Stroke Heroes - The Angels Initiative Podcast

Dmytro Lebedynets is a Ukrainian neurologist who saw that something was missing in the middle of Europe and decided to do something.  

Meet neurologist Dr Francisco Moniche, “Pachi” to his friends, of whom there are many in the global stroke community. A neurologist for close to two decades, he knew right from the start that stroke was what he calls “the best part”. 

For over a decade, Dr Nune Yeghiazaryan has been answering the question, if not now, then when, if not you then who. Following that command has done more than define her professional life - it has reshaped stroke care in Armenia.

Dr Vitor Cruz is an innovator and unifying force who is reshaping stroke care in Portugal with his ability to bring together diverse healthcare teams under a shared vision of excellence. He's a problem-solver for whom being a neurologist means a duty to look after the brains of citizens.

Meet the doctor who is leading stroke care in the Czech Republic, where central organization, mandatory quality indicator reporting, and a penchant for rules are among the reasons it could become the first Angels Country in the world.

In 2016, just 306 patients underwent thrombolysis throughout Ukraine. By October 2023*, that number had risen to almost 1,200 – in a single month, in the middle of a war. Prof Sergii Moskovko recounts the exponential growth towards stroke care excellence in Ukraine.

The public-spirited head neurologist at Armenia’s largest hospital heeds a call to lead change and to dream with all her heart. 

Will the Czech Republic be the first country in Europe, or indeed the world, to convert its entire territory into an Angels Region? With five down and nine to go, one more year may be all they need.