The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), in partnership with the Medical Education and Research Institute (MERI) in Memphis, Tenn., held its first AANS Master Series course Jan. 31-Feb. 1. “Advanced Endoscopic Surgical Procedures” provided advanced training in endoscopic surgical procedures in conjunction with hands-on clinical lab experiences following each didactic session. Sessions included techniques and indications on the following topics:
- Third Ventriculostomy
- Colloid Cyst
- Image-Guided Parenchymal Tumor Biopsy
- Intraparenchymal Hematoma Evacuation
- Carpal Tunnel Release
This exceptional program was chaired by John Frazee, MD, and it was supported by the following distinguished faculty members: Rick Abbott, MD, Marvin Bergsneider, MD, David Jimenez, MD, Wesley King, MD, and Roland Young, MD.
“Members of the faculty went out of their way to comment on how enjoyable this course was to teach,” commented Dr. Frazee. “This advance neuroendoscopy course was praised by all of the attendees.”
Significantly adding to the value of the course was the opportunity for attendees to determine which surgical equipment best fit with their individual surgery styles; they were able to perform the procedures using each of the different types of equipment supplied by Aesculap, Medtronic, Storz, and Brain Lab. In addition, participants were able to visit with several exhibitors who generously supported the course during the breaks and over lunch.
Endoscopic course participant Karl Greene, MD, observed that “Neurosurgery, like all of medicine, is dynamic and in constant transition toward improvement. This course convinced me to stay open-minded about endoscopic surgical approaches….”
The daytime course was complemented by a dinner that allowed the course’s faculty and attendees time for discussion of difficult cases, as well as a relaxed question and answer session.
“I was able to learn the techniques from the people who write about them,” another participant stated. “What’s more, I was able to learn the true pearls of the techniques that are never written about.”
Master Series courses offer clinical education that combines state-of-the-art equipment, instrumentation and research, and experts in the neurosurgical field. This advanced programming for experienced neurosurgeons also features customized operating rooms, hands-on instruction, and high faculty-to-participant ratios.
It was the success of a sold-out endoscopic spinal course held at MERI last July that spurred the development of the Master Series. That course, “Innovations in Spinal Fixation: An Advanced Course,” now a part of the Master Series, will be held once again at MERI on July 26 and 27. Additional clinical course offerings are in the planning phases.
Like all AANS courses, the Master Series offers continuing medical education credits that can be applied toward the 60 neurosurgical neurosurgical credit hours required for maintaining AANS membership, as well as toward category 1 credits for the American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award.
Information on future Master Series courses and all AANS continuing medical education courses is available on the AANS Web site, https://www.aans.org, and from the Education and Practice Management Department, (888) 566-AANS.
Vanessa Garlisch is education manager in the AANS Education and Practice Management Department.