AANS Annual Meeting

Against a backdrop of sea and sun, the neurosurgical conference of the year has taken shape. For the 71st Annual Meeting (AANS), San Diego is the destination. “Cultural Connections: Bringing Global Perspective to Neurosurgery” promises a series of engaging events, from substantive scientific opportunities to scintillating social occasions, offering many possibilities for significant and satisfying collegial interaction.

The main events are preceded on April 25 by a scientific exchange between the AANS and the Japan Neurosurgical Society (JNS). The symposium and evening reception are open at no additional charge to all medical registrants of the AANS Annual Meeting.

The weekend that follows signals the approach of an extraordinary science extravaganza, with 42 practical clinics, among them three new courses: Hands-On Peripheral Nerve Injuries, Image-Guided Cranial and Intraoperative MRI, and Interactive Image-Guided Spinal Surgery.

On Sunday evening the meeting is officially launched with the Opening Reception, where “Ports of Call”offer cultural connections at the San Diego Convention Center’s spectacular Sails Pavilion. Dancing and desserts follow at the “Fun”draiser benefiting the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF).

Then it’s full speed ahead with four days of breakfast seminars, plenary sessions, and scientific sessions, punctuated by five special lectures, plus the Presidential Address by Roberto C. Heros, MD, on Monday and Cushing Oration by Henry A.Kissinger,PhD,on Tuesday. In addition, featured awardees include Stewart B.Dunsker,MD,Cushing Medal, and Troy M. Tippett,MD,Distinguished Service Award.

The AANS Resource Center-located in the Exhibit Hall where exhibitors feature the latest neurosurgical equipment and services-offers vital information, products and services that enhance the Annual Meeting experience. From April 28-30 the Resource Center also serves as the home of the Fifth Annual Silent Auction, sponsored by the Young Neurosurgeons’ Committee to benefit the NREF.

New in the mix this year are two interactive sessions that tap into audience response technology. On Wednesday at 9:45 a.m., Richard G. Fessler, MD, moderates a point-counterpoint discussion on the significance of posterior or anterior lumbar interbody fusion compared to traditional transverse process fusion with pedicle screws. On Thursday at 9:45 a.m., David F. Jimenez, MD, moderates a discussion on a timely topic, the professional liability insurance crisis.

The special events offered every evening are complemented by San Diego’s incredible array of activities and attractions-the San Diego Zoo,Coronado, trolley tours, Balboa Park, Legoland, the Wild Animal Park and much more-sure to please loved ones who are accompanying meeting attendees

Manda J. Seaver is staff editor of the Bulletin ]]>