There are a number of ongoing activities within the Joint Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care which we would like to bring to the attention the members of The American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
Awards and Fellowships
In order to enhance neurotrauma research and research in neuro critical care, the Joint Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care has developed a resident and young investigator award for the best papers presented at the Annual Meetings of the AANS and CNS. Please be sure to mark your abstract forms to indicate that you are competing for one of these awards when you submit your abstracts in the areas of neurotrauma and critical care research.
Several applications were received for the new Neurotrauma Research Fellowship being offered annually by the Joint Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care. Jack Wilberger, MD is the Chair of this Committee, and applications should be directed toward him. Several applications were received for the January, 1998 deadline and the winner of the 1998 Neurotrauma Research Fellowship will be announced shortly. This will be an annual competition, so please keep this in mind for next year. Basic science or clinical science research in neurotrauma or critical care are eligible topics for this Fellowship.
Critical Care
The Joint Section continues to offer courses in critical care at each of the Annual Meetings of the AANS and CNS. In addition, the Professional Development Committee offers two courses annually in neuro critical care. The Committee on Critical Care, chaired by Michael Rosner, MD is developing a curriculum for residents, which will be presented shortly to the Program Directors at the May meeting of the Society of Neurological Surgeons. The Committee is working to enhance the role of neurosurgeons in critical care.
Prevention of Neurotrauma and Gun Safety
THINK FIRST for Kids is currently being offered in hundreds of elementary schools throughout the United States and Canada. THINK FIRST for Kids is a teacher-administered injury prevention program for grades 1, 2 and 3. This school-based prevention program has 6 modules, which include vehicle safety, water safety, gun safety, etc.
With respect to gun safety, the Gun Safety Committee of the Joint Section is developing strategies to promote the use of child-proof gun safety locks as a means of reducing the incidence of unintentional gunshot injuries in children.
Remuneration for Neurotrauma
The Joint Section is involved in the development of strategies to improve compensation for the management of neurotrauma by neurosurgeons. Together with the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies, a number of strategies are being considered including the provision by hospitals of stipends for neurotrauma call.
State Neurotrauma Initiatives
Several states, including Florida and Kentucky, already have Neurotrauma Funds based on a surcharge on traffic violations. These surcharges are being used to support neurotrauma research and prevention programs. It is the goal of the Joint Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care to promote the development of Neurotrauma Funds in all States of the United States and all Provinces of Canada.