ERN-Lung Academy Trip Report
by Aleksandra Gawlik-Lipinski, Vice Chair of the ARNS Research and Education sub committee
Thanks to the European Reference Network – LUNG, I had a unique opportunity to deepen my knowledge of rare lung diseases through the ERN-LUNG Rare Lung Diseases Academy. This programme provides access to a comprehensive series of webinars covering conditions such as cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, bronchiectasis, a wide range of interstitial lung diseases, primary ciliary dyskinesia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic lung allograft dysfunction, mesothelioma, congenital lung diseases, sarcoidosis, and many others. It also includes a one-week placement at a specialised centre in Europe.
I was fortunate to spend a week at Saint-Luc Hospital in Brussels, working alongside both adult and paediatric respiratory teams and seeing patients of all ages affected by rare lung diseases. I observed diagnostic pathways, spent time in the laboratory, gained insight into ongoing clinical trials, attended bronchoscopies, and experienced how care is delivered in a different healthcare system. The Belgian system differs from the British one, and it was inspiring to see alternative approaches and reflect on how we might continue improving our own practice.
My key takeaway for primary care clinicians is this: we are taught, “When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras.” Most of the time, that is absolutely right. But occasionally, hidden among the horses, there is a zebra. When something does not quite fit, we must pause, think beyond the obvious, and consider specialist referral.
It was a fascinating and humbling experience that reminded me how much there is still to learn — and why respiratory medicine remains such an extraordinary and rewarding field.
If you are interested in the programme, applications usually open in the autumn. It is an incredibly rewarding year of learning that will truly enhance your clinical practice.
ERN-LUNG Academy - ERN-LUNG | Rare Respiratory Diseases
- Aleksandra Gawlik-Lipinski, Vice Chair of the ARNS Research and Education sub committee
