The AANS/CNS reached out to 4,500 family physicians at the 2000 Scientific Assembly of the American Academy of Family Physicians in September in Dallas. Staff distributed literature explaining the role of neurosurgeons in treating the cervical spine, Parkinson’s disease and other health concerns.
Three Texan neurosurgeons-AANS members Alex B. Valadka, MD, of Houston; and Richard Henry Jackson, MD, and Howard W. Morgan Jr., MD, of Dallas-mingled with family physicians to discuss referral matters and treatment options.
“The presence of the AANS and CNS helped inform family physicians that neurosurgeons do more than just brain surgery,” said Heather Monroe, AANS communications manager. “We want them to associate neurosurgeons with low back pain, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and other conditions.”
Along with the neurosurgeons, Monroe and Jay Copp, AANS communications specialist, staffed the booth for the three days the Exhibition Hall was open. Meeting with family physicians gave them the opportunity to assess interest in various patient and physician education brochures.
Based on the number of handouts and promotional items distributed, an estimated 800 family physicians visited the booth.
While other exhibitors lured family physicians to their booths with cappuccino, ice cream or smoothies, the AANS/CNS relied on a trinket with enduring popularity: its anatomically correct spine key chain. At a loss to locate a spine model for their office, several doctors said they use the key chain as a teaching tool. “This is much better than a picture out of a book,” said one doctor.
The next AANS/CNS exhibit will be seen at the American College of Physicians – American Society of Internal Medicine meeting in the spring of 2001.