As 2024 comes to a close, AANS Neurosurgeon begins its several-month release of articles that highlight global neurosurgery. These contributions echo the theme of the 2025 American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting: “Power of One, Impact of Many.” We will highlight the groundbreaking work being done by colleagues worldwide, showcasing the resilience, innovation and collaboration shaping the future of neurosurgery.
This month, we examine Dr. Alexandra Golby’s advancements in resource-limited settings, where she and her team have developed a low-cost, portable navigation system designed to enhance surgical precision in under-resourced environments. This work underscores how accessible technology can address critical disparities in neurosurgical care.
In parallel, Nidal M. M. Abuhadrous, MD, provides insight into the immense challenges faced by neurosurgeons in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict. His account sheds light on the devastating impact of war on health care infrastructure and the ingenuity required to provide life-saving neurosurgical care under extreme conditions.
Further reinforcing these efforts, the AANS Global Committee, under the leadership of Isabelle M. Germano, MD, MBA, continues to champion collaboration, knowledge exchange and advocacy to address the critical gaps in global neurosurgery. The committee’s initiatives reflect a commitment to creating sustainable systems that empower neurosurgeons and improve patient outcomes worldwide.
Finally, we spotlight the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS), a cornerstone of neurosurgical collaboration and education in Europe. Established in 1971, EANS has grown into a hybrid professional and educational organization with over 40 national member societies and 3,000 individual members. Its initiatives exemplify a commitment to uniting neurosurgeons across the continent and advancing the field globally.
These perspectives converge on a central truth: neurosurgery is a field inherently defined by its impact. The global neurosurgical community continues to demonstrate how individual contributions—whether through clinical innovation, education or advocacy—combine to create profound advancements in care. As we explore these contributions over the coming months, we hope to inspire a deeper understanding of the interconnected challenges and opportunities that define global neurosurgery.
Aruna Ganju, MD, FAANS, FACS is an associate professor of neurological surgery at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and the current editor of AANS Neurosurgeon. She is a past chair of the AANS/CNS Section of Women in Neurosurgery (WINS) and Residency Program Director in the Department of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Her clinical areas of interest are surgical treatment of disorders of the spinal column and cord.
