The vision of the new Editor-in-Chief of the World Stroke Academy

03 Jun 2020

The new Editor-in-Chief of the World Stroke Academy is Prof. Gustavo Saposnik - Associate Professor of Neurology and Director, Outcomes Research & Decision Neuroscience Unit at St Michael’s Hospital|University of Toronto. Keep reading to learn more about his vision of the development of the World Stroke Academy.

Dear Colleagues and WSO Members,

I have been honored to serve as the new Editor-in-Chief (EiC) of the World Stroke Academy (WSA).

I, herein, would like to express my gratitude to the Executive Board members of the WSO who unanimously supported my designation.

As you know, the WSA is the educational platform of the WSO. The role and scope of the WSA are not trivial. The WSA carries multiple responsibilities, from managing editorial decisions and leading strategic directions to disseminating and enhancing the knowledge of stroke around the world.

At a personal level, throughout my medical education in multiple countries and now as a faculty member and scientist I share my passion with team members and colleagues. By fostering new relationships, I believe many people were inspired by my enthusiasm, commitment, and efficiency. Across multiple editorial roles, I welcome new ideas and diversity of opinions—key elements when aiming for excellence.

My goal as the EiC of the WSA would be based on strengthening three pillars: i) teamwork and collaboration, ii) facilitating access to practical and high-quality material relevant to our daily stroke practice, and iii) increasing the value of the WSA.

I am aiming to expand the number of users and contributors of the WSA. This is a great opportunity to work together to reach out to colleagues passionate about improving stroke care from across the globe (in particular, bearing in mind that two-thirds of the stroke burden occur in the developing world).

There are no secrets to the success of the WSA. It would be based on your commitment, academic contributions, communication along the IJS, Educational and Research Committees at the WSO, and dissemination of our activities. Paraphrasing Edward Everett Hale (American author- 1822-1909)¹: “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success”.

I am looking forward to working with you in transforming the WSA as the vehicle to support the WSO mission of “reducing the global burden of stroke through prevention, treatment, and long-term care”.

Wishing you to stay safe and healthy in the challenging times of COVID-19,

Gustavo

Gustavo Saposnik, MD MPH FRCPC

Associate Professor of Neurology

HSF Canada Career Scientist

Director, Outcomes Research & Decision Neuroscience Unit

St Michael’s Hospital|University of Toronto

PhD Candidate in Neuroeconomics |University of Zurich