The Fourth International Summer Stroke School took place from 6 to 7 June at Medical University–Varna. The scientific forum, which brings together prominent specialists in the field of diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with cerebrovascular diseases, was organised under the auspices of MU–Varna and UMHAT “St. Marina"–Varna, continuing the tradition of multidisciplinary meetings dedicated to cerebrovascular pathology and stroke. The Rector of the University, Prof. Dr. Dimitar Raykov, sent a congratulatory address to the participants and organisers. On behalf of the academic management, Prof. Dr. Yoto Yotov, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, delivered a welcoming greeting.
The event is a part of the calendar of initiatives dedicated to the 65th anniversary of MU–Varna and the 40th anniversary of the establishment of UMHAT “St. Marina"–Varna. The forum is another example of the successful partnership between the two institutions in the education of medical professionals, the advancement of science, and the implementation of modern diagnostic and treatment methods.
“The Summer School has a distinctly multidisciplinary and practical focus. It is intended not only for neurologists from across the country, but also for cardiologists, diagnostic imaging specialists, healthcare professionals, neurorehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, and all professionals involved in the care of patients with acute stroke," stated Prof. Dr. Silva Andonova, Executive Director of UMHAT “St. Marina" – Varna and organiser of the event.
This year's forum placed emphasis on the development of the national network of six state-of-the-art cerebrovascular centres, whose establishment is expected to be completed by the end of June. Three of them are located in Sofia, while the others are situated in Varna at UMHAT “St. Marina", as well as in Plovdiv and Pleven. The centres are being established with funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
“These centres, where thrombolytic and endovascular treatment is provided, must operate in close coordination with other hospitals through a unified digital platform for rapid information exchange and timely referral of patients to the most appropriate treatment. This is a serious challenge for all of us," commented Prof. Andonova.
She expressed her gratitude to the HEMS teams, who also participated in this year's edition of the forum with the aim of clarifying a number of practical issues related to coordination between healthcare institutions and the capabilities of air emergency medical services.
“Together with the colleagues from Shumen, Dobrich, Targovishte, and other hospitals, we have the opportunity to establish effective working mechanisms so that the network of stroke treatment centres functions as efficiently as possible while also taking advantage of HEMS capabilities. Only through good cooperation and clear protocols amongst all units can we guarantee timely access to modern treatment and better outcomes for patients," underscored Prof. Andonova.
During her presentation, she provided current Eurostat data indicating that Bulgaria continues to be among the countries with the highest mortality rates from cerebrovascular diseases in the European Union. This renders the establishment of an effective stroke care network a national priority.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Michael Tsalta, Head of the Stroke Unit at the Second Clinic of Neurology at UMHAT “St. Marina"–Varna and co-organiser of the forum, introduced the international lecturers involved in the programme. Among them were Prof. Thorsten R. Döppner from Germany – a leading specialist in translational medicine and the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, and Prof. Craig J. Smith from the United Kingdom, who presented the latest scientific data on post-stroke cognitive impairment. The programme also included Ms Neli Petkova from Italy, who highlighted the issue of dysphagia and swallowing disorders in patients with various conditions, including those who have suffered a stroke.
With its scientific programme and international participation, the Fourth International Summer Stroke School once again affirmed the role of Medical University–Varna and UMHAT “St. Marina" as flagship institutions in the education of specialists and the development of modern approaches to the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases in Bulgaria.
