Buenos Aires Stroke School: a path to continuous medical education in stroke, empowering and connecting future specialists in vascular neurology across Latin America

Abstract

Background: The Buenos Aires Stroke School was established in 2019 to address the unmet need for structured, high-quality stroke education in Latin America. Its goal is to provide intensive training in vascular neurology and foster collaboration among early-career professionals across the region.

Approach: The program offers a five-day, 50-hour curriculum that includes lectures, clinical case discussions, simulations, and hands-on workshops. Participants are selected based on academic background, motivation, and potential to improve stroke care in their local settings. The course integrates social and cultural activities to strengthen peer and faculty connections.

Outcomes: Over five editions, 69 professionals from 11 Latin American countries participated. A follow-up survey was completed by 29 alumni (42% response rate). Among respondents, 62% reported increased use of intravenous thrombolysis, 28% implemented it for the first time, 45% improved existing stroke units, and 17% established new ones. Mechanical thrombectomy was initiated or expanded in 10% of centers. Additionally, 21% of institutions achieved World Stroke Organization (WSO)/Iberoamerican Stroke Organization (IASO) Stroke Center Certification. Educational and outreach activities increased in 72% and 55% of institutions, respectively.

Conclusions: The Buenos Aires Stroke School offers an immersive, multidisciplinary, and regionally adapted educational model. By connecting and training early-career professionals, it may help strengthen national and regional stroke networks. While causality cannot be established, the reported outcomes suggest a possible association between participation in the program and subsequent institutional improvements. Continued expansion and structured follow-up efforts are planned to support long-term impact across Latin America.

Keywords: Certification; Education; Latin America; Neurology; Stroke; Training.