Congratulations to Professor Dan Healy, Beaumont Hospital, who won the “Tournament of the Minds” at the recent XX World Congress of Neurology held in Marrakesh, Morocco.

This was a knockout competition and four countries contested the final; Australia, India and Malaysia were the other competitors. The Irish team’s success was all the more notable in that the ‘team’ consisted of a single member – Professor Healy.

The Tournament of the Minds is a unique opportunity for WCN 2011 participants to interact with colleagues, test intellectual tenacity, and demonstrate national pride, all while competing in country teams. As such, the aim of the Tournament of the Minds is to provide an experience that is both educational and entertaining for participants, integrating various aspects of neurology. This is the fourth time the tournament has been organized by the World Federation of Neurology at a World Neurology Congress.

Speaking before the event, Prof. El Mostafa El Alaoui Faris, WCN 2011 President said “I am thrilled that the Tournament of the Minds will be included in WCN 2011. Based on previous tournaments, we know that this dynamic and enjoyable activity enriches the congress for all participants – both professionally and socially.”

WFN member societies were invited to enter a team of 4 neurologists in the Tournament. Teams competed with each other in a knockout competition, to answer questions on a range of neurological topics based on clinical cases from around the world; the questions focussed on visual material, videos and stills, with a minimum of text.  There were 27 other countries (teams of 4 people) and the competition was over 3 rounds... heats, semifinal and Final. 4 teams were in the final... Ireland, Australia, India and Malasia. The Cup is held in the Head office of the World Congress in London and Prof. Healy's outstanding performance in winning the competition means that 'Ireland' is now engraved on the Cup