2026 Elections: Candidate Statement for WFN Elected Trustee

Walter Struhal (Austria)

Walter Struhal MD
Prof. Walter Struhal

I am grateful that WFN and the Austrian Society of Neurology (ÖGN) consider me for the position as elected trustee.

About me

I am a neurologist based in Tulln, Austria, with a subspecialty in neurocritical Care. I serve as Professor of Neurology and Head of Department, University Clinic Tulln, Karl Landsteiner University. My clinical and academic interests include autonomic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, neurocritical care, and medical education.

Organisational experience

My engagement with the WFN began in 2009, when I initiated a Young Neurologists working group, inspired by Vladimir Hachinski and Wolfgang Grisold, with its inaugural meeting at the WCN Bangkok. In 2010, I was invited by Raad Shakir to support the website team and helped establish the WFN’s first social media presence. I subsequently contributed to the Education Committee and the global neurology workforce survey.

From 2014 to 2023, I served for the e-communication subcommittee, overseeing the redesign and modernization of the WFN website. I currently serve as Editor-in-Chief of eNeurologicalSci and Co-Editor of World Neurology (editor Steven Lewis). In addition, I have served as President of the European Federation of Autonomic Societies, co-Chair of the Ethics and Quality Advisory Board of EAN, and am president-elect, ÖGN.

What I stand for

Training and education in Neurology to address the high burden of disease: WFN has a unique opportunity to strengthen e-learning, support blended learning, enable training and experience exchange through department visits, and foster on-site learning and support the initiatives of national neurological societies.

Global Neurology collaboration as a central priority. In times where resources may shift from neurosciences and patient services, the WFN is of exceptional importance to advocate for global neurology — supporting initiatives aligned with WHO IGAP and the national neurological societies.

I would be grateful for your support—please vote for me if these priorities resonate with you.

 

Other Candidate Statements

In alphabetical order.

Secretary General

  • Prof. Marianne de Visser
  • Prof. Mohammad Wasay
  • Prof. Tissa Wijeratne

Elected Trustee