An international conference - Rare Cases in Pediatric Neurology was held at Tbilisi State Medical University. The two-day event was dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences. The conference was opened by Professor Irakli Natroshvili, Rector of TSMU. The TSMU rector, together with the conference participants, observed a minute of silence in tribute to the Patriarch Ilia II, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the development of the country and religious life.
Professor Irakli Natroshvili emphasized the importance of the conference, noting that it had been planned several months in advance and dedicated to the anniversary of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences. He highlighted the presence of distinguished international speakers who later shared their expertise and expressed his gratitude to all participants for their involvement.
Following the opening session, the international speakers were introduced by Professor Sophia Bakhtadze, TSMU Vice Rector and Head of the Department of Pediatric Neurology. In her remarks, she noted that the conference focused on rare clinical cases in pediatric neurology and expressed appreciation to the invited foreign guests for their participation. She underlined that the presentations and discussions would be valuable for both students and medical professionals.
During the conference, Georgian and international speakers presented and discussed rare and complex clinical cases in pediatric neurology, with particular emphasis on modern approaches to diagnosis and management. The two-day program included thematic presentations, analysis of clinical cases, and professional discussions.
Among the invited speakers were prominent representatives of the international academic community, including Professor Maria Roberta Cilio (KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium), Professor Ilona Anna Kopita (Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland) and Professor Barbara Plecko (Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria).
Professor Maria Roberta Cilio emphasized that the conference represents an important platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing. She highlighted the necessity of close cooperation between neonatologists and pediatric neurologists, stressing the importance of coordinated work with neonatal intensive care units, the development of recommendations and effective communication.
Professor Ilona Anna Kopita underlined the importance of such conferences for professional development and experience sharing. She noted that international collaboration enables healthcare professionals to better understand the practices of other countries, discuss challenges and explore cultural dynamics, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of both professional and societal issues.
Professor Barbara Plecko emphasized the strong connection between European professional networks and Georgia, noting that Georgian specialists are active members of the broader European scientific community. She highlighted that international cooperation is essential for the discussion of clinical cases and the exchange of experience and that participation in such conferences significantly contributes to professional growth.
The conference was attended by pediatric neurologists, family physicians, pediatricians, neonatologists, anesthesiology and intensive care specialists, professionals in physical medicine, balneology and rehabilitation, as well as students.
