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AANS COVID-19 Update Presidents Message

COVID-19 Impacts Delivery of Neurosurgical Care — A Message from the AANS and the CNS Presidents

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected all aspects of life in the United States and around the world. As this pandemic has spread, we have seen the devastating impact on health care systems. With no effective treatment and no vaccine currently available, the most effective means of slowing the dissemination of COVID-19 is through social distancing, crowd avoidance, appropriate quarantine and other techniques to limit community exposure. Slowing the growth of COVID-19 cases is of critical importance to prevent our hospitals and critical care capacity from being overwhelmed. While the COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented challenge and is rapidly evolving, AANS and CNS leaders are acutely aware that this crisis is straining our health care system, and our members’ practices, as this viral infection continues to escalate. Despite these disruptions, neurosurgeons can do their part to help see our nation through this challenge.

As previously reported, because the health, safety and well-being of our attendees, faculty, speakers, exhibitors and staff is of paramount importance, the AANS Board of Directors made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting.

As of this writing, the CNS Annual Meeting in Miami, Sept.12-16, will still take place.

Both organizations are exploring virtual options that deliver world-class education and offer continuing medical education to our members. While plans are nascent, we will keep the neurosurgical community apprised of our plans to deliver research, knowledge and expert insight in the weeks and months ahead.

The AANS and the CNS are also developing a COVID-19 information hub on their respective websites. This allows members to access a wide variety of COVID-19-related information and resources. Topics include:

We recognize that these are uncertain times and that this pandemic is affecting our members in countless ways. Working together, the AANS and the CNS remain committed to helping you and the country get through this crisis.

Sincerely,
Christopher I. Shaffrey, MD, FAANS, President
American Association of Neurological Surgeons

Steven N. Kalkanis, MD, FAANS, President
Congress of Neurological Surgeons

COVID-19 Update