 ON BEHALF OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NEUROLOGICAL SURGEONS (AANS),
I am delighted to welcome you to stimulating world of 21st century neurosurgery. The AANS, the organization that speaks for North American neurosurgery, celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2006; while neurosurgery looks very different today than it did to those pioneering the profession in the early 1900’s, there is no doubt that it continues to be just as intellectually challenging and personally satisfying.
There have been astounding advances in our understanding of that most sophisticated and complex of human systems – the nervous system. Neurosurgeons worldwide have worked to broaden our understanding of such challenging disorders as stroke, brain tumors, epilepsy, pain and trauma. We also have moved actively into the exciting arena of neurodegenerative disease, probing the cause and treatment of such devastating disorders as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. The evolution of sophisticated computer systems has allowed us to explore the depths of the brain with great precision to sample tissue, stimulate selected nuclei, and implant genetically engineered tissue or pharmacological agents. We have adapted the techniques of molecular biology to develop novel therapies for the treatment of brain tumors and stroke.
Focused efforts have provided a framework to enhance the lives of the increasing number of patients suffering from many different types of spinal disorders. Advances in the understanding of spinal biomechanics have allowed the application of sophisticated interventions to alleviate the suffering experienced from degenerative disease of the spinal column. Research is underway on the use of transplantation and other novel interventions to remedy the tragic consequences of spinal cord injury.
These truly are exciting times for neurosurgery.
This monograph, prepared by Women In Neurosurgery (WINS), has been adopted by organized neurosurgery to help introduce everyone to the exciting opportunities of a career in neurosurgery. I encourage you to read it carefully to learn of the possibilities for you in our specialty. We are a relatively small discipline in numbers but there is extraordinary potential in our field. Perhaps you will be stimulated to move with us into the exciting future of our specialty.
Donald O. Quest, M. D.
President
American Association of
Neurological Surgeons
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 ON BEHALF OF THE CONGRESS OF NEUROLOGICAL SURGEONS I hope you are inspired to pursue our beloved field of Neurological Surgery. What is so special about Neurological Surgery? It is a magnificent, but challenging field that covers a broad spectrum of disease and injury that affect the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. The brain and spinal cord are the last frontiers in medicine. Although we understand more about the central nervous system every day, there is an unlimited amount of research and learning yet to do.
Our field needs, bright, talented and interested students who desire to discover, innovate and push our field forward. Ultimately, it is our patients who will benefit. The relationship between a Neurosurgeon and their patient is often an unforgettable one for the patient, and of unparalleled satisfaction for the Neurosurgeon. Today, Neurosurgeons have an opportunity to remove a brain tumor or epilepsy focus, stop a bleed in the brain, fix a child’s congenital anomaly, restore neurological function or eliminate pain and suffering with newer and safer techniques. When necessary, we provide palliative and humane care for those who have incurable neurological disease. We treat stroke, cancer, spinal disorders, trauma and neurological disorders that were once only amenable to medical therapy. The Neurosurgeon has a daunting task, but is aided by novel neurosurgical techniques and exciting emerging technologies that will fascinate any student. We use minimally invasive approaches, interventional/intravascular techniques, computer imaging and molecular solutions that are evolving in an exponential fashion. This has created more excitement and more opportunity to treat patients safely than ever before. It is a career that offers the unique combination of scientific inquiry, surgical mentorship and patient advocacy. The psychomotor skills that are developed over time are a skill set that are honed by discipline and a more creative and compassionate educational process than in the past. The Neurosurgeons of today are a talented and diverse group of people who treat adults and/or children, and have arrived at their field from a multitude of beginnings. It is open to any ethnic background or gender, and has benefited from the diversity of experiences that our newest trainees have brought to our field.
The future of medicine is bright because of the rapidity and efficacy of the latest innovative treatments and technologic advances. However, the incomparable personal satisfaction from laying hands on a patient and making them better by surgery remains an important attraction for those seeking a career in Neurological Surgery. We wish you luck with whatever career path you choose to travel.
Sincerely,
Richard G. Ellenbogen, MD, FACS
President, Congress of Neurological Surgeons
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