AANS Continental Society Report

23 October 2020

AANS Continental Society Report

John A Wilson

Following is the report from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). We were forced to cancel the April 2020 Boston AANS Annual Scientific Meeting, planned as a global celebration of neurosurgery. We thank everyone who supported the planning process, especially the international collaborating societies: the Continental African Association of Neurosurgical Societies (CAANS) and the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS).

Christopher I Shaffrey, MD, FAANS, who served as AANS president during this time, addressed the association via email when it became obvious that the meeting needed to be cancelled.

To be sure that the scientific research gathered for this meeting was made available to the world of neurosurgery, presentations were recorded, e-posters were gathered, and the science was presented to membership as AANS Virtual 2020.

Additionally, the AANS created a series of webinars that addressed neurosurgical issues around COVID-19. These and other resources were made available on the website and are being updated as new information becomes available.

All of the other educational opportunities that were scheduled have either been canceled, postponed, or moved to a virtual format. I’m pleased to report that the new, virtual versions of these courses are breaking attendance records and receiving very high evaluations. The AANS has evolved to fit both member needs and these times.

As we look to April 2021, we are planning to meet together in Vancouver for the 89th AANS Annual Scientific Meeting. Since travel (especially international travel) is still uncertain, we are exploring all options for this meeting. We are committed to gathering in person in 2021 if at all possible. Regardless, we are determined to provide essential neurosurgical science and education to our members and the worldwide neurosurgical community. As we arrive at the best way to deliver this to our members, we will reach out to all neurosurgeons everywhere and share our plans.

The AANS’s commitment to international neurosurgery has never been stronger. We are actively seeking ways to work closely with our sister continental societies and with the World Federation of Neurosurgery. In late March, Talin Artinian joined the AANS as its new International Membership and Programs Manager. Thanks to the work-from-home order at the AANS, Talin has yet to work a day in the office, yet I can assure you she is working diligently on behalf of international neurosurgery every day. You can reach Talin at tartinian@aans.org.

I hope to be able to welcome you to the 2021 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting in Vancouver. The meeting theme, chosen long before COVID-19, is Neurosurgery United: Stronger Together. Our belief in and commitment to this ideal is unwavering and more pertinent than ever.

Thank you,