While neurosurgeons are few in number, neurosurgery represents a vital and extremely important medical resource. A state neurosurgical society strengthens the network of neurosurgical professionals at a grassroots level. High-quality state neurosurgical society meetings can build cohesiveness for neurosurgeons in a community, help to address issues important to those practitioners, and improve their support network. This in turn strengthens the state neurosurgical community and can have a positive effect on a national and even international level.
The Michigan Association of Neurological Surgeons annual meeting in June was successful in large part because it implemented factors that can make any meeting a success: attractive location, interesting and informative program, and inclusiveness. The MANS meeting was held at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island, Mich., a beautiful location rated by Conde Nast as one of the top 10 islands in the world. Because neurosurgical practice often limits quality family time, this was a great opportunity for neurosurgeons to earn continuing medical education credits while enjoying the beautiful sites and social events with their families.
An ambience of relaxation and learning was fostered throughout the event. The opening reception site overlooked the famous Mackinac straights, a critical shipping channel connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The meals during the meeting brought people together, creating opportunities for neurosurgeons to meet and talk with colleagues and find common ground. Meals held near or in the exhibit areas fostered interactions between surgical specialists and industry. Industry sponsorship was critical to the meeting and vendors, who were welcome at every event, could talk to individual surgeons on a one-on-one basis. A golf tournament further fostered this interaction and was tremendous fun.
The academic program was the most important component of the meeting. The theme “Collaborations: Advancing the Neurosciences” represented the meeting’s diverse topic matter, the inclusive nature of the meeting, and the development of the state’s neurosurgical resources. Neurosurgeons from both academic and private practice were invited to address a range of topics from spine, to skull base, to endovascular, to pediatrics. The 20-minute talks, plus five minutes for questions and answers, allowed for maximum impact of each topic while holding audience interest. Also invited to speak were surgeons from other specialties that are critical to successful outcomes for neurosurgical patients. These included ear, nose and throat surgeons and plastic surgeons who work in conjunction with neurosurgeons to treat difficult cases. These talks showed the value of collaborative surgical teams in improving patient outcomes. To add to the depth of the program, neuroscience researchers were invited to give talks showing how their collaborations with neurosurgeons could result in groundbreaking neuroscience discoveries.
Out-of-state neurosurgical and medical leaders were invited to participate. Robert Grossman, MD, gave a fascinating personal account of the medical evaluation of JFK following his assassination in Dallas, where at the time Dr. Grossman was practicing at Parkland Hospital. James Bean, MD, gave an eye-opening talk on healthcare expenditures; Stephen Hochschuler, MD, shared his experience with setting up the successful Texas Back Institute, which combines clinical and research excellence; and Rudolf Beisse, MD, from Germany gave a fascinating talk on thoracoscopic surgery. In conjunction with this meeting a meeting of neuroscience nurses was held, and its participants were invited to share in the MANS meeting’s receptions, meals, and lectures.
Other critical components of a successful state society meeting are the opportunity to earn CME credits and publicity. Concerning CME, MANS worked closely with the sponsoring institution’s educational department to divide much of the administrative work burden. The event also needs to be publicized well in advance to make sure individuals can make time in their busy schedules. MANS asked Quality Medical Publishing Inc. to design the preliminary program, which was mailed to all neurosurgeons in Michigan. A second mailing was done eight weeks before the meeting to encourage additional attendance.
A successful neurosurgical state society meeting strengthens the state society by improving the awareness of its strengths and assets while fostering collaborations and new friendships among neurosurgeon members. Ultimately, a successful state society meeting can improve involvement in organized neurosurgery on both state and national levels.
Mick Perez-Cruet, MD, MS, is president of the Michigan Association of Neurological Surgeons.