World Stroke Organization Meet our new WSA Editor-in-Chief: Assoc. Prof. Octávio Marques Pontes-Neto
25 Jul 2024Read the full interview here.
Q. Can you share a bit about yourself and your journey in the field of stroke research and education?
A. My name is Octávio Marques Pontes-Neto. I am a neurologist from Brazil, currently living in Ribeirão Preto, a city of 650,000 inhabitants located 300 km from São Paulo, Brazil. I graduated from Medical School at the Federal University of Ceará in 1999 and completed my Neurology Residency and PhD at Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo in 2003. My stroke training also includes a stroke fellowship in Barcelona, Spain, at Vall d’Hebron Hospital with Dr. Carlos Molina (2007-2008), and a post-doctoral research fellowship in Boston, USA, at Massachusetts General Hospital – Harvard Medical School under the supervision of Prof. Steve Greenberg (2011-2013).
Currently, I am an Associate Professor of Neurology and the Chief of the Stroke Service at Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo. I served as President of the Brazilian Stroke Society (2016-2018) and am currently a Co-Chair of the Education Committee of the World Stroke Organization (WSO).
In addition to neurology and stroke, medical education is another significant passion and integral part of my professional life. Apart from being responsible for teaching about stroke and neurological emergencies to medical students and other healthcare graduates of our university, I have been the Director of our Neurology Residency program and Stroke Fellowship at Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, and Chair of our Postgraduate program, where I have primarily advised over 40 PhD and MSc students. Over the last two decades, training medical students, stroke researchers, neurology residents, and stroke fellows in stroke and neurological emergencies has been an incredible journey and learning experience, one that I have been pursuing with passion and dedication.
Q. What are you most looking forward to in this new position of Editor-in-Chief of the World Stroke Academy?
A. I am deeply honored by this new position as Editor-in-Chief of the World Stroke Academy (WSA). I am eager to contribute to this wonderful initiative that is the core educational activity of the World Stroke Organization and provides high-quality stroke education to healthcare professionals. As Editor-in-Chief, I am looking forward to providing a strategic direction for the WSA and to maintaining its excellence in developing educational materials about stroke for healthcare professionals worldwide. I am particularly eager to collaborate with the WSO Committees and programs to create diverse, peer-reviewed content that aligns with our shared vision of a world free from the effects of stroke. My focus will be on enhancing accessibility to stroke education, especially in low-resource settings, and supporting stroke networks to foster educational activities at various levels. I look forward to working with a dedicated team that values new ideas and diverse opinions. By coordinating outreach activities and leveraging various formats for education, we aim to make a meaningful impact in reducing the global burden of stroke. This role is a tremendous opportunity for me, and I am committed to making a positive difference in the field of stroke education.
Q. In your opinion, what are the most pressing challenges in stroke education today?
A. Education about stroke today faces significant challenges that impact the effectiveness of implementation efforts, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. A primary issue is public awareness; many people lack knowledge of stroke symptoms and the correct activation of pre-hospital emergency systems. Additionally, awareness and effective control of risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and obesity are often insufficient. This problem is compounded by health disparities, where individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and diverse cultural or linguistic groups face barriers to accessing relevant education and healthcare services.
Healthcare professional training also presents several challenges, as continuous education on the latest stroke treatment protocols is necessary for effective management. Interdisciplinary coordination among healthcare providers is also impaired by gaps in education. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires comprehensive public health campaigns, improvements in the healthcare system, community outreach, and targeted education programs for both the public and healthcare professionals. In this context, the World Stroke Academy (WSA) stands as a reliable source for both the basic essential content and the latest advanced information in the field of stroke.
Q. When you’re not immersed in your professional work, what are some of your favorite hobbies or activities that help you unwind?
A. When I’m not immersed in my professional work, I love to engage in activities that help me unwind and recharge. One of my favorite hobbies is playing musical instruments, which serves as a therapeutic escape from daily stress. Music, in general, has a relaxing effect on me, allowing me to express myself creatively. Additionally, I cherish traveling with my family, exploring new places, and creating lasting memories together. The shared experiences and adventures strengthen our bond and provide a refreshing change of scenery. Another activity that I enjoy is playing tennis and other sports with my two kids. It’s a fun and healthy way to spend quality time together, and it keeps us all active and energized. These hobbies not only provide relaxation but also bring joy and fulfillment to my life.
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