In the right place at the right time

In a conversation recorded in Maastricht during ESOC 2026, Latvian neurologist Kristaps Jurjāns explains how consistency earned Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital in Riga more diamond awards than any other hospital in the world. He says, “Mostly what gives us these awards is that we do it consistently. We do not drop our standards and our data shows this. I can trust everybody that works in our hospital with the stroke patients to provide acute care at the highest level.” He describes missing the cut to become an orthopedic surgeon, following his mom into neurology, just temporarily, and then forgetting all about surgery as he learned about stroke neurology from his mentor Professor Evija Miglāne. It’s “inevitability” that drives him, he says. “If I drop this, who's gonna pick it up? That’s the first question. And the next question is, so if somebody does, am I happy about it? If not, then you have to do it yourself. Finally, Kristaps explains how working out with a boxing coach eases the transition from hospital to the Jurjāns household which is currently occupied by three small boys including two-year-old twins. In this episode: Cycling from Brussels to Maastricht Getting an award for getting an award Why consistency matters “You have to rise or somebody dies” Choosing neurology (or not) Having doctors in the family Raising boys Getting in the ring “What else should I be doing?” Find out more about the Angels Initiative: www.angels-initiative.com