These approaches have shown promise in lowering transmission rates and empowering individuals to make informed choices about their sexual health. However, social stigma around STDs continues to affect prevention efforts, often discouraging open dialogue and access to resources.

Public perceptions of STDs are often influenced by cultural stigma and social attitudes, which impact individuals’ willingness to seek testing and treatment. This roundtable will cover topics such as:

• What are the most effective strategies for promoting STD prevention among high-risk populations?
• How do stigma and public perception impact healthcare access and patient behavior?
• What role does education play in changing attitudes toward sexual health and lowering transmission rates?

Asst. Lect. Cristian Munteanu, MD, PhD(c), and Marta Ostopovici, MD, PhD(c), specialist in infectious diseases, will offer a balanced view on the effectiveness of these methods, discussing factors such as chemsex and the regret that may follow certain encounters within sex work.

A key component in this process is hormone therapy, where estrogen or testosterone treatments help individuals achieve their desired physical traits. However, establishing a diagnosis of gender dysphoria with a psychiatrist is often the essential first step, creating a foundation for a personalized treatment plan.

In Romania the legal context can also impact access to these treatments, making collaboration across medical specialties essential to meet each patient’s unique needs. This roundtable will discuss:

• What are the endocrine implications of estrogen and testosterone therapies during transition?
• How does a psychiatrist’s diagnosis of gender dysphoria influence treatment pathways?
• What surgical options are available for transgender individuals, and how does Romanian law affect these choices?
• How can medical professionals provide respectful and supportive care to transgender patients in clinical settings?

These topics will be explored by Patrick Braila, Dragos Zamfirescu, MD, Cristina Blot, MD, and Adrian Patratanu, MD, who will highlight the experiences of those undergoing transition and share best practices for inclusive medical care.

As the situation evolves, it requires a comprehensive approach that combines prevention, treatment, and crime reduction strategies. In this roundtable, we will explore:

• What are the most effective ways to integrate prevention, treatment, and crime reduction in combating drug use?
• How can digital tools, such as virtual reality and telemedicine, enhance prevention and treatment programs?
• How could a specialized field like addictology improve support and social reintegration for those affected?

Laurentiu Dobre, MD, and Bogdan Gheorghe, MD, both physicians from the Romanian National Anti-Drug Agency, will share their expertise, presenting the latest evidence-based strategies and technologies in addiction prevention and recovery. Dr. Bogdan Gheorghe, has been supporting people affected by drug use since 2005, specializing in the medical, psychological, and social interventions needed for rehabilitation and social reintegration. Their work includes developing personalized care plans, motivating behavioral change, and reducing relapse risks.

Participants will be guided through a detailed exploration of the complex processes involved in organ donation, including:

• What neurological criteria are essential to confirm brain death in potential donors?
• How are vital functions managed in donors to preserve organ viability for transplantation?
• What ethical considerations arise in balancing the needs of both donor and recipient within intensive care settings?

Assoc. Prof. Liliana Mirea, MD, PhD, and Assoc. Prof. Negoita Silvius, MD, PhD, experts in anesthesiology and intensive care, look forward to discussing these important topics with you. They will answer your questions and share valuable insights on the future of transplant care.

These changes raise critical questions: How are medical professionals adapting to these new challenges? What role can doctors play in supporting patients with addiction in today’s complex social environment?

This roundtable will explore:

• How can medical knowledge evolve to address addiction as a growing social concern?
• What responsibilities do doctors have in guiding responsible substance use and addiction management?
• What strategies and tools are most effective in addressing addiction in clinical practice?

These questions and more will be explored by Eugen Hriscu, MD, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and addiction specialist, along with social health advocate Alina Dumitriu, for a practical approach to addiction management in society and clinical practice. Dr. Hriscu, former scientific coordinator for ALIAT, brings extensive experience in treating individuals affected by heroin and alcohol dependency, while Alina Dumitriu, founder of Sens Pozitiv, has dedicated nearly two decades to supporting vulnerable groups, from people with chronic illnesses to those at high risk, including people who inject drugs, sex workers, and marginalized communities.

However, what is new in microbiota engineering? What can it bring up to the table in our future careers? This roundtable will answer all of these questions and many more:

• Can microbiota engineering be implemented in everyday treatments?
• What is the importance of microbiota engineering?
• How can this technique be used to focus more on palliative medicine rather than curative one?

Assoc. Prof. Sandica Bucurica, MD, PhD, alongside Cristina Patoni, MD, PhD(s) will be more than glad to bring this revolutionary medical approach to your attention, answering all your questions and undoubtedly making you wonder what other ways can we use microbiota for the greater good. Assoc. Prof. Sandica Bucurica, MD, PhD has a deep knowledge in Diagnostic and Interventional Digestive Endoscopy and Abdominal Ultrasound, while Cristina Patoni, MD, PhD(s) is passionate about pancreatology and contributing to medical researches in the field mentioned.

Social standards around electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are influenced by historical stigma and public perceptions, impacting patients’ willingness to seek treatment. In this roundtable we will talk about the following topics:

• What are the specific neurophysiological mechanisms that underlie the effectiveness of ECT?
• How do legislative and ethical considerations impact ECT for voluntarily and involuntarily admitted patients?
• What clinical indications and contraindications should be considered?

Assoc. Prof. Simona Trifu, MD, PhD and Ana Maria Cojocaru, MD, PhD(s) will bring this topic to the spotlight in an exciting, yet understanding way, putting in balance both advantages and disadvantages of this medical procedure. Assoc. Prof. Simona Trifu, MD, PhD is an important figure in both Psychiatry and Psychology, being also a member of International Psychoanalytical Association. Ana Maria Cojocaru, MD, PhD(s) is in her 5th year or residency in Psychiatry and in the 3rd year of Doctoral School.

Gene editing in babies represents a groundbreaking shift in medicine, offering the potential to prevent genetic diseases before birth. With tools like CRISPR, scientists envision a future where inherited conditions could be eradicated, reshaping possibilities for human health. 

Yet, this power raises significant ethical concerns. Is the concept of gene editing babies an opportunity for humanity’s future or something that surpasses ethical boundaries? In this roundtable we will discuss:

• How does scientific progress align with our responsibilities as doctors and parents?
• What risks and benefits are involved in intervening in the human genome from the embryonic stage?
• What impact can these interventions have on our evolution as a species? How much is too much?

These questions and many more will be answered by Asst. Lect. Oana Cretu, MD, PhD, Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, and Asst. Lect. Delia Sabau, MD, PhD, Medical Genetics Specialist, who is also the Vice-President of ESHG-Young. Both our guests will be more than delighted to bring to the spotlight this major controversy and answer all your questions about it.

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that is characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. This ectopic tissue responds to hormonal changes during menstrual cycle, leading to that pain that many of us women feel.

• What are the common misconceptions about menstrual pain and endometriosis?
• What role does hormonal imbalance play in the development of endometriosis?
• How do cultural attitudes toward menstruation impact the understanding of conditions like endometriosis? How can we improve awareness and education about the link between severe menstrual pain and endometriosis?
• What are the latest advancements in treatment options for endometriosis?

Join this roundtable and engage in an animated discussion about endometriosis. Shadia Ateia, MD, will talk about personalized medical care and the newest approach to improve quality of life for the patients with this challenging diagnosis. She is a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, with expertise in Obstetrical and Gynecological Ultrasound, Hysteroscopy, Couples’ Infertility Treatment and Assisted Human Reproduction (IVF). Also, she is a member of: SOGR, SRUOG, ESHRE, ISUOG, ESGE and will help you understand everything you need to know about menstrual pain and the meaning behind it. To make everything much more interactive and intriguing, Dr. Shadia will bring a surprise guest who will reveal certain events from their experience and will share details you probably haven’t heard from other sources!

We are all aware that our skin deserves special attention and care, as it is one of the body parts that is the most exposed to external factors, like UV radiation. Being such a sensitive organ, it is crucial to examine it regularly and consult a specialist about any abnormalities detected, in order to prevent the evolution of serious skin conditions. Cutaneous melanoma is a malignant neoplasm and it is known for its potential to spread rapidly if it’s not detected early.

Over the past few years, numerous clinical studies and research efforts have been made to discover innovative methods for treating melanoma, with doctors making really big progress.

• What recent advancements in dermatoscopy have improved our ability to diagnose cutaneous melanoma?
• What role does continuous monitoring play in the management of melanoma patients?
• How is artificial intelligence currently being used in the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma?
• How important is interdisciplinary collaboration in improving outcomes for our patients?

If you want to enrich your knowledge about cutaneous melanoma, join this roundtable! Assoc. Prof. Anca Zgura, MD, PhD, an expert that works at Fundeni Clinical Institute for the oncology department and teaches at “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, alongside Assoc. Prof. Alice Brinzea, MD, PhD, a member of the department of Pathophysiology and a specialist in Dermatovenerology, Geriatrics and Gerontology and Assoc. Prof. Roxana Ioana Nedelcu, MD, PhD, also a representative of the department of Pathophysiology and a specialist in Dermatovenerology, will led an open discussion about the news related to the treatment of cutaneous melanoma and will talk about how we can detect different skin conditions using artificial intelligence.

We all know that children’s minds are delicate and fragile, making them to be easily influenced and particularly sensitive to the events happening around them. As children navigate a world marked by uncertainty, their psyche transforms, this change being affected by the traumatic events they have experienced which, if left unaddressed, can leave lasting scars.

We can view early-life trauma from two perspectives: a psychological one and a biological one. Understanding the connection between these two coordinates is essential for taking effective measures.

•  What are the primary psychological effects of early-life trauma on the long-term mental health?
•  How do biological responses to trauma manifest in childhood? 
•  How does early-life trauma influence resilience in later life?
•  What interventions have shown the most promise in addressing the psychological and biological effects of early-life trauma?

If you want to learn more about the complicated minds of children, this roundtable is perfect for you! Assoc. Prof. Lavinia Duică, MD, PhD, will help you navigate this complex field and will encourage a spirited discussion about how trauma can influence a child’s development. She graduated from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Craiova, “Lucian Blaga” University in Sibiu, with a specialization in Psychology, and the School of Existential Analysis and Logotherapy in Bucharest. She teaches at “Lucian Blaga” University in Sibiu, is a residency coordinator and is the chief of the Clinical Department of “Dr. Gh. Preda” Clinical Psychiatric Hospital in Sibiu.

Elena Daciana Pintilie, MD, will also be present and will insist on some topics from her area of interests, like psychoses and personality disorders. She is a second year psychiatry resident at “Dr. Gh. Preda” Clinical Psychiatric Hospital and graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in Sibiu. She is a member of the Mental Health Association of South-Eastern Europe and the European Public Mental Health Association.

Recently, people have become more curious about all the treatment options available to them, in this way discovering alternative medicine. Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on personalized treatment, taking into account all of the patient’s individual characteristics by analyzing the overall health and emotional state.

Over time, there have been various theories regarding homeopathy, with some specialists claiming that it involves science, while others affirm it is merely a placebo, stating that patients experience symptom relief by believing that they are receiving treatment.

• What are the fundamental principles of homeopathy? How do they compare to conventional medicine?
• What is the difference between medication and a placebo?
• How can we educate the public about the difference between homeopathy and other forms of alternative medicine?
• In what ways could homeopathy and conventional treatment methods potentially complement each other?

This roundtable will clarify all of your curiosities! Cezarina Mariana Matei, MD, will led an open discussion about homeopathy, presenting it from each side. She is a specialist in family medicine, with competencies in homeopathy, acupuncture and general ultrasound. She also is the General Secretary of the Romanian Society of Homeopathy, a member of the Board’s Directors of the Romanian Association of Gemotherapy and Homeopathy, a member of the Romanian Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine and a lecturer and a trainer in homeopathy and gemotherapy.

Alongside Dr. Matei, we have Septimiu Dragos Peteu, MD, a general medicine doctor that graduated from “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy. He completed a 3-year Homeopathy course, studied classical homeopathy with Prof. Vithoulkas in Greece, is the secretary of the Alternative Medicine Commission and is a member of the Homeopathy League and the Romanian Society of Homeopathy. Their competencies will help you unravel the mystery: is homeopathy truly a science or it’s just placebo?

Many people believe that nutrition is only important when it comes to losing weight and looking better. But what happens when the way we look is in fact a window into our own body, and we can use nutrition in order to take care of our health as a whole?

Stressful intervals of time when one crams for exams put pressure on one’s body and food, sleep management, exercising and water can make a difference in both exam results and one’s health after the exam. As schedules and activities change from one’s habits, so should nutrition, in order to reflect the different needs. Eating habits do usually change, unfortunately migrating in the wrong direction. 

This roundtable promises to target all the essential topics for a quick glance in the world of nutrition during exam season:

• What is healthy eating anyway?
• What changes when we spend our time studying?
• To fast food or not to fast food?
• What if I study during the night?
• What does the brain really need?
• Can I improve my exam results by eating the right food or by taking the right supplements?
• What can I do after the exams if I gained weight?

Mihaela Posea, MD, PhD, is a physician specialized in diabetes, nutrition and metabolic diseases. She started her work in the National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases ‘N.C.Paulescu’, in Bucharest, in 2007. Her PhD thesis, ‘Evaluation of Inadequate Intake of Vitamins and Minerals to overweight and obese patients and the implications of nutritional intervention their anthropometric and biochemical characteristics’ gives us insight into her work. 

Alongside Dr. Posea, Anca Arămescu, MD and Alexandru Popa, MD, specialised in diabetes, nutrition, and metabolic diseases, will guide us through our first glance into the field of nutrition.

Performance athletes are affected by knee injuries in a way that few people can comprehend, leaving them wondering whether their career is crumbling right in front of them, or whether recovery and rehabilitation are possible so that they can reach their full potential again. 

Orthopedic surgery has evolved alongside rehabilitation for the past decades, their new technologies allowing athletes to still believe that full recovery is possible. In this roundtable, the following subjects will be covered, based on a clinical case:

• What is the path of a performance athlete from knee injury to recovery?
• Is full recovery possible in all cases? What are the favorizing factors for a full recovery?
• How can we manage articular cartilage pathologies?
• How can we apply what we learned to a clinical case? 

Asst. Lect. Radu Paraschiv, MD, PhD and Andrei Anastasiu, MD, PhD from the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department at Emergency Clinical Hospital Dr. Bagdasar Arseni will help us enter the world of orthopedic surgery, by presenting the risks of the operations, as well as their advantages, applied to a performance athlete case.

Cardiac arrhythmias are a significant concern in cardiovascular medicine, being described as disturbances in the normal rhythm of the heart. They can range from benign to life-threatening and significantly impact overall health and quality of life. Ablation therapy has emerged as a pivotal treatment option for managing various arrhythmias, offering the potential for symptom relief and improved outcomes. 

What are the key differences between basic and complex cardiac arrhythmias, and how do they impact treatment decisions?

Which patients are most likely to benefit from ablation?

How do ECG findings influence the choice of ablation strategy?

What criteria should be used to decide when a patient is a suitable candidate for ablation rather than medication or other therapies? How do you decide which ablation technique is most appropriate for a given arrhythmia?

This roundtable will answer all of your curiosities and will provide a comprehensive overview of ablation techniques. Senior Lect. Alexandru Deaconu, MD, PhD, works at Floreasca Hospital in the Interventional Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing Laboratory and is a Senior Lecturer at Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest. With a robust background in clinical cardiology, he has made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of complex arrhythmias.

Alongside Senior Lect. Alexandru Deaconu, MD, PhD, we have Silvia Deaconu, MD, PhD, a cardiologist with an European Certification in congenital Heart Disease echocardiography and a Transesophageal echocardiography Certification. Silvia Deaconu is an adult and pediatric cardiologist, specialized in congenital heart disease echocardiography and periprocedural echocardiography in structural heart interventions. She works in an interventional cardiology department at Monza Hospital, Bucharest and she will lead a comprehensive discussion about the practical aspects of cardiac arrhythmias ablation.

The topic of communication in the medical field still occupies an insufficient space in the training of young doctors, therefore the approach of such a direction is necessary. Effective communication is fundamental to successful healthcare outcomes, especially in a crisis scenario.

 From a medical perspective, a crisis is, on one hand, a situation where the role of medical leaders is essential and the positioning of the team adds value to communication and, on the other hand, it involves the patient’s “personal health crisis,” a situation that, practically, is a part of our daily lives as doctors. 

Why is communication a fundamental element in medicine?

What strategies can be used to communicate clearly and calmly during a crisis situation?

How can doctors and healthcare teams debrief and reflect on their communication practices after a crisis to identify areas for improvement?

Does a medical crisis have the same impact on all the individuals involved?

Together with Lect. Beatrice Mahler, MD, PhD, a distinguished physician specializing in pulmonary medicine, Assoc. Prof. Valeriu Gheorghiță, MD, PhD, a prominent figure in the field of infectious diseases and vaccination, and the two journalists Carla Tănasie and Elena Manea, who will give interesting details about her experience as a patient who survived a medical error, you will understand the importance of communication during a crisis and you will decipher all of your uncertainties. In this roundtable, the professionals propose to create two situations as a role-play: “a crisis of the system” and “a crisis induced by a serious diagnosis”.

As we all know, asthma is a highly prevalent chronic respiratory condition affecting millions worldwide. Among its various forms, allergic asthma is particularly common and often challenging to manage due to its complex pathophysiology and the variability in patient responses to treatment. Precision medicine aims to tailor medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient, taking into account genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, so it is considered that this approach holds the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce side effects, and optimize therapeutic strategies.

What are the current known endotypes of allergic asthma ?

What challenges do we face in identifying and categorizing emerging or evolving endotypes in allergic asthma?

How can cutaneous and molecular diagnostics improve the accuracy of allergic asthma diagnosis?

What are the emerging treatment options driven by precision medicine, and how do they compare to conventional therapies in terms of efficacy and safety?

Join this roundtable event and get answers to all of your questions!  Prof. Carmen Bunu-Panaitescu, MD, PhD is a Professor at “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timișoara and she will guide an open discussion that can turn into a spirited dialogue. She is an esteemed practitioner at the Timișoara County Emergency Clinical Hospital and, as the President of the Romanian Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SRAIC), Prof. Bunu-Panaitescu is an influential figure in this domain. 

Alongside Prof. Carmen Bunu-Panaitescu we have Prof. Roxana Silvia Bumbăcea, MD, PhD, a graduate of Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest and Past President of SRAIC. She works at the Allergology Clinic of the Carol Davila Clinical Hospital of Nephrology in Bucharest, inspiring upcoming specialists in the field as a Residency Coordinator, while also leading the Allergology Department of our University. Herself being a renowned allergologist and immunologist, she will help you understand the importance of personalized medicine in the treatment of complex allergic conditions.