In 2020, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation (NREF) launches the pilot course of the AANS/EANS Training Course Exchange to begin what promises to be a successful partnership with the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). For many years, the AANS and EANS have provided unmatched educational opportunities to neurosurgeons in their respective regions, ensuring the highest quality of care to patients in North America and Europe. Both societies expect that this exchange will develop cross-cultural friendships and connections among neurosurgical residents, benefitting them throughout their careers.
Since 1970, the European Training Courses in Neurosurgery have provided resident neurosurgical education through four-day courses that cycle through the key topics of vascular neurosurgery, tumor, head injury/functional and spine/peripheral nerves. These courses were originally founded by Professors Brihaye, Pia and Vigoroux; the tradition continues today under the guidance of Professor Torstein Meling.
Applications are currently being accepted for the Tumor Course taking place February 2-5, 2020, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. AANS residents accepted to this course will join the Cycle 2 cohort of EANS residents for the Tumor Course only.
The AANS will fund round-trip economy travel to Sarajevo from the resident’s U.S. or Canada-based home program and visa costs, if needed. The EANS will fund course expenses, including registration, course meals and shared accommodations. Residents will need to cover any additional expenses, including, but not limited to, taxis and entertainment. Residents may also extend their time in Europe as long as their airfare is equal or less in value than round-trip economy travel for course dates.
Applicants must be a PGY 4-7 in good standing when the course occurs, be a member of the AANS in good standing and be able to obtain a country-specific visa if required for travel. A complete application, curriculum vitae (CV) and letters of recommendation must be submitted by the due date July 1, 2019, to be considered. Decisions will be announced by August 30, 2019.
In exchange for AANS resident participation in the Tumor Course, EANS residents will be selected to participate in the upcoming Spinal Deformity for Residents course offered by the NREF in Phoenix at the end of February 2020. Calls for applications will go out for future European training courses with the success of this initial pilot. Currently, plans include a Vascular Course in Lake Geneva-Evian, France, May 10-13, 2020, and a Spine Course in Iasi, Romania, September 13 -16, 2020.
