Prof Danilo Toni | All the world’s a stage

In this episode recorded in Maastricht during ESOC 2026, Italian neurologist Professor Danilo Toni reflects on three decades of stroke care transformation in Italy. He describes a flourishing relationship between Angels and the Italian Stroke Association (of which he is a past president), the genius of the data activation program MonitorISA, and the Trojan Horse strategy that paved the way for the proliferation of stroke units in Italy. He recalls his role in the ECASS trials that fundamentally transformed stroke care, and outlines the most urgent questions that remain unanswered. A passionate actor who is currently playing King Lear in an offbeat amateur production, he shares his views on the benefits of being on stage: “Thanks to theater, you can show your emotion without any limitation, without any judgment, not your personal judgment toward yourself, nor the one toward the others ... It’s the best thing I could do for myself. And I always say it is better than any benzodiazepine and any anti-anxiety treatment and antidepressant treatment. And I definitely suggest to everyone should do it.”  In this episode:First encounter with Angels The genius of MonitorISA Dramatic changes for stroke neurology in Italy Benefits of stroke unit care A Trojan Horse strategy Becoming a doctor and choosing neurology The focus on ICH Past trials and urgent unmet needs The gratitude of patients and their families The benefits of theatre Find out more about the Angels Initiative:www.angels-initiative.com