AANS is making it easier for neurosurgeons to locate and communicate with one another through a new membership directory available in September. The AANS Membership Directory CD-ROM, sponsored by an educational grant from Aesculap, capitalizes on the enhancements that CD-ROM technology affords. Easy to store, space saving and portable, this new directory was designed to be an indispensable tool for members. And, the CD operates on both PC and Macintosh platforms.
“The practice of neurosurgery is being transformed by technology,” said Robert E. Harbaugh, MD. “It is imperative that AANS evolve with the times and offer members services they can customize to their individual needs.”
Dr. Harbaugh, along with Harold J. Pikus, MD, both of whom are members of the AANS Digital Technology Committee, spearheaded development of the new directory in an effort to ensure that the end-user member’s needs would be well met. They championed incorporating the ability to export user-specified lists for use on one’s personal computer or personal digital assistant (PDA) into the new CD-ROM version of the directory.
Now, members will be able to conduct a search using a multitude of options and specific criteria, and then export the resulting contacts into their personal computer’s address books. From there, it’s a simple step to synchronize their address books to a handheld computer, such as a PDA.
Want to create a list for patient referrals? Search by geographic location or area code. Can’t quite remember how to spell the name of your colleague? Search by the first few letters (wildcard search) and browse the results. Looking for an expert in a particular field? Search by subspecialty or even by subspecialty and location. Not only can members export these lists, they can also print them.
“Digital technology allows for not only expanded membership listings, but also enhanced options,” said Dr. Harbaugh. “With a few mouse clicks, obtaining information on a member’s subspecialty, section membership, residency history, and more is a simple matter.”
In addition, e-mail links are active. So once a colleague has been located, e-mailing him or her directly from the Membership Directory is a simple matter.
Even Technophobes Can Operate the Easy-to-Use CD
Operating the directory from the CD is the simplest means of accessing its rich content. The CD’s auto-start feature makes operation easy. However, instructions on how to install the CD contents onto one’s hard drive are included. Also, help screens assist users in finding the most direct route to the information they are looking for.
More Than a Directory
The AANS Membership Directory offers more than a means of searching and contacting AANS members. Favorite features of previous directories remain available. In fact, these favorites are enhanced.
- Residency Programs: A complete listing in a printable format, this section also includes the option of e-mailing the program director or department director from the file, without going back to search for contact information.
- AANS/CNS Section Membership: The officers and complete membership listings of each section are included.
- Related Organizations: This section features favorites such as the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies, Women in Neurosurgery, and Think First, and includes a listing of organizations related to neurosurgery, such as international neurosurgical associations. In cases where Web site addresses are known, the links are active and will take members directly to an organization’s Web site.
- Guide to AANS: This section contains general information about AANS, membership benefits, national office service directory (with active e-mail links) and the AANS Bylaws and Code of Ethics.
- Board of Directors and Committee Listings: This section features the AANS Board of Directors and complete committee listings; officers and committee chairs can be contaacted by e-mail directly from the file.
- AANS Products & Services: Detailed information about AANS educational meetings, neurosurgical publications, practice management resources, research opportunities through the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation and benefits exclusive to AANS members are included here.
- Buyer’s Guide: A new addition to the directory, this section offers a complete listing of exhibitors at the AANS Annual Meeting-alphabetically and by product category.
- Printable Alphabetical Listing: AANS knows some members like the familiarity of a printed directory. This listing is formatted for convenient printing and also is searchable.
Give Us Your Feedback
AANS remains committed to helping neurosurgeons stay connected. Members are encouraged to contact AANS with feedback regarding the new directory or ideas for other new member benefits: [email protected] or (847) 378-0500.
Kathleen T. Craig is the AANS director of marketing.