For five days, several neurosurgeons from Columbia University Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital will experience a new set of big-city lights and sounds. They will gather in Chicago with many of the brightest minds from across the United States and around the globe for the 84th American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting, April 30 – May 4.

Each year, AANS hosts a meeting so that neurosurgeons can learn, teach and explore the latest neurosurgical science and practice, and in turn bring back the best care to their patients at home.

This year’s theme, Neurosurgery Leading the Way, encourages neurosurgeons to be leaders not only in the operating room but also in the classroom and laboratory. In line with the theme, the conference program includes inspiring lectures from top leaders in the field, plus a leadership development course.

Over the course of the AANS meeting, neurosurgeons will hear lectures about timely topics—such as the latest treatments for malignant brain tumors—engage in discussions and roll up their sleeves during practical clinics, which are hands-on workshops covering a range of topics, like brain mapping and spine surgery techniques.

Several Columbia neurosurgeons have one more activity on their list—teaching, or as this year’s theme would say, leading. Each year, Columbia neurosurgeons attend the AANS Annual Scientific Meeting to not only educate themselves but also others.

They share their areas of expertise—whether it’s spinal cord injuries, deep brain stimulation or any number of other specialties—by leading practical clinics, moderating discussions or speaking. They value the opportunity to teach, as it is a way of helping other neurosurgeons offer quality care to patients in the United States and around the world.

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