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Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, President of the World Federation of Neurology (WFN)
Three weeks to go before the XXI World Congress of Neurology (WCN) 2013 will start. Why did you select “Neurology in the Age of Globalization” as congress theme?
The theme "Neurology in the Age of Globalization" was chosen by our Austrian colleagues. However, it is very appropriate, since during my presidency the World Federation of Neurology has changed its mission "to foster quality neurology and brain health worldwide". In pursuit of this goal, we have formed a World Brain Alliance comprising all the major brain organizations.
At this Congress for the first time, we have joint sessions with some of the major partners, including The World Psychiatry Association, the Federation of Neurosurgical Societies, Alzheimer International, Movement Disorders Society, World Stroke Organization, International League Against Epilepsy and a session with participation of representatives of the World Health Organization.
How many delegates do you expect and how do you engage them in the sessions?
We already have more than 5,300 registrants and we expect hundreds more. We will be providing a broad range of interactive formats. However, the most important interactions of all will be the informal personal ones among the delegates.
Why did you choose Vienna as destination?
There are many good reasons why Vienna was chosen. It has a long and distinguished tradition in neurology, it is a magnificent city and also is at the heart of Europe, allowing for many more delegates to attend than if it were in some other location. The main purpose of the Congress is to take neurology where it would have the greatest impact and given its central location, Vienna is ideal to have many individuals participate.
How important is the WCN for World Federation of Neurology (WFN)?
The World Congress of Neurology is extremely important to the World Federation of Neurology, since it is our opportunity to highlight neurology in different parts of the world. We have a rotation system whereby the Congresses move from continent to continent and one of the criteria for choosing a site is precisely where we would have the greatest impact on neurology and related disciplines.
What are the top three challenges for the WFN these days?
1. The main challenge to the World Federation of Neurology is to advance its mission of "fostering quality neurology and brain health worldwide" in collaboration with the World Brain Alliance and other partners.
2. To find better ways of looking after the sick, educating the young and advancing knowledge in an era of increasing needs and shrinking resources.
3. To help the world realize that "Brain health is the supreme wealth" which is the subject of my Presidential address.
The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) was formed in Brussels in 1957, as an association of national neurological societies. Today WFN represents 114 professional societies in 113 countries in all regions of the world, and each society registers its own individual member neurologists with us. The World Congress of Neurology (WCN) has been the world's largest scientific event in neurology for over half a century. The WCN 2013 will take place from 21 – 26 September at Reed Messe Wien, Congress Center in Vienna, Austria. www.wfneurology.org