The primary charge for the president-elect of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is long-range planning for the organization. This is obviously an ongoing process that includes not only 2005-2006, but also the initial planning for the following years. Many aspects of this planning are already underway.
Any plans that are initiated are dependent on the organization’s financial resources to bring them to fruition. We are fortunate that the financial health and stability of the AANS at this time affords us the opportunity to explore the development of new programs. This is to a large extent the result of the truly remarkable progress of the management team in our Executive Office in controlling costs and developing programs that are financially viable.
Much of what we do in the future will be dictated by outside forces that we cannot control. The medical liability crisis is but one such example, and I am hopeful that everyone reading this issue of the AANS Bulletin already will have contributed to neurosurgery’s campaign for medical liability reform. Maintenance of Certification is another issue for which mandates from national and state certifying bodies have compelled a response from the neurosurgical community. It is difficult to disagree with the goals of this movement, but designing a mechanism that is both responsible and achievable will require time, resources and effort. The AANS is working closely with the American Board of Neurological Surgery to facilitate implementation of a workable program that will be responsive to the societal needs that compel its development, as well as attainable without disrupting the practice of neurosurgery.
Where do you as a member feel we should focus our efforts? Many of you have the opportunity to express your ideas and concerns through the 2004 AANS Member Needs Survey. Such a survey is valuable only if enough of the members who receive it take the time to provide the requested data; therefore, I hope you take the time to answer the survey’s questions carefully.
Whether or not you are part of the representative sample that receives the survey, I am interested in your thoughts and suggestions about our organization. Is the AANS meeting your needs? Are there areas that need greater emphasis? Are there new services or programs that you would like to see developed? How can we improve our annual meeting? Would you like to get more involved? If you want to work on a committee, what areas interest you? As the planning process for 2005-2006 begins, I invite your comments. Take the time to write to me at 4 Jackson Blvd., Savannah, Ga., 31405, or [email protected]. I look forward to your input.Fremont P. Wirth, MD, is 2004-2005 AANS president-elect.
For Further Information
AANS Strategic Plan, www.AANS.org, Article ID 18651
| 2004-2005 AANS Leadership AANS leadership for the 2004-2005 term was elected by unanimous vote on May 3 at the annual Business Meeting, held jointly for the first time by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, a 501(c)(6) organization, and the American Association of Neurosurgeons, a 501(c)(3) organization. The new Executive Committee is composed of Robert A. Ratcheson, MD, president; Fremont P. Wirth, MD, president-elect; Charles J. Hodge, MD, vice president; Jon H. Robertson, MD, secretary; James R. Bean, MD, treasurer; and A. John Popp, MD past president. The entire 2004-2005 Board of Directors is listed on the Web site at www.aans.org/about/ membership/executive.asp. Retiring board members were individually recognized for their service. Executive Committee members were Roberto C. Heros, MD, past president; Randall W. Smith, MD, vice-president; and Arthur L. Day, MD, treasurer. Other board members were Steven L. Giannotta, MD; Regis W. Haid Jr., MD; L.N.. Hopkins III, MD; Donald W. Marion, MD; Richard A. Roski, MD; Michael Schulder, MD; and W. Brian Wheelock, MD. Strong membership numbers and a positive financial outlook were reported. With the AANS expected to finish the fiscal year on June 30 in the black, there was not an increase in membership dues. In new business, the bylaws changes that were proposed to members in March and outlined in the spring issue of the Bulletin (article ID 21846) were discussed. A paper ballot via regular mail is underway this summer. |
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| 2003-2004 AANS President A. John Popp, MD, left, presented Robert A. Ratcheson, MD, with a gavel as a symbol of AANS leadership. Dr. Popp praised Dr. Ratcheson for his “brilliant, incisive mind,” and observed that “even when what he says is contrary to what you think, you had better think about what he says because often you will find yourself changing your mind.” Dr. Ratcheson officially assumed the AANS presidency at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 6. |