ESRA Webinars: From Crisis to Tradition — The Legacy Lives On (and Keeps Us Smiling!)

Let’s rewind a bit. It was July 30, 2020 — the world was in lockdown, and instead of planning our next vacation, our “travel plans” involved going from home to hospital and back, deeply immersed in caring for the sickest patients. Amidst the chaos, we launched the first-ever ESRA webinar, aptly titled “Pain Management in the Age of COVID.” It was a lifeline for our community when we all needed connection, a bit of humor, and a break from the endless N95 mask wearing.

And wow, what a journey it’s been since then! We haven’t missed a single month, hosting a webinar on the last Thursday of the month like clockwork (even if it meant staying up late or waking up at dawn — caffeine is our true hero here). That’s 12 webinars a year, each with 1 CME credit, and best of all — it’s free! It’s like your favorite streaming service, but with less binge-watching and more brain-boosting.

The response has been incredible. We’ve averaged 700 participants per session, filling a virtual room with folks from every corner of the globe — from Europe to the Americas, from Asia to Africa (though we admit, Europe seems to have the biggest fan base at 60% attendance — must be the continental charm!). These webinars have become a crucial tool for sharing top-notch science and research, especially to colleagues in places where access to such resources can be limited. We’re basically democratizing knowledge, one session at a time.

«We haven’t missed a single month, hosting a webinar on the last Thursday of the month like clockwork.»

And now, the plot thickens. I’m no longer running this show solo. I’m thrilled to have an amazing team by my side: Svetlana, Sari, Roman, and Alan. We’re like the “Fantastic Five” of webinars — each bringing our own superpower (and maybe a bit of mischief). Together, we’re planning even more engaging and innovative sessions that will keep you coming back for more.

Let’s also not forget our hidden heroes behind the scenes: Jeremy and Vivien. They are the wizards of IT, broadcast, and organization, making sure everything runs smoothly (while keeping us from accidentally muting ourselves or starting a session without the slides). Without them, we’d probably still be trying to figure out how to share our screen.

So, what’s next? Expect even more dynamic topics, expert insights, and yes, maybe a joke or two (we can’t help it!). We’re excited about the future of ESRA webinars and can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.

Join us each month, bring your questions, and don’t be afraid to stay a little longer if we go over time — we know you’re probably enjoying this from the comfort of your sofa (or hospital call room, we get it).

Here’s to more laughter, learning, and lively discussions. See you at the next webinar – we’ll bring the science, you bring the coffee (or even something stronger)!

Clara Lobo