Goodman Oral Board Preparation

Overview

The AANS Goodman Oral Board Preparation course is highly interactive and simulates the examination given by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS).

Started in 1997 by Julius Goodman, MD, this course is the premier neurosurgical oral board review, with over 90% of candidates attending at least once prior to taking the exam. The must-attend AANS Goodman Oral Board Preparation course reflects the changes in the ABNS Oral Examination. Practicing neurosurgeons who register for the full course also have the opportunity to attend at least four one-on-one breakout sessions with faculty specific to their subspecialty to prepare for the focused-practice portion of the exam. 

Registration includes a copy of Goodman’s Neurosurgery Oral Board Review by Allan D. Levi, MD, PhD, FAANS.

Plenary-Only Registration

Plenary-only registration provides access to specialty-specific plenary sessions. Plenary-only registrants do not participate in breakout sessions. The Plenary Session is a specialty-specific Hot Seat session that runs concurrently with the breakout sessions. During these sessions, faculty present clinical scenarios that simulate the oral board examination. Attendees observe candidates as they work through cases while faculty evaluate their clinical judgment, decision-making, management plans, and communication skills. These sessions provide valuable insight into the oral board examination format and faculty expectations.

Full Course Registration

Full-course registration provides the most comprehensive preparation experience for the oral board examination. Participants receive access to both the Plenary (Hot Seat) sessions and the Breakout Sessions.
Each attendee will:

• Receive access to all Plenary Sessions
• Have the opportunity to register to participate in the hot seat during a Plenary Session (slots available on a first-come, first-serve basis).
• Participate in up to four one-on-one breakout sessions with faculty based on their subspecialty selected at registration Note: If selected, the Hot Seat session counts as one of the attendee’s four scheduled session blocks during the course.
• Select one of the four specialty-specific Hot Seat plenary sessions (available on a first-come, first-served basis).

The Breakout Session is a one-on-one coaching session that runs concurrently with the plenary sessions. During each breakout session, attendees meet individually with faculty who have previously completed the oral board examination. Faculty review clinical cases and provide personalized feedback on both the content of the attendee’s responses and their presentation style, helping them build confidence and prepare for the oral board examination.

Important Dates

• 2026 Fall Goodman Oral Board Preparation Course – November 17-19, 2026
• 2027 Spring Goodman Oral Board Preparation Course – May 4-6, 2027

Course Director

Allan D. Levi, MD, PhD, FAANS
University of Miami

Dr. Levi is a tenured professor and chair of neurosurgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. His clinical practice focuses on complex spinal cord, spine and peripheral nerve disorders. His clinical research interests have focused on developing cellular transplantation strategies to repair injuries within both the human central and peripheral nervous systems.

Accreditation

Accreditation
The AANS is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians.

The AANS designates this live activity for a maximum of 25.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

_{*Plenary session only registration does not include the one-on-one sessions and hot seat participation.}

This agenda is for reference purposes only.

All times are listed in Central Time (CT).

After You Register

Once you are registered, you will receive the following:

• Course Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email with details about your registration.
• Goodman’s Neurosurgery Oral Board Review: You will receive an email from info@aans.org with instructions for ordering Goodman’s Neurosurgery Oral Board Review by Allan D. Levi, MD, PhD, FAANS.
• Breakout Session Selection: Approximately one month before the course, you will receive an email from the AANS Goodman Course (info@planitincevents.com) with instructions for selecting your breakout sessions. At that time, you will have the opportunity to select your four breakout sessions. Breakout selections are made on a first-come, first-served basis and are final once submitted.
• Attendee Information Session: Prior to the course, AANS will host a virtual attendee information session to review the course format, breakout sessions, and answer any questions before the course begins.
• Course Updates: As the course approaches, you will receive additional communications with important reminders, course information, and resources to help you prepare.

Important Dates:

• 2026 Fall Goodman Oral Board Preparation Course – November 17-19, 2026 
• 2027 Spring Goodman Oral Board Preparation Course – May 4-6, 2027

Course Information and Tips:

All times for the course are listed in Central Time (CT).

Your Zoom account should list your First and Last name as you registered for the course.  We also suggest having a skull and spine model available. 

Shipping Policies

AANS does not ship out of the United States.

Cancellation Policies:

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Requests for cancellation, substitution, or transfer of course registration must be received in writing prior to November 3, 2026, to receive a full refund less a $50 processing fee. Cancellations, substitutions, or transfers to another course will only be granted from November 4 – November 10, 2026, less a $100 processing fee. No refunds will be made for cancellations, substitutions, or transfers after Monday, November 16, 2026. Email written cancellation, substitution, or transfer requests to goodmancourse@aans.org.

The AANS reserves the right to cancel a course. Registrants will be notified by phone and a formal letter of cancellation will follow in the mail. In the event of course cancellation, registration fees are refundable. 

_{Note: Videotaping, recording or photographing any portion of this course is strictly prohibited by the AANS}