For the first time residents from all over Europe had the chance to participate at ‘ESIM Winter School’ in Saas-Fee in Switzerland. 37 young internists were recruited from 18 countries through their national society of internal medicine. Grants from UEMS (European Union of Medical Specialists) and from FDIME (Foundation for the Development of Internal Medicine) made it possible for residents to attend from Romania and Morocco. The meeting took place under the patronage of the European Federation of Internal Medicine (EFIM). The scientific programme included regular lectures, workshops and one clinico-pathologic conference. The residents presented clinical cases which they had prepared before attending the meeting. The cases were all very interesting, the presentations outstanding and the discussion very vivid. It was easily recognized that there was a selection of the best residents from all the countries!
The opening speech was held by the president of EFIM, Professor Ramon Pujol from Spain and the past-president Dr Werner Bauer from Switzerland. They illustrated the growing importance of internal medicine these days, when patients are often older and the highly specialized experts are no longer able to provide the required care for the various diseases of the polymorbid patients. Thereafter the residents grouped in a workshop to discuss the pros and cons of their national programme for medical students, residents and fellowships (Dr Antonio Martins Baptista, a previous ESIM Director moderated). This topic stimulated a very exciting discussion between all the participants.
The lecturers came from ten different European countries and included state of the art presentations about pituitary failure (PD Dr. Cristoph Henzen), acute kidney injuries (Dr. Alistair Douglas), porphyrias (Prof. Maria Cappellini), liver enzyme impairment (Prof. Stefan Lindgren), problems of high altitude and extreme temperature (Prof. Marco Maggiorini), pitfalls in internal medicine (Prof. Arnaud Perrier), fever of unknown origin (Prof. Steven Vanderschueren), metabolic syndrome (Dr. Dror Dicker) and about musculoskeletal medicine (Dr. Palle Holck and Dr. Niels Jensen) . In addition to professionalism, teaching skills were discussed in lectures and workshops (Dr Shirley Rigby). Two young internists, Dr. Jan Vaclavik and Dr. Xavier Roux discussed in a workshop about life-work balance. We were fortunate to have the previous ESIM Director of the Summer School, Dr Chris Davidson with us. He gave a fascinating, interactive talk about atrial fibrillation and moderated case presentation sessions very enthusiastically. He was also a very charming help in many non-academic moments for everybody.
Despite the fantastic environment and the superb weather outside, the residents attended all the academic sessions. Within a short time everyone became good friends and were very supportive in attending their colleagues’ presentations.
Every day at noon, there was some sport activity scheduled. Visiting the biggest ice pavilion in the world in the glacier of Mt. Allalin, sledding at Hannig, visiting Gornergrat in Zermatt viewing the famous Matterhorn, etc. The sunny blue sky made these activities a special event! However, the winter school was predominantly successful due to the fantastic spirit and camaraderie of the group of residents.