AANS/CNS Sections

AANS/CNS joint sections are specialized groups focusing on topics and subspecialty concentrations within neurosurgery and are comprised of interested members of the AANS and CNS. Neurosurgeons interested in joining an AANS/CNS joint section must be an existing member of either the AANS or CNS. Non-neurosurgeons may apply for adjunct membership and do not require AANS or CNS membership.

As the progression of our surgical subspecialty continues, the study of its history must become refined and disciplined. It is the purpose of the History Section to investigate and promote the study of the history of neurological surgery and the neurological sciences. It is clear that a knowledge of the past scientific, clinical and social context of our forbearers’ contributions can enhance our ability to adjust to the challenges of the present.

This Section was developed to advance education, research and patient care in the area of cerebrovascular disease. Through activities and educational programs, the Section strives to promote awareness among all neurosurgeons of opportunities for clinical practice and research in the area of cerebrovascular surgery.

This section provides a forum for education and research on trauma and critical care of the nervous system; coordinates activities and programs relating to trauma, critical care and sports medicine; represents the AANS and CNS at any organization or group on matters relating to trauma, critical care and sports medicine; and advises the AANS and CNS of activities which relate to nervous system trauma and critical care by other individuals, groups and/or agencies.

This Section maintains liaison and involvement with other specialties and organizations; provides help in resident curricula planning, especially in the area of pain management; promotes Journal of Neurosurgery (JNS) and Neurosurgery manuscript submissions in pain management; fosters international communication and collaboration in neurosurgical procedures for pain; and increases the role of the neurosurgeon in the multidisciplinary field of pain management.

This Section serves as a forum for the intimate exchange of ideas and information among neurological surgeons whose interests are directed toward the infant and child; serves as a vehicle through which the AANS and the CNS can be apprised of the activities and advances in the subspecialty of pediatric neurosurgery; serves as a resource for conducting special studies and proposing solutions to problems in pediatric neurosurgery; and serves to assist the AANS and CNS to advance education, research and patient care in the area of pediatric neurosurgery.

This Section fosters the use of spinal neurosurgical methods for the treatment of diseases of the spinal neural elements, the spine and peripheral nerves. Its primary purpose is to advance spinal neurosurgery and related sciences; to improve patient care; to support meaningful basic and clinical research; to provide leadership in undergraduate and graduate continuing education; and to promote administrative facilities necessary to achieve these goals.

This Section is affiliated with the American Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (ASSFN). ASSFN’s purpose is to foster the use of stereotactic and functional neurological methods for the treatment of diseases of the nervous system; to advance stereotactic and functional neurosurgery and related sciences; to improve patient care; to support meaningful basic and clinical research; to provide leadership in undergraduate and graduate education and continuing education; and to provide administrative facilities necessary to meet these goals.

This Section insures a forum for education and research on tumors of the nervous system; coordinates activities and programs relating to tumors for the AANS and CNS and other societies, committees and agencies; represents the AANS and CNS when requested by executive action, at any organization or group on matters relating to tumors; and advises the AANS and the CNS of activities which relate to nervous system tumors by other individuals, groups and/or agencies. All neurosurgical residents are given free membership in this section.

This new Section fosters to educate, inspire and encourage women neurosurgeons to realize their professional and person goals and to serve neurosurgery in addressing the issues inherent to training and maintaining a diverse and balanced workforce. Medical students are welcomed as members. There are no dues owed as a medical student or as a resident member.