Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
The Spine Section, in conjunction with the Outcomes Subcommittee of the AANS/CNS Committee for the Assessment of Quality, is conducting an online outcomes study for the treatment of lumbar disc disease. The study, which evaluates the clinical and functional outcomes of patients treated for lumbar disc herniation, is available on the Outcomes Sciences POINT System Web site (www.outcomesciences.com/research). The outcomes reporting system allows any member of the AANS or CNS to enter all relevant data online, at no cost. There are no patient or surgeon identifiers on the database and the identification code is kept at the AANS office and cannot be accessed through the Internet, making submission of data via this system safe and confidential.
Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care
The AANS/CNS Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care has established a one-year fellowship, in the amount of $40,000, intended to cover travel and living expenses for a resident who wishes to broaden his or her exposure in the area of neurotrauma and critical care. The fellowship must be undertaken in a reputable North American or European center, and the results of the recipient’s research must be presented as a lecture at either the AANS or CNS Annual Meeting, as well as published in a national peer-reviewed journal. Residents interested in applying should send: 1) curriculum vitae; 2) statement regarding the purpose of the proposed fellowship and estimated expenses; 3) letter from the applicant’s residency program director confirming the resident’s date of completion; and 4) letter of acceptance from the institution where the applicant will seek the fellowship to: Jack E. Wilberger, Jr., MD, Allegheny General Hospital, East Wing Office Building, 420 East North Avenue, Suite 302, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. The deadline for application submission is December 1, 1999.
Section on Tumors
The AANS/CNS Section on Tumors urges AANS members to implement the Low Grade Glioma (LGG) Guidelines, developed by the Glioma Outcomes Project through the efforts of a multi-specialty task force that included the Outcomes Subcommittee of the AANS/CNS Committee for the Assessment of Quality and the Tumor Section, into their practices. The Guidelines, which cover a variety of topics such as natural history of LGG, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, resource utilization and treatment methods, are designed to improve patient care and provide a mechanism by which physicians can evaluate and improve their treatment practices. The Guidelines were published in Neurosurgical Focus (June 1998) and can be accessed on www.neurosurgery.org.
Neurosurgical Shopping Made Easy
is pleased to offer cyber surfers the Online Marketplace – an easily accessible online shopping experience on 
where visitors can order the full line of AANS and CNS neurosurgical products and publications. Publications available on the site include the Neurosurgical Operative Atlas Series, the Neurosurgical Topics Series, the Getting SMART Programs and more.
Like other online shopping sites, the Online Marketplace uses a shopping cart concept that allows a visitor to browse through a cyber aisle of products and add purchases to his or her cart. When the visitor is finished shopping, he or she can empty the cart, view a summary screen that totals the order and submit the necessary credit card and shipping information. The buyer will be asked to confirm his or her order and, in turn, the buyer will receive an order confirmation via e-mail. All products purchased online are guaranteed to ship within five business days.
The Online Marketplace also offers cybershoppers convenient search options. By typing in a key word, product title, author name or topic, visitors can locate product photos and descriptions, book reviews, user testimonials and more.
For more information on the products available, or to order online, visit the Online Marketplace at www.neurosurgery.org.
CSNS Semi-Annual Assembly Report
by Lyal G. Leibrock, MD, FACS
The Council of State Neurosurgical Societies (CSNS) met in New Orleans, Louisiana, April 23-24, 1999. The Assembly considered a variety of socioeconomic resolutions that will strongly impact the neurosurgical community.
Continuing Medical Education
Attention was focused on the limited number of continuing medical education credits issued to neurosurgeons who attend the AANS and CNS Annual Meetings. Two resolutions were raised requesting the AANS and CNS to consider conducting three 10-hour and one seven-hour Plenary/Scientific Sessions at their Annual Meetings. The sessions would allow neurosurgeons to earn nearly 35 CME credits, as opposed to earning only 20 CME credits as it now stands. The resolutions were referred to the CSNS Communication and Education Committee for report at the next CSNS meeting, which is slated to take place prior to the 1999 CNS Meeting in Boston.
Spotlight on Neurotrauma and Critical Care
The Ad Hoc Neurotrauma Committee presented several resolutions addressing issues surrounding neurotrauma and critical care. First, the Committee requested the Officers of the AANS and CNS to promulgate a position statement regarding the utilization and supervision of mid-level practitioners, including physician assistants and nurse practitioners, in the delivery of emergency neurosurgical care.
Political Action
A resolution in support of HR 1304, the “Quality Health Care Coalition Act,” was unanimously passed. The Bill exempts self-employed health care professionals, including doctors in private practice, from anti-trust laws and allows them to collectively bargain with HMOs. In addition, the Executive Committee of the CSNS urged neurosurgeons to continue to participate in grassroots activities aimed at providing continued access to emergency specialty care.
Commitment to Young Neurosurgeons
In a report delivered by David F. Jimenez, MD, a suggested mechanism by which each quadrant would select two residents to participate in the CSNS for a period of one year was approved. The CNS and AANS also will appoint two residents to participate in the CSNS deliberations. The CSNS will cover all travel expenses to and from the semi-annual CSNS meetings, and will work with Program Directors to identify residents with interest.
Organization of National Neurosurgery
The Council passed a resolution requesting the AANS and CNS to: 1) develop a joint strategic plan, and 2) consolidate resources. The motion comes after more than one year of debate between the AANS and CNS surrounding meeting management, marketing and other issues. The resolution will go to the AANS Board of Directors and the CNS Executive Committee for approval. Progress on the motion will be discussed at the CSNS session in Boston.
Subspecialty Certification Symposium
Attention was focused on the issue of subspecialty certification. Kenna Given, MD, Chair of the American Board of Plastic Surgery; Wallace Richie, MD, Executive Director of the American Board of Surgery; Donald Quest, MD, Secretary of the American Board of Neurological Surgery and Kim Burchiel, MD, Former Chair of the American Board of Pain Medicine, debated whether the American Board of Neurological Surgery should implement standardized, accredited fellowship guidelines, offer certificates of added qualifications or develop subspecialty Boards. Taking into consideration the arguments addressed by each panel participant, the Executive Committee of the CSNS agreed that accreditation of fellowship guidelines is essential to the future of organized neurosurgery; however, subspecialty certification is not.