Each August, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) marks Neurosurgery Awareness Month, a time to reflect on who we are as a specialty, what we stand for and—most importantly—who we serve. For over a decade, this observance has been more than a campaign. It has been a unifying call to highlight the essential role of neurosurgeons in patient care, research, education and advocacy.
This year’s theme, We Are Neurosurgery: Every Patient. One Purpose., captures the very heart of our mission: putting patients first, always. Whether in the operating room, the research lab, the classroom or the policy arena, everything we do is driven by the needs of the people who entrust us with their health and their futures.
Neurosurgery is not a solitary pursuit. It is a community of surgeons, residents, medical students, nurses, hospital staff, researchers and countless others whose dedication makes our work possible. It is also, at its core, about the patients whose stories inspire us daily—stories of resilience, courage and hope. Every role matters. Every action counts. Together, we advance the field and improve lives.
This month, I encourage each of you to take a moment to reflect on your own “why.” What drives you to do this work? What purpose keeps you pushing forward in moments of challenge? Sharing these stories—your stories—not only strengthens our community, but also helps the public better understand the depth and humanity of neurosurgery.
The AANS has developed a Neurosurgery Awareness Month Toolkit, complete with shareable graphics, email signatures and messaging resources to help amplify the message. I invite you to use these tools, join the conversation and make your voice part of this collective effort.
Neurosurgery is advancing at a pace unlike any other time in history. But amid the innovation, our purpose remains unchanged: to serve every patient with skill, compassion and dedication.
Follow along with me on X (@AANS_President) as we celebrate #NeurosurgeryAwarenessMonth and join me in spotlighting the people and partnerships that embody our shared purpose.
E. Sander Connolly Jr., MD, FAANS
AANS President
E. Sander Connolly Jr., MD, FAANS
Dr. Connolly is the Byron Stookey Professor and Chair of Neurological Surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Surgeon-in-Chief of the New York Neurological Institute at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia. A leading expert in cerebrovascular neurosurgery, he specializes in the treatment of brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, stroke and other complex vascular disorders. He also directs the Cerebrovascular Research Laboratory, advancing translational discoveries that shape the future of stroke care.
