Training, conferences, and presentations help generate a deeper understanding of neurology.
By Aba Cissé, MD
Aba Cissé
I would like to extend my appreciation to the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) and the Association of British Neurologists (ABN) for the one-year neurology training opportunity in Cairo. Having Egypt as the destination of my first scientific trip was amazing.
My journey in this country, rich with stories and knowledge, started in September 2024. I was welcomed by Prof. Ahmed Abdelalim, who introduced me to the department and staff members. The training began as soon as my registration was done. The warm welcome I received made me feel right at home.
Training, conferences, and the teaching process
My first three-month shift started in the stroke and cerebrovascular unit and was led by Prof. Abdelalim. This department is divided into an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and an Intermediate Care Unit. Vascular emergency cases that may require thrombolysis are first received in the hyperacute stroke room. Depending on the clinical condition, the patient is then transferred either to the ICU for closer monitoring, or to the intermediate care unit for further investigations if the patient is stable.
Welcome picture at the stroke and cerebrovascular unit. From left to right: The nurse’s team, Dr. Aba Cissé, Prof. Ahmed Abdelalim, Dr. Khaled Moghazy, Dr. Samar, and Dr. Reham Shamloul.
Finally, the patient then undergoes standard hospitalization before being discharged. The time I spent in this unit allowed me to learn more about thrombolysis and the management of stroke patients during the acute stage, based on the latest clinical practice guidelines.
My next three-month rotation was in the multiple sclerosis (MS) unit, where I saw a large number of patients in outpatient consultations. This experience helped me better understand MS and increased my confidence using the 2024 McDonald Diagnostic Criteria for MS diagnosis. I have learned a multidimensional approach for many different profiles of MS.
I then spent three months in the clinical neurophysiology unit. There, I learned the methodical approach for managing a large number of patients. I have a better understanding of electrophysiological explorations and the techniques used for EEG recording and interpretation.
Finally, I was stationed in the epilepsy unit. I participated in a follow-up that integrated the clinical, electrophysiological, and therapeutic aspects of epileptic patients. We learned how to choose properly and to adjust anti-seizure medications according to the patient profiles.
Throughout my stay, I learned about neurosonology, specifically transcranial and carotid duplex, with Prof. Sandra Ahmed. She guided my first steps in this field until I was able to perform vascular screenings by myself. She was a great inspiration, and I would like to further develop my skills in neurosonology and implement it in my country.
Throughout the year, we participated in neurology residency teaching courses, including the grand rounds clinical case discussions every Monday. We had the opportunity to attend about 11 international conferences and many workshops. In the process, we met numerous well-known international speakers in neurology and heard about the great work they are doing around the world. They motivated us to move forward and keep looking for what can be done.
Challenges
We faced a number of difficulties in this adventure, such as the registration process and the language barrier with patients who speak in Arabic. With assistance from colleagues, professors, friends, WFN office members, and by the mercy of God, we overcame them.
Awards
I received two recognitions during my time at the Training Center. They were:
- Third best presentation at the Fourth International Egyptian Headache Conference (Egy-Headache 2025)
- Second best presentation at the 16th Annual Conference of the Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Department at Cairo University (Cairo Neuro).
Conclusion
This year in Cairo was intensive, interactive, and helped me understand the dynamic waves of the subsocieties within neurology and how huge they are. All young neurologists should undergo this kind of immersion. It could guide you in the future, so you will better know how to surf those waves without being submerged.
Acknowledgments
Thanks to everyone who made it possible and supported me psychologically, physically, and financially. First and foremost, to the WFN, the ABN, and Cairo University.
To all the professors of the neurology departments of Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital: Ahmed Abdelalim, Adel Hassanein, Sandra Ahmed, Amr Hassan, Nermeen Kishk, Foad Abd-Allah, Reham Shamloul, Mona Nada, Hala Elhabashy, Ehab Shaker, Haytham Rizk, Shaymaa Shaaban.
Special thanks to Prof. Geraldine Ahmed, dean of the faculty of dentistry at Cairo University for her kindness.
To my colleagues, specifically Dr. Khaled Moghazy, Dr. Samar, Dr. Nourhan, Dr. Mahmoud Abouzeina, Dr. Antar, Dr. Hisham, Dr. Anas Elgenedy, Dr. Oumar Yacoub, Dr. Ahmed, Dr. Mohamed, Dr. Engy, Dr. Amani, Dr. Wefa’a, Dr. Sahar, and all other residents and staff members.
To my brother, friend, and roommate Dr. Mamadou Khaira Bah, thank you for your presence and your support during this time.
To my friends and students from Mali studying in Cairo. To my professors in Mali, who provided me the initial training. To my entire family, especially my wife, for her patience and support.
Thanks to God for making it a safe journey. •
Aba Cissé, MD, is a young neurologist from Mali who served as a one-year WFN Fellow from September 2025 to August 2025 at Cairo University, Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital.
- Neurology residents at Kasr Al-Ainy and Prof. Foad Abdallah (center), after a Thursday round in the Intermediate Care Unit.
- Headache case scenarios simulation and teaching at Monday’s grand round.
- Assistant Prof. Dr. Nourhan Mohamed performs a cerebral velocity study session on a patient using transcranial Doppler.
- A training session on transcranial and carotid duplex during a Monday grand round conducted by Prof. Sandra Ahmed (center) and assisted by Dr. Nourhan Mohamed (left).
- From left to right: Assistant Prof. Dr. Nourhan Ahmed, Dr. Aba Cissé, and Prof. Anita Arsovisca (North Macedonia), during the Seventh International Egyptian Stroke Conference at Hilton Heliopolis Hotel in Cairo.
- From left to right: Prof. Riadh Gouider, Prof. Sandra Ahmed, (Tunisia), Dr. Aba Cissé, and Prof. Ahmed Abdelalim at the Seventh International Egyptian Stroke Conference at the Hilton Heliopolis Hotel in Cairo.
- Dr. Aba Cissé (second from right) meeting Prof. Sheila Martins (World Stroke Organization’s immediate past president) and her committee during the visit for accreditation of the Kasr Al-Ainy Stroke and Cerebrovascular Unit.
- Stroke case simulation training presented by Prof. Ahmed Abdelalim during stroke workshops at the 16th Annual Conference of the Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Department at Cairo University (Cairo Neuro).
- Dr. Aba Cissé giving a presentation at the Fourth International Egyptian Headache Conference, Egy-Headache 2025, at the Hilton Grand Nile Hotel in Cairo.
- Dr. Aba Cissé (second from right) receives the third best presentation from Dr. Mona Nada at the Fourth International Egyptian Headache Conference at the Hilton Grand Nile Hotel in Cairo.
- Closing ceremony of the Sixth Epilepsy Educational Course at the Sheraton Hotel in Cairo.
- Dr. Aba Cisse (second from left) and the other award winners a tthe 16th Annual Conference of the Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Department at Cairo University (Cairo Neuro).
