Education & Training

With the generous contribution of experts in the corresponding fields, jointly with EPAG (EpiCARE Patient Advocacy Group), we continuously develop a program of educational webinars. Together with the e-learning modules developed in partnership with the ILAE, they offer comprehensive state-of-the-art reviews, accessible to all and free of charge. At first presentation, all our webinars also offer a “meet the expert” opportunity during a live Q&A part. Collected evaluation surveys following educational webinars and their outcomes are used as a tool for reflection and improvement of future webinars and other educational materials. The webinars are available on our website and present a library of knowledge that can also be used for training purposes at all medical departments caring for the epilepsies.

Members of ERN EpiCARE, in close collaboration with EPAG, also regularly develop and disseminate leaflets for caregivers and patients with rare epilepsies and comprehensive patient’s journeys descriptions. Training in clinical epileptology and related disciplines requires the physical presence of early-career and researchers at epilepsy reference centres. All ERN EpiCARE members and collaborating partners offer training possibilities and can be directly contacted by those interested. We also support next-generation experts wishing to present the results of their studies at epilepsy congresses or at the annual Rome workshop, endorsed by EpiCARE and ILAE-Europe. A mentor-mentee program was also launched in 2024.

ERN EpiCARE is one of the 3 pilot ERNs, missioned to contribute to the future development of an ERN ACADEMY and an active member of the ERNs Knowledge Generation WG, focusing upon the development of a joint strategy of the ERNs for training and education to overcome the gap between the increasing awareness on rare and complex diseases and the lack of a specific training in the medical curricula.