The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) presents unmatched educational opportunities for neurosurgeons at every stage of their careers. Currently, AANS offers interactive in-person courses, on-demand opportunities, networking opportunities, as well as various medical student chapters and events for young neurosurgeons. So, whether you are just beginning your journey in medical school or are a seasoned attending, AANS has enrichment opportunities to help you navigate the path of your neurosurgical career.
Medical Students
- Medical Student Chapters: AANS Medical Student Chapters provide early support and leadership training to medical students exploring a career in neurosurgery. The chapters provide a forum for students to organize professional, educational and research activities within their medical schools, promote mentorship and facilitate participation at a national level for the next generation of neurosurgical leaders.
- Young Neurosurgeon Research Forum at AANS Annual Meeting: This forum, cultivated for young and early career neurosurgeons, highlights medical student and resident research. At the end of the session, the Quest Award Winners will be selected and presented.
- AANS Annual Scientific Meeting Abstract Session: This session is dedicated to abstracts submitted by medical students and early career neurosurgeons. Following the presentations, authors will receive feedback and tips on their presentation skills.
Early Career (Residents)
- NREF Resident Courses: In cooperation with the AANS, the Neurosurgery Education & Research Foundation (NREF) offers free courses to provide advanced resident and fellow educational training in topic areas not always covered within neurosurgical residency. The NREF has funded more than 90 courses attended by more than 2,000 residents and fellows, with thousands more viewing presentations online.
- Young Neurosurgeon Research Forum: This forum, taking place at the AANS Annual Scientific Meeting, is cultivated for young and early career neurosurgeons, highlighting medical student and resident research. At the end of the session Quest Award Winners will be selected and presented.
- AANS Annual Scientific Meeting Abstract Session: This session is dedicated to abstracts submitted by medical students and early career neurosurgeons. Following the presentations, authors will receive feedback and tips on their presentation skills.
- It’s Not Brain Surgery Podcast: It’s Not Brain Surgery is a podcast series hosted by Paul Camarata, MD, FAANS, covering topics related to leadership, practice management and working as a neurosurgeon. Tune in each week to hear professional and career advice from neurosurgical leaders.
Mid-Career
- Goodman Oral Boards Preparation Course: The 2023 AANS Goodman Oral Board Preparationcourse is highly interactive and simulates the examination given by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS). Practicing neurosurgeons who register for the full course have the opportunity to attend breakout sessions specific to their subspecialty to prepare for the focused-practice portion of the exam.
- It’s Not Brain Surgery Podcast: It’s Not Brain Surgery is a podcast series hosted by Paul Camarata, MD, FAANS, covering topics related to leadership, practice management and working as a neurosurgeon. Tune in each week to hear professional and career advice from neurosurgical leaders.
- Young Neurosurgeon Luncheon: The Young Neurosurgeon Luncheon, a time to socialize and network with other young and early career neurosurgeons, is held during AANS Annual Scientific Meeting.
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