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AANS E-News
NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW
- AANS 2007 Annual Report Now Available Online
| The AANS 2007 Annual Report: An Integral Voice – 75 Years, is printed and will be mailed shortly to members, so keep an eye out in your mailboxes. If you would like to preview the contents, you may access the PDF directly by clicking here. Annual reports dating back to 2001 are available on the Web site at http://www.aans.org/about/annual.asp. Comments or feedback can be emailed to bvd@aans.org. |
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- Make Your Year End Donation Now!
This year is quickly coming to an end. Don’t miss your chance to support important neurological research. Make your gift to the Neurosurgery Research and Educational Foundation (NREF) today. Many promising grant applications have been received this year. Due to limited resources, only a small percentage will be funded. Your donation can help change that.
Please consider making your annual, tax-deductible contribution to the NREF online today by visiting our Web site at http://www.aans.org/research/make/donation.asp. Additional information is available by calling the AANS Development Department at 847/378-0500. |
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- Three-Year Cycle for Continuing Education Award in Neurosurgery Ends December 31, 2007
On January 1, 2005, the AANS Executive Committee implemented new rules and regulations regarding CME. Active and Active Provisional members and grandfathered International members residing in the U.S. are required to document receipt of the Continuing Education Award in Neurosurgery to maintain membership in the AANS. This award is earned by documenting at least 60 neurosurgical credits every three years from a list of approved providers. The current three year cycle is coming to an end on December 31, 2007.
Of utmost importance, please login to MyAANS.org to review your CME transcript to ensure that you have received credit for all meetings attended. There are several meetings for which you are required to self-report your CME in MyAANS.org including the 2007 AANS Annual Meeting. In addition, there are a number of meetings for which you must submit your CME certificate from the sponsoring organization in order for the credits to be added to your transcript (for example, CNS annual meetings, the 2007 Spine Section meeting, the 2007 CV Section meeting and any co-sponsored or endorsed meetings).
If you have any questions regarding the above information, email AANS Member Services at CME@aans.org. |
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- Announcing New Online CME Neurosurgical Education Courses
Four new CME education courses are available to AANS members through MyAANS.org. Available 24/7, these online presentations debate strategies and discuss the latest expert opinions. To access the sessions, log on to MyAANS.org and select “online courses/seminars.” These courses are free to AANS members; a $30 CME processing fee applies for those claiming CME.
Controversies in the Management of Intracerebral Hematomas
The pathophysiology of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage and current treatment options are described. Presenters also discuss ongoing clinical trials for treatment of ICH patients.
Socioeconomic Session: Medicare and Pay-for-Performance
Presenters provide a Medicare overview as well as the neurosurgeon’s perspective, an update on pay-for-performance, views of Medicare from Congress and the Bush administration, and a question and answer portion.
Socioeconomic Session: EMTALA, Legislative and Regulatory
During this session presenters cover: improving the system of emergency care delivery; the role of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act in emergency care delivery; neurosurgical emergency coverage in private practice; neurosurgical emergency coverage in academics; fixing the emergency medical system; and legislative and regulatory solutions. Question and answer sessions are included.
Socioeconomic Session: Practice Management Enhancements
Presenters discuss patient-centered paradigms for practice enhancements; building a patient-centered multipecialty neuroscience practice; the benefits of hiring a practice manager; the benefits of adding an imaging center to one’s practice; and owning an ambulatory surgery center. A point-counterpoint presentation on physician-owned hospitals and question and answer sessions are included.
Complete descriptions are available by clicking here. |
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- Another Opportunity for AANS Members to Receive Free CME
Jeffrey Florman, MD, of Neurosurgery Associates in Maine, leads a lecture describing C1 Lateral Mass Screw Placement in an online presentation. While this course is available to all as a free online educational activity, only AANS members are eligible for 1.0 credit in Category 1 CME by completing the quiz at the end of the presentation.
This activity was made possible by an industry grant provided by our corporate partners.
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- Short on CME Credits for the December 31, 2007 Deadline? AANS Offers More than 100 Hours of Self Education/Home Study Opportunities
There are many opportunities to earn last minute CME credit before the current CME cycle ends December 31, 2007. Visit the AANS' Home Study/CME Web page for a complete listing of publications, DVDs, and online offerings.
Any questions regarding CME-eligible AANS products and online offerings can be directed to the AANS Member Services Department at 888/566-AANS (2267) x539. |
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- New Financial Benefit through the AANS-Sponsored Professional Liability Insurance Program
The Doctors Company Announces the Tribute PlanSM for AANS Members
The Doctors Company, exclusive administrator of the AANS Professional Liability Insurance Program, launched the TributeSM Plan, effective January 1, 2007. The plan is a new financial advantage offering an individual balance that accumulates each year until a physician’s permanent retirement, at which time the balance is distributed as a career award.
The breakthrough benefit utilizes a loyalty pool to reward members. A portion of the loyalty pool is allocated to each physician annually based on that physician’s premium. Members will receive their Tribute Plan award when they reach age 55 or older, have five or more years of continuous coverage with The Doctors Company, and retire from the practice of medicine. At the end of 2011 a member of The Doctors Company could accumulate a Tribute balance equal to 50 percent of his or her annual premium.
Major funding for the Tribute Plan will take place over the next five years. More than a third of The Doctors Company’s capital has been earmarked for this benefit.
“The Tribute Plan is a long term commitment to physician members of The Doctors Company and to improving the environment in which our doctors practice,” said Richard E. Anderson, MD, FACP, chairman and CEO of The Doctors Company. “We believe it is a benefit that no other national medical malpractice carrier can match.”
The plan is an addition to the many benefits that members already receive. AANS members insured through the AANS-Sponsored Professional Liability Program continue to benefit from competitive premiums, dividends, industry-leading claims defense, and comprehensive risk management and patient safety programs that deliver outstanding customer service.
Eligible members of The Doctors Company with policies in force on or after January 1, 2007 are automatically enrolled and have started accumulating balances. Tribute Plan awards are delivered as a lump sum payment when the member retires. For additional information, please visit http://www.thedoctors.com/tribute.
For more information about programs offered through AANS partners, visit the AANS Web site at http://www.aans.org/membership/aans_partner_programs.pdf.
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- AANS Medical Student Summer Research Fellowship
The AANS through the NREF is now taking applications for the Medical Student Summer Research Fellowship for the summer program of 2008. The fellowship is open to medical students in the United States or Canada who have completed one or two years of medical school and wish to spend a summer working in a neurosurgical laboratory, mentored by a neurosurgical investigator who is a member of the AANS and will sponsor the student.
This year, the AANS will award fifteen (15) Medical Student Summer Research Fellowships in the amount of $2,500 per award.
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- Neurosurgical Focus Call for Papers
Neurosurgical Focus, the online, indexed, rapid-publication journal of the AANS, is announcing new topics for upcoming issues. Further details about Neurosurgical Focus including the call for papers are available directly from the Journal of Neursurgery.
March/April 2008
Stem Cells and Central Nervous System Therapeutics
Submission Deadline: December 15, 2007
Topic Editor: Nathan R. Selden, MD, PhD
May 2008
Radiation Therapy: Current and Evolving Strategies for Nonmalignant Intracranial Tumors
Submission Deadline: January 15, 2008
Topic Editor: Walt Johnson, MD
June 2008
Management of Brain Abscesses
Submission Deadline: February 15, 2008
Topic Editors: Atul H. Goel, MD and H. Richard Winn, MD
Instructions to contributors can be found at http://www.aans.org/education/journal/neurosurgical/instruction.asp. New submissions should be prepared following the Instructions to Contributors document and submitted electronically through the Manuscript Submission Site by choosing Neurosurgical Focus as the journal option.
Manuscripts published in Neurosurgical Focus can also be found on Medscape at http://www.medscape.com/viewpublication/65_index.
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NEW ON THE MARKETPLACE
- A Patient's Guide to Spinal Fusion, 2007 Edition
AANS’ commitment to patient-focused education material has led to an updated version of one of our most-requested topics, A Patient’s Guide to Spinal Fusion.
The 2007 version includes patient-friendly MRIs showing degenerative spondylolisthesis and instrumentation used to correct spondylolisthesis, has greater coverage of minimally invasive techniques, and includes additional types of spinal fusion including lateral lumbar interbody fusion and extreme-lateral lumbar interbody fusion. As with all AANS patient education brochures, the neurosurgeon’s role in treatment is addressed, what to expect before and after surgery, as well as a glossary of terms.
Purchases can be made by calling the AANS Member Services Department at 888/566-AANS (2267) x539 or by visiting the AANS Online Marketplace.
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MEETING NEWS
- 2008 Southern Neurosurgical Society Annual Meeting - Early Bird Registration Deadline - Friday, December 14, 2007
February 6-9, 2008
El Conquistador Golf Resort & Casino
Las Croabas, Puerto Rico
You may make your Meeting Registration and Housing Reservations online or you can complete the Meeting & Tour Registration Form and the Housing Reservation Form and fax them to 800/713-6911.
Save $100 and register today! The early bird registration deadline is Friday, December 14, 2007 and the housing deadline is Friday, January 4, 2008.
Don’t miss seeing our second annual, Edward “Ned” Downing Lecture, featuring Richard Ford, Pulitzer Prize winner and PEN/Faulkner Award winner.
Additional information on the Annual Meeting, as well as joining the Southern Neurosurgical Society can be found at http://www.southernneurosurgery.org. |
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- XIV World Congress of Neurological Surgery of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies - Abstract Center Opening January 2008
August 30-September 4, 2009
John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
The Scientific Program Committee of the XIV World Congress of Neurological Surgery welcomes the submission of abstracts of original contribution to the entire field of neurological surgery.
Abstract Center Opens: Saturday, January 5, 2008
Abstract Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2008
All abstracts must be submitted online through the meeting Web site at www.AANS.org/wfns2009, where additional submission information has been posted. |
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- Sixth International Congress on Meningiomas and Cerebral Venous System - Abstract Center Open!
September 3-7, 2008
John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Participate in an exciting opportunity to present the latest technology, techniques and issues relevant to brain tumor research and therapy! You will be exposed to cutting-edge research and will have the chance to discuss cases and experiences with your peers at this truly unique meeting.
Peter Black, MD, PhD, Mark Johnson, MD, PhD, and the entire Program Planning Committee have created an exceptional scientific and social program. Breakfast Seminars, Special Sessions, Oral Presentations, Interactive Sessions, a specially-arranged social event each evening and an outstanding optional tour program – equate to an unforgettable meeting you will not want to miss!
To submit an abstract, please visit the Abstract Center. The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2008. Exceptions will be made for late-breaking abstracts. Late-breaking abstracts focus on unusually important results obtained since the January 31, 2008, regular abstract deadline. The Abstract Center will reopen on April 14, 2008, and will remain open until June 30, 2008.
For additional information on the conference, please visit http://www.themeningiomaconference2008.org/.
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- 2008 Biennial Meeting of the American Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
New Horizons in Functional Neurosurgery
June 1-4, 2008
Westin Bayshore Hotel
Vancouver, British Columbia
Make plans to attend the 2008 ASSFN Biennial Meeting. The meeting is dedicated to the rapidly growing specialty of stereotactic and functional neurosurgery, focusing on surgical treatment of movement disorders, psychiatric dsorders, epilepsy, chronic pain, Alzheimer's disease, and brain tumors.
The meeting will offer plenary sessions on the latest advances in the field, lively discussion on controversies, seminars, open papers and posters. The scientific program will be complemented by a social program that will take advantage of Vancouver and its beautiful surroundings.
For more information on this meeting, please visit http://assfn.org/.
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AANS COURSES
- 2008 Weekend Update: Interactive Review of Clinical Neurosurgery by Case Management
Prepare for Recertification!
February 23-24, 2008 – Houston, Texas
Course Director: Julius M. Goodman, MD
Experience maximum interaction with an audience response system. Responses to neurosurgical cases are immediate and confidential.
For more information or to register, please call toll free 888/566-AANS (2267) or click here.
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- 2008 Managing Coding and Reimbursement Challenges in Neurosurgery Course Line Up!
Plan your winter/spring vacation while attending an AANS Coding course!
2008 Course Line Up:
February 1-2 – St. Pete Beach, Florida
March 14-15 – San Diego, California
June 27-28 – Chicago, Illinois *Practice Management Workshop June 29 at the same location.
August 22-23 – Boston, Massachusetts
For more information and to register, please visit http://www.aans.org/education/educational/coding_course_list08.pdf. |
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- The Penn State Hershey ACGME Core Competencies Lecture Series
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education identified six areas in which residents must demonstrate competency to successfully complete a residency program.
Many training programs are struggling to develop or find programs for their residents that will satisfy all the required areas. Penn State Hershey Medical Center and the AANS are stepping in to help. Penn State Hershey Medical Center developed a Core Competencies Lecture Series for residents covering some of the core topics inherent in the ACGME competencies. They have generously opened their program to neurosurgical residents and training programs. The AANS provides a link to these programs, and is committed to spreading the word regarding their availability. Please visit http://www.aans.org/education/pennstate.asp for more information.
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Please visit the Doctors for Medical Liability Reform Web site at
www.protectpatientsnow.org
for the latest information on the medical liability reform campaign.
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