The Latin American Federation of Neurological Surgery (FLANC)

The field of neurological surgery has undergone significant evolution over the decades, particularly in Latin America, where advancements in medical practices have been driven by both local initiatives and international collaborations.

The Latin American Federation of Neurological Surgery (FLANC) stands as a pivotal organization in this landscape, aimed at promoting the discipline across the continent.

The origins of FLANC can be traced back to the mid-20th century. Between the years of 1944 to 1979, a group of visionary neurosurgeons recognized the need for a unified platform that would facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional development within the region. They convened at various medical congresses, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become FLANC. This was called the “Permanent Committee Reunion” and was created in Montevideo, in February 1944 by Dr. Alfonso Asenjo and Dr. Alejandro Schroeder. After 1979, authorities were changed, and a democratic election was implemented. It wasn’t until 1981 in Guayaquil-Ecuador, where the first bylaws were created and approved in the first Administrative Committee. The leaders for this democratic change were Reynaldo Paulette (Chile), Humberto Hinojosa (Peru), Paolo Mangaveira (Brasil), Abraham Krivoy (Venezuela), Mauro Loyo (Mexico), Emilio Harb (Ecuador), Jorge Méndez  (Chile)  and Roberto Santos Ditto (Ecuador). From this point in history, these academic meetings were international meetings, and not just a local scientific reunion, hosting a myriad of international speakers including the majority of Latin-American countries. Since the first CLAN Congress in Montevideo in 1945 to the last one in Miami in 2022, this meeting has occurred every 2 years.

On February 27, 1998, in Honduras, a group of young neurosurgeons proposed uniting Central American countries under the support of FLANC, and thus the Asociación Centroamericana de Neurocirugia (ASOCAN)  was created.

Over the following decades, FLANC evolved into a formal federation, gaining recognition and membership from neurosurgical societies across the continent.

The FLANC is the oldest continental federation in the world, consisting of 26 societies and more than 18,000 neurosurgeons and 2,000 residents; FLANCS’s mission is to spread neurosurgical education throughout the continent.

The primary objectives of FLANC are centered around the advancement of neurosurgical practice and the improvement of patient care throughout the region.

These objectives and major initiatives can be broadly categorized into several key areas:

Education and Training: One of FLANC’s foremost goals is to enhance the education and training of neurosurgeons. The federation organizes workshops, on site-seminars, webinars, hands-on courses and conferences that provide residents and young neurosurgeons with updated knowledge and skills.  These educational initiatives are particularly vital in countries with limited resources where access to training programs is not available.

From 2022 to 2024 under the leadership of Professor Luis Borba,  FLANC has organized many activities and meetings dedicated to neurosurgical residents and students. With the assistance of Professors Tito Perilla, Byron Salazar and Julio Pozuelos, it was possible to bring to Colombia, Ecuador, and Guatemala one of their first 3D courses. In addition, this allowed for enhanced interaction between worldwide neurosurgical leaders and residents.

Nowadays, FLANC has 40 renowned training centers in Latin-American where fellows from all over the world are actively training. FLANC’s University, which was founded with the objective of elevating neurosurgical knowledge and practice reaching new heights, is a center of excellence in specialized education. We have developed one of the largest webinars collections in almost every topic of neurosurgery that are free to watch. We also organize live webinars every week and have special guest lectures with master neurosurgeons like Professors Al-Mefty and Spetzler on a regular basis.

Research and Innovation: FLANC promotes research in neurosurgery, encouraging its members to engage in scientific inquiry that addresses the unique challenges faced in Latin America. By facilitating collaborative research projects, FLANC aims to drive innovation in surgical techniques, patient management and rehabilitation protocols specifically  in the field of traumatic brain injury.

Advocacy and Representation: FLANC serves as a representative body for neurosurgeons in Latin America, advocating for policies that enhance neurosurgical care and improve working conditions for practitioners.

Networking and Collaboration: Building a strong network of professionals is crucial for the advancement of any medical specialty. FLANC fosters collaboration among its members and with international neurosurgical societies, creating a platform for sharing best practices, experiences and resources. This networking is essential for addressing common challenges and leveraging collective expertise.

Standardization of Practices: To improve patient outcomes, FLANC aims to standardize neurosurgical practices across the Latin American region. This includes developing clinical guidelines and protocols that reflect the specific needs and contexts of Latin American countries. Standardization not only enhances the quality of care but also facilitates research and data collection across diverse settings.

Membership for the Latin American Federation of Neurological Surgery is appealing. Full membership status entitles a society to full voting rights in the FLANC’S Executive Committee meetings during the Interim Meetings and CLAN Congresses (each society carries 1 vote) and membership dues need to be paid each year. A Full Member Society has access to advertise their academic or social events on the FLANC’s website and in the official newsletter. As the official journal the “Latin Neurosurgery Journal” acts as the global voice of the FLANC, publishing the highest quality peer-reviewed neurosurgical advances. The Latin American Federation of Neurological Surgery has emerged as a cornerstone of the neurosurgical community in Latin America, embodying a commitment to education, advocacy and research. Through its history of collaboration and innovation, FLANC continues to play a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges faced by neurosurgeons and patients alike. As the field of neurological surgery continues to evolve, FLANC’s objectives and purposes will remain integral to advancing the discipline and improving health care outcomes across the region. By fostering collaboration and promoting high standards of practice, FLANC is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of neurosurgery in Latin America.