A Postgraduate School of Epilepsy on the Sunny Side of the Alps

L' Ecole Pratique Jean Bancaud (EPJB) has become a traditional way of transferring knowledge and experience of »the neurology of epilepsy« based on the teachings of Jean Bancaud in the Sainte Anne Hospital in Paris. Using a non-formal small group setting with intense students' interaction it has been organized on a yearly basis in France.

The team led by Professor Patrick Chauvel (Hopital Timone Marseille), a former Bancaud assistant, accepted the invitation from the Slovenian ILAE Chapter to present the same format of teaching outside France. The aim was to offer it to junior specialists in the field mainly from Central and Eastern European countries often too small or not developed enough, having but a few professionals to deal with complex electro-clinical aspects of epilepsy.

The 2006 School will indeed repeat the usual framework of EPJB in English, with an accent on methodology and on temporal epilepsies as the first topics selected. Similarly, a variety of topics selected on either topographical or phenomenological principle, are to follow in the coming years covering adult and pediatric aspects.

Students' workshop will allow some cases to be discussed in public, but the setting of the Teaching Hostel and its garden invite to non-formal exchange of ideas and case discussions. Gradually, more active participation of professionals from the region is expected.

Students' Symposium to foster and discuss research in epilepsy will complete the offer.

The venue was chosen for the best blend of promotion of learning, practical and financial reasons. Possibility of travel grants is being discussed. The European Epilepsy Academy will help with its auspices and contribute credit points for the Curriculum.

Looking forward to meeting you in Radovljica!

Sincerely Yours,

Prim. Igor M Ravnik M.D., and Prof. Patrick Chauvel, M.D.

Slovenia 2006 Links: Letter | Invitation | Programme | Registration form