Report of Registrar’s Prize in Clinical Neuroscience
The Registrar’s Prize in Clinical Neuroscience, directed by Dr. Áine Merwick, took place on January 29th.
The very high standard of presentation in both the Interesting Case Report and Original Research categories, which has been manifest throughout successive meetings, was again in evidence at this, the first virtual Registrar’s Prize meeting. Neuroscience Centres, throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland, were represented at the meeting, with three sessions of Case Reports. Presenters joined chairpersons for lively question and answer sessions following their presentations, and delegates were encouraged to submit questions to presenters.
The scientific quality and novel features of the presentations was very high, with excellent presentation skills demonstrated. To view the meeting programme please click here.
Dr Merwick encouraged the trainees with publishing or bringing to other forums and notably some of the presentations reflected work that had already been submitted or appeared in published format. Hopefully the registrar’s future work will get opportunities to be presented and they will use the feedback from the meeting in progressing with the next phase of planned research. Offline feedback and engagement was encouraged as the level of interest, in the research section in particular, was such that all questions couldn’t be asked in the allotted time.
Judges truly had the most difficult role and the educational merit of presenting cases remains clear for registrar’s in training as well as providing opportunities for reflection on similar cases previously seen by audience members. Grateful appreciation was extended to all the meetings presenters, chairs and judges, along with sponsors of the meeting Biogen, and to the IICN team. Special thanks went to Colette Fitzpatrick and Michelle Ryan Moran who were instrumental in ensuring each aspect of the meeting was planned for and that the meeting was such an enjoyable and successful event.
Awards
Two prizes were awarded in the very competitive Interesting Case Report category.
- Dr. Poornima Menon
“The interrupting imposter linking dementia, ataxia and parkinsonism”
Menon PJ, Counihan T, Elamin M. - Dr. Andrew Lockhart
“CSF Gq1B Antibodies; Expanding the Miller Fisher Syndrome Spectrum?”
Lockhart A, Mills J, Boers P.
Prize for best Original Research presentation
- Dr. Mary Clare McKenna
“Repeated median nerve conduction studies for possible carpal tunnel syndrome – a retrospective review”.
McKenna MC, Connolly S.
Registrars showed their ability to adapt well to change and embraced the virtual version of meeting including the live question and answers components. Time keeping was exemplary all round and AV support was excellent.
The ability for trainees and previous alumni and neurology diaspora as well as the Neurosciences community of the whole island to participate was a highlight of the meeting, and more than compensated for the absence of the ability to provide the virtual equivalent of the aroma of freshly made coffee & biscuits.
It was also good to see such a large turnout virtually attendees throughout the day. There were perhaps even some feline and canine unregistered attendees. Time keeping was exemplary all round and AV support was excellent.
