"Coffee Talks" Create Inspiring Dialogue at the 26th World Congress of Neurology
Engaging Conversation and Visionary Insights from Leading Neurology Experts
Centered around the theme Brain Health is Our Greatest Wealth, the 2023 World Congress of Neurology (WCN) in Montréal, provided a unique platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and visionary discussion.
Amidst the many highlights of the enlightening five-day conference were three thought-provoking "Coffee Talks" organized by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN). Each 30-minute session provided a different topic and featured a panel of fresh perspectives.
Learn about each of the Coffee Talks and how they not only served as a forum for open dialogue, but also provided updates on WFN partnerships and initiatives.
Coffee Talk 1: WFN and WHO: A Continued Collaboration
From left to right: Dr. Steven Lewis, Chief of Neurology, Lehigh Valley Health Network; Alla Guekht, Director, Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry; Dr. Wolfgang Grisold, President, World Federation of Neurology; Dr. Tarun Dua, Unit Head, Brain Health Unit in the Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization; Riadh Gouider, Head of Neurology, Razi University Hospital
WFN and the World Health Organization (WHO) convened a thought-provoking discussion on the enduring nature of their partnership, featuring esteemed panelists who have made indelible contributions to the field. Moderated by Dr. Steven Lewis, Chief of Neurology at Lehigh Valley Health Network, the panel included Dr. Wolfgang Grisold, President of the World Federation of Neurology; Alla Guekht, Director of the Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry; Dr. Tarun Dua, Unit Head of the Brain Health Unit in the Department of Mental Health and Substance Use at the World Health Organization; and Riadh Gouider, Head of Neurology at Razi University Hospital.
This Coffee Talk provided a dedicated space for the panelists to reflect on the significant milestones achieved through their collaborative efforts. Beyond a mere retrospective examination, the dialogue embraced a forward-looking approach, delving into how the combined endeavors of WFN and WHO can continue to shape and enhance neurological healthcare on a global scale. By fostering an environment conducive to the exchange of ideas and insights, the event underscored the vital importance of sustained collaboration between organizations committed to improving global health outcomes.
Learn more about WFN and WHO's ongoing collaboration.
Coffee Talk 2: WFN: Past, Present and Future
From left to right: Dr. Wolfgang Grisold, President, World Federation of Neurology; Vladimir Hachinski; William Carroll, Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, Perron Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia; Raad Shakir, Professor of Neurology, Imperial College London
This insightful conversation delved into the profound and historic journey of the WFN, providing an in-depth exploration of the organization's remarkable history. The discussion traced WFN's origins and highlighted significant milestones in its evolution over the years. Guided by the perspectives of eminent figures in neurology—including the current WFN President, Dr. Wolfgang Grisold, and former WFN Presidents Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, Dr. William Carroll, and Dr. Raad Shakir—the conversation took the form of a vibrant narrative, seamlessly interweaving historical accounts, contemporary reflections and forward-looking visions for WFN's future.
Read about WFN's mission and rich history.
Coffee Talk 3: Educational Projects of the World Federation of Neurology
From left to right: Morris Freedman, Head, Division of Neurology, Baycrest; Riadh Gouider, Head of Neurology, Razi University Hospital; Vanessa Carvalho, Neurologist, Hospital Santa Maria, Lisbon; Ashley Logan, Founder and CEO, Yakkety Yak Marketing; Dr. Wolfgang Grisold, President, World Federation of Neurology; Dr. Steven Lewis, Chief of Neurology, Lehigh Valley Health Network; Alla Guekht, Director, Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry
This discussion highlighted WFN's commitment to advancing knowledge and expertise in neurology, with a particular focus on under-resourced regions. Panelists included Dr. Wolfgang Grisold, President, World Federation of Neurology; Morris Freedman, Head, Division of Neurology, Baycrest; Riadh Gouider, Head of Neurology, Razi University Hospital; Vanessa Carvalho, Neurologist, Hospital Santa Maria, Lisbon; Ashley Logan, Founder and CEO, Yakkety Yak Marketing; Dr. Steven Lewis, Chief of Neurology, Lehigh Valley Health Network; Alla Guekht, Director, Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry
Dr. Grisold emphasized the importance of empowering regions to train their own neurologists and acknowledged WFN's role in addressing shortages. The panel recognized that increasing neurologists alone is insufficient and that future efforts must also aim to raise neurological awareness across all levels and stages of the health care process. Global partnerships and visiting neurologist programs connect young neurologists with different health systems, fostering collaboration and new ideas. WFN also plans to continue virtual platforms for global neurology training and education. This adaptation reflects a commitment to accessibility beyond traditional in-person gatherings. Overall, WFN's multifaceted initiatives underscore its dedication to shaping the future of global neurology.
From the enduring collaboration between WFN and the World Health Organization, envisioning a future where milestones continue to shape neurological health worldwide, to the historical journey and forward-looking visions of WFN, and the commitment to advancing knowledge through educational projects, each Coffee Talk session unveiled a facet of WFN's dedication to transforming the landscape of global neurology.
Better neurological health for all is a collaborative journey. Join us for the 2025 World Congress of Neurology in Seoul as we continue the conversation, share our knowledge, and work collaboratively towards a world where brain health is prioritized as our greatest wealth.
