ESRA 2024 Highlights: Achievements, Milestones, and Memories

Q1 Looking back on 2024, what’s one ESRA achievement that makes you want to say «opa!» with pride? 

I am overwhelmed with immense pride as I reflect back on the extraordinary milestones ESRA achieved in 2024—a truly transformative year that marked a new chapter of growth, innovation, and renewed purpose for our society.

Among the many accomplishments, one stands out as a defining moment: the unveiling of the new ESRA logo. This sleek, vibrant, and dynamic emblem is far more than a visual update—it is a powerful symbol of the evolution of our society, reflecting our unwavering and steadfast commitment to excellence. This bold and refreshed ESRA visual identity captures the essence of who we are, perfectly encapsulating our modern, forward-thinking, and inclusive character, while honouring the rich heritage of our past. It is more than just a new design—it is a beacon of inspiration, embodying our relentless pursuit of innovation and radiating our spirit of collaboration. Witnessing the energy and enthusiasm with which our members have embraced this transformation fills me with immense pride and makes me want to shout a resounding «opa!»—a heartfelt Greek expression of joy and excitement!

This milestone was accompanied by the redefinition of ESRA vision, mission, principles, core values, and strategy, paving a clear, inspiring, and forward-looking pathway for our future. These updates are more than words, symbols, or lofty ideals; they signify a renewed sense of purpose and ambition, as well as a revitalized spirit of unity and drive, that energizes our community and reinforces our commitment to advancing the field.

Another highlight of 2024 was embarking on an extraordinary journey into ESRA origins, through the release of the preliminary version of the ESRA history book. This initiative connects us with the legacy of the pioneers who laid the foundations of this remarkable society and secured our success, reminding us of the importance of cherishing our roots, while forging ahead into the future.

2024 has been a year of perfect harmony between reflection and progress—a year that honours our past achievements, while boldly embracing the limitless opportunities ahead. It reaffirms the very essence of why we unite as a society: to innovate, to inspire, and to push boundaries that enable us to transform care. Together, we are shaping a future where pain-free care is not just a vision but a universal reality. This transformative journey firmly positions ESRA at the forefront of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, leading the way towards groundbreaking advancements and global impact.

Q2 As President, what’s one bold, «outside the box» move that you think pushed ESRA forward this year? 

One truly bold, visionary, and groundbreaking initiative that propelled ESRA forward was the launch of the 1st World Week and 1st World Day of Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine at the beginning of 2024. This unprecedented global event, co-organized by the five continental RA and Pain Medicine sister societies (ESRA, ASRA Pain Medicine, LASRA, AFSRA, AOSRA-PM), was held under the inspiring theme “Joining Hands for a Pain-Free Future Worldwide.” It united more than 14,000 healthcare professionals from diverse cultures and across all continents, rallying them around a shared purpose: advancing patient-centred care with compassion and humanity.

This extraordinary day was far more than a showcase of clinical expertise—it was a celebration of the core values that define ESRA: collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation. It marked a transformative moment where professionals from a vast array of backgrounds came together to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and reinforce the global community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving lives.

By breaking both geographical and cultural barriers, this initiative demonstrated ESRA’s boldness and vision in thinking far beyond traditional boundaries. It redefined leadership, proving that through unity and compassion, we have the power to inspire meaningful, worldwide change. This pioneering effort not only positioned ESRA at the forefront of advancing Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine but also set a new standard for how we connect and how we can focus on partnerships as a global medical community.

Building on this momentum, the 2nd World Week & 2nd World Day of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine will be held once again in January 2025. This next chapter promises to expand its reach, engaging even more cities and participants worldwide, and further solidifying ESRA role as a global leader in fostering education, innovation, and a collective commitment to a pain-free future.

Q3 What advice would you give yourself if you could go back to January 2024, on the brink of another ESRA adventure?

If I could return to January 2024, I would remind myself to embrace this extraordinary journey with patience and unwavering trust in the transformative power of collaboration. Every challenge, no matter how daunting, holds an opportunity for growth, and the collective strength of our society will always prevail, ensuring we can overcome any obstacle. Leading an organization like ESRA is both a profound responsibility and an incredible privilege; it is similar to navigating in a complex landscape but also offers the opportunity of being surrounded by and working alongside exceptional individuals, who share the same vision of advancing Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine.

As such, while reflecting back, I would encourage myself to be bold in vision, remain steadfast in commitment, and place trust the remarkable team of colleagues and members who not only share this  passion but also bring the vision to life. Together, there is no goal too ambitious, no boundary we cannot cross, and no future we cannot shape!

Leadership is as much about vision and action as it is about learning. Mistakes are inevitable, but they are also powerful teachers. If I could offer myself one piece of advice, it would be to approach missteps with humility and a problem-solving mindset. Acknowledge them, learn from them, and use those lessons to improve and inspire. True leadership lies in how we adapt and move forward stronger.

Above all, I would remind myself to celebrate with all the team members the small victories along the way, as they are the building blocks of larger successes. And to trust deeply in the extraordinary individuals who make up ESRA—they are the heart of our achievements and the driving force behind our shared vision of advancing Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine for a pain-free future.

Q4 If you had to describe ESRA’s 2024 journey using a classic Greek myth, which one would it be, and why?

Rather than a myth, I would draw inspiration from a historical period of ancient Greece—the Golden Age of Pericles in ancient Athens. This extraordinary era symbolizes unparalleled cultural and intellectual growth, collaboration, and the laying of foundations that would inspire generations to come. Similarly, the ESRA journey in 2024 has been defined by innovation, unity, and the creation of a lasting legacy for the fields of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine.

Under Pericles leadership, Athens flourished as a beacon of creativity and progress, not through the efforts of one individual but through the collective contributions of its people. In the same way, ESRA accomplishments this year were made possible thanks to the dedication, collaboration, and shared vision of our diverse and committed community.

The Golden Age of Pericles reminds us that true progress is driven by people—their ideas, passion, and dedication to a common purpose. Similarly, ESRA accomplishments this year reflect the extraordinary efforts of its members and leadership, who worked tirelessly to advance patient care, foster innovation, and promote unity across our global fields of interest.

This has been a transformative year, one that sets the stage for an enduring legacy in Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine—much like Athens under Pericles laid the groundwork for centuries of cultural and intellectual advancement. Our diverse members, representing countries and backgrounds from around the world, have shared their strengths, wisdom, and resilience, embodying the spirit of perseverance and collaboration that defined Periclean Athens. Together, we have navigated through challenges and moved closer to our shared vision of excellence.

As we reflect on 2024, it is clear that our collective achievements have made this a pivotal and inspiring year for ESRA. Together, we are building a future defined by innovation, progress, and a shared commitment to creating a pain-free world.

Eleni Moka at the Opening Ceremony (41st ESRA Annual Congress in Prague, 4 September 2024)

Q5 What’s the legacy of your presidency that you hope will continue to inspire ESRA members for years to come?

The legacy I hope to leave is one of connection, empowerment, and celebration of diversity—a society that not only unites individuals across borders but also embraces the unique perspectives that each member brings. My presidency has been about fostering a sense of purpose and collaboration within ESRA, laying a foundation that ensures our society not only evolves with the times but also leads the way in advancing Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine on a global scale.

I hope future generations of ESRA members will look back at this period as one that embraced innovation and inclusivity, marked by milestones such as the World Day of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, which united over 14,000 professionals worldwide. This event exemplified how ESRA can break barriers, connect diverse communities, and inspire shared progress. I also hope future generations of ESRA members will continue to honor the value of diversity, seeing it as a source of strength that drives progress and enriches our shared mission.

Equally, I envision a legacy of enduring values—of redefining our vision, mission, and strategy to ensure ESRA remains at the forefront of excellence and relevance. These updates symbolize a renewed commitment to the principles of education, patient-centred care, and global collaboration, which are the heart of our society.

Above all, I hope my presidency will inspire members to believe in the power of collective effort and to continue pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and creating a future where pain-free care becomes a universal reality. My greatest wish is that ESRA remains a vibrant, innovative, and inclusive society that empowers its members to make a profound impact in their fields, for the benefit of patients and communities worldwide.

Q1 Reflecting on 2024, what’s one milestone that makes you say ‘wunderbar’ about ESRA’s progress?

Organizing our annual congress in Prague was a remarkable experience, especially as it was my first time leading the scientific program. I knew it would be a challenging task, even down to the very last minute. I vividly recall sitting in the hotel lobby, handling unexpected changes while familiar faces from the ESRA family arrived. Seeing my struggle, many came up to me and said, “Whatever you need, we’re here to help.” It was a true testament to the camaraderie within our society.

Thomas Volk at the Opening Ceremony (41st ESRA Annual Congress in Prague, 4 September 2024)

Q2 Having passed the torch, what’s one unexpected lesson from your time as President that came in handy this year?

ESRA has expanded significantly, and with that growth comes the realization that we are now the largest global society for Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine. In the past, we could rely heavily on friendship and individual dedication. However, as our organization grows, we must adapt and strengthen our professional structures. The extra hours of volunteer effort are becoming more difficult to sustain.

Q3 If ESRA’s 2024 was a piece of German engineering, what would be the most innovative part?

I’m not sure German engineering is as reliable as it once was! Perhaps the most innovative part of ESRA in 2024 is our shift towards a lighter, more engaging approach. Instead of striving for perfection, we’re embracing a culture of learning through enjoyment—an approach that may prove to be more effective than any meticulously engineered plan.