Ellen Air, MD, PhD, director of the Neurosurgery Residency Program at Henry Ford Health System and Chair-Elect of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Joint Section on Women in Neurosurgery, is co-author of a new Professionalism and Harassment Model Policy created to provide a code of ethical behavior that promotes professional growth and the free exchange of ideas at neurosurgical meetings, educational courses, conferences and other sponsored events.
The policy was a collaborative effort by the American Academy of Neurological Surgery (AAcNS), AANS, American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS), CNS, and Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS). Unlike events held at one’s home institution, professional gatherings held at neutral locations often do not have clear rules and jurisdiction regarding professional conduct. The One Neurosurgery Summit Taskforce on Professionalism and Harassment, on which Dr. Air serves, has developed this foundational policy to establish common expectations for behavior and a unified roadmap for the prompt response to behavior that violates these expectations.
“Annual conferences, educational courses, and other meetings bring together a diverse community of individuals, yet also create a unique environment in which sensitivities vary by individual,” said Dr. Air. “What may feel appropriate for one person based on beliefs or culture may not be appropriate for others gathered at the same event. Through this new policy, we aim to bring greater attention to everyone’s responsibility for ensuring a safe and respectful space for education, and hope that other medical organizations will establish their own meeting and conference policies.”
