research group and happily agreed.

Why did you choose this topic and how do you think this may have an impact on future stroke care?

Currently, most guidelines referring to stenosis of the internal carotid artery mainly focus on the degree of stenosis, although other important risk factors are also identified. Our goal is to establish a more personalized risk profile for patients, including individual biomarkers, to provide the best possible primary and secondary prevention and identify patients who will benefit from intensified care.

What helps you clear your head after a hard day’s work?

The method that works best for me is a good workout. However, sometimes you are just exhausted after a hard shift and really don’t feel like working out. In that case, 20 minutes on an acupressure mat and some music by Ludovico Einaudi work wonders as well.

What do you expect from a mentor in stroke science?

I would hope for guidance regarding structuring and funding research projects. Ideally, I can discuss my ideas with him/her and get constructive feedback. Furthermore, I would hope for a good combination of support in my clinical as well as scientific development.

What can your mentor expect from you?

I think I can provide a high level of reliability and well-structured work. I am attentive and curious. My mentor could expect a strive for clinical and scientific expertise.

The post ESO YSPR Research Design Workshop at ESOC 2023 – Interview with Jonathan Andrae first appeared on European Stroke Organisation.

ESO YSPR Research Design Workshop at ESOC 2023 – Interview with Annaelle Zietz

Carine Legio — Wed, 24 May 2023 05:30:14 +0000

24/05/2023/in ESO, ESOC /by Carine Legio

The session is open to all and will take place on Wednesday, 24 May at 8:30 in Room 13 a.

In this series of interviews, we are going to introduce the early career physicians and researchers who have been selected to present their research.

Today we introduce Annaelle Zietz.

She finished her medical studies in Homburg, Germany in 2018. She started her clinical training at the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, where she currently works as a resident and is MD PhD student in her last year under the guidance of Prof Nils Peters and Prof Stefan Engelter.

How did you get involved in stroke research?

While working in the emergency department of our clinic I got interested in stroke and stroke related research questions. Through the MD PhD programme and with the help of my supervisors and our stroke research team I was able to dive more deeply into this interesting field.

Why did you choose this topic and how do you think this may have an impact on future stroke care?

While my MD PhD concentrates on clinical and neuroimaging outcome predictors in stroke patients with atrial fibrillation, I am also interested in the field of neurorehabilitation. As medical network advisor and core member of the ESTREL (Enhancement of Stroke Rehabilitation With Levodopa) team I aim to improve the neurorehabilitative care of our stroke patients.

What inspires you?

Finding answers to relevant open clinical questions that we are confronted with in everyday clinic practice regarding stroke care.

What helps you clear your head after a hard day’s work?

I like to meet my friends and visit the theater after work. Going for a hike and travelling is another way for me to recharge.

What can your mentor expect from you?

My mentor can expect from me that I will work hard and take my enthusiasm with me to tackle any new research question of interest.

What is the best piece of advice you have received in your professional life?

To choose a research interest that truly fascinates you, otherwise it will get difficult to keep the balance between your clinical work, research activities and private life.

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ESO YSPR Research Design Workshop at ESOC 2022 – Interview with Ivy Sebastian

Lara Le Noan — Tue, 03 May 2022 06:38:30 +0000

03/05/2022/in ESO, ESOC /by Lara Le Noan

During the Young Stroke Physicians and Researchers (YSPR) session at ESOC 2022 in Lyon, four early career stroke physicians and researchers will present their planned or ongoing projects and receive feedback from two renowned stroke experts, Prof. Kennedy Lees and Prof. Martin Dichgans.

The session is open to all and will take place place on Wednesday, 4 May at 08.30 in Salon Pasteur and will be avaliable to watch on demand via the ESOC platform.

In this series of interviews, we are going to meet the early career physicians and researchers who have been selected to present their research and learn more about them.

Today we introduce Dr Ivy Sebastian.

Dr. Sebastian is a Neurologist from India, currently working at St. Stephen’s Hospital, New Delhi.

Tell us something about yourself.

I am a fellow of the inaugural cohort of the World Stroke Organisation’s Future Stroke Leaders program. My entire medical training has been from Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India where after my Bachelors, and MD in Internal Medicine, I went on to specialise in Neurology. My chief area of interest is Stroke, and as a young clinical researcher, I aspire to find ways where low-cost or no-cost interventions specific to resource poor countries can be designed for improving stroke care.

How did you get involved in stroke research?

My first exposure to a large clinical trial was as a senior registrar in Neurology, when I had the privilege of being involved with the ATTEND trial. This was a turning point in my life, and being part of it, revealed to me the importance of conducting a good quality research trial and the impact it can have. Thereafter, training in a comprehensive stroke centre under the mentorship of Dr Jeyaraj Pandian, further instilled in me a passion for clinical stroke research. This began the journey of my stroke research with many collaborations towards improving systems of stroke care especially in LMICs.

What have been the most difficult challenges regarding your research career so far?

I have been quite fortunate with regards to the opportunities that have come my way. However, one of the main challenges to conducting research in India, is the lack of a dedicated research time in our work culture. Juggling clinical work, academics and research together with no distinct boundaries can be very demanding. The poor funding support for young researchers in the country is another severe lacunae, and without good collaboration it is difficult to receive international funding.

Why did you choose this topic?

The most challenging aspect of stroke research in LMICs is to find effective means to provide an equal and uniform modicum of care for all patients. However in LMICs such as India, where the number of available specialist neurologists is discrepantly low to the existing population, it becomes imperative that we search for alternative models of stroke care such as task sharing with non-specialists. Empowering physicians and nurses to deliver evidence based stroke care, is a potential cost-effective and feasible model of stroke care, which if implemented successfully can help improve delivery of quality stroke care.

How do you balance work life and free time / home life?

I believe it is necessary to remain open to redirecting and assessing your priorities each day, and adapting accordingly. At present, I try to ensure that my evenings are reserved for my family, however times when I have to travel or anticipate busy evenings, I try to plan ahead and prioritise. Although there may be no ‘perfect’ work-life balance, having an extremely supportive and encouraging family has definitely helped.

What do you think a mentor should do to support the projects and the career of a mentee and, conversely, what should a mentee expect from a mentor?

A mentor should be there to guide the mentee towards unique opportunities, develop collaborations, provide constructive criticism for studies, and also offer experienced advice when things don’t go your way. In return, a mentee should also be dedicated and goal-oriented towards the collaborations and projects. While every mentor-mentee relationship is unique in its own qualities, the basis to a successful rapport depends upon maintaining a free channel of communication and discussion.

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