Stars Sparkle in Chicago – The Stage is Set for the 70th Annual Meeting – Speaking Out

The Stage Is Set for the 70th Annual Meeting: Speaking Out

For the 70th year the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) will present a stellar scientific program featuring the most up-to-date research, methods and technology in neurosurgery. While the scientific sessions remain the premier attraction, the AANS Annual Meeting: Speaking Out offers a panoply of complementary events designed to illuminate the world of neurosurgery and beyond, as well as interest and entertain AANS members and guests alike.

Benazir Bhutto Provides a Global Perspective
Tuesday, April 9, 12:15 – 1 p.m.
Cushing Orator Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan, sets the tone for a conference that addresses the concept of leadership and its role in the neurosurgical profession. When she was elected prime minister in 1988, she became at the age of 35 the youngest chief executive in the world, as well as the first woman to lead a Muslim nation. Educated in and now living in the West, she has championed democracy and human rights for Pakistan, a country much in the news today.

Francophone Symposium Lends a French Flavor
Friday, April 5, 7:15 a.m.- 1 p.m.
A symposium featuring outstanding speakers from the Société de Neurochirurgie de Langue Française (SNLF) begins the scientific program with an international flair. To maximize the exchange of ideas, both AANS and SNLF members will participate in moderated discussion of neurosurgical topics. In addition, Yves Keravel, SNLF president, will address the AANS on Tuesday, April 9, at 10:55 a.m.

AANS “Stars” Honored
Outstanding individuals set the standard for the neurosurgical specialty:

• Cushing Medal-Edward R. Laws, Jr., MD, will receive this award on Tuesday, April 9, at 12:10 p.m. Dr. Laws, who is actively involved in brain tumor and neuroendocrine research, is a past president of the AANS, among other professional societies. The Cushing Medal is the highest honor awarded by AANS.
  
  
• Distinguished Service Award-John A. Jane, MD, PhD, FRCS(C), will receive this award on Monday, April 8, at 11 a.m. The editor of the Journal of Neurosurgery since 1992, Dr. Jane is one of the originators of modern techniques for the treatment of craniofacial disorders.
  
  
• Humanitarian Award-Edgar M. Housepian, MD, will receive this award on Tuesday, April 9, at 11:30 a.m. Dr. Housepian is being commended for his many years of dedication to neurosurgical science and the medical community, and in particular for his extensive volunteer work with the Armenian Academy of Science to provide humanitarian aid to Armenia.
  
  
• Van Wagenen Fellowship-Saadi Ghatan, MD, will receive this award on Tuesday, April 9, at 10:50 a.m. Dr. Ghatan plans to apply his knowledge of programmed cell death to the study of neural development at the Institute of Child Health/Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Stars Come Out at Night
No one will want to miss these “optional”stellar events:

• Ray Charles: NREF Benefit A consummate performer and true star, Ray Charles leads a full orchestra in the inaugural benefit for the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation. Monday, April 8, 8:30 p.m.
  
  
• Opening Reception Sue, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered, may not be the evening’s star, but she’ll certainly be the biggest attraction. Staged at Chicago’s Field Museum, the Opening Reception will feature an animated and energetic World Market theme. Sunday, April 7, 6:30 p.m.
  
  
• Night at Chicago Symphony The world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra is led by Zubin Mehta in an evening of classical music. Saturday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.
  
  
• Long Day’s Journey Into Night at The Goodman Theatre Brian Dennehy stars in Eugene O’Neill’s classic play. Saturday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.
  
  
• Second City Performance and Dinner Blues Brothers Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi are among the comedy stars who started here. Tuesday, April 9, 6:00 p.m.

Special Courses Augment Scientific Program Thursday, April 11, 9:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Three special courses that complement the scientific program will close the conference this year:

• “The Neurosurgeon’s Role in Mass Casualties” is a timely course that will review mass disaster care in the U.S.
  
  
• “Spinal Cord Injury: What’s New in 2002” will examine assessment and management strategies and review recently developed guidelines for care of spinal cord injury.
  
  
• “Current Management of Axial Low Back Pain” will highlight the pathophysiology of degenerative lumbar disease.