Pediatric Newsletter Masthead
Editor: Bruce A. Kaufman, MD Fall 2009

From the Chair

Tina Duhaime, MD

The objectives of the Section shall be to enhance and assure the advancement of the subspecialty of pediatric neurosurgery by:
(1) serving as a forum for the intimate exchange of ideas and information among a group of neurological surgeons whose interests are directed towards the infant and child,
(2) serving as a section to assist the AANS and CNS to advance education, research, and patient care in the area of pediatric neurosurgery.

Founder Kenneth Shulman, MD, and Founder and First Chairman Robert McLaurin, MD

Greetings colleagues!

Tina Duhaime, MD
As we approach our 38th Annual Meeting, the field of pediatric neurosurgery has matured through its formative years and is now a full-fledged and acknowledged "citizen" of the community of medical specialties. As in all fields, evolution and growth continue, and new questions and issues arise. Should we change the name of our organization to reflect the fact that our expertise is applicable also for adults with congenital disorders? How can we continue to attract dedicated and energetic individuals to pediatric neurosurgery? What are our opportunities and obligations to patients in less developed parts of the world? How can we translate advances in science to effective care of patients in our field? Where do our issues and those of the patients and families we serve fit into the larger debates about healthcare delivery?

Boston's Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
During the next two years, my goal as chair of the Pediatric Section is to carry forward the valuable projects and initiatives begun by my predecessors, as well as to focus on two specific issues.

First, through the recent establishment of the Research Committee and through the recent allocation of pilot funds for this effort from the Executive Council, we hope to begin to facilitate scientific research projects of specific applicability to pediatric neurosurgery.

Second, through the dedicated work and thoughtful suggestions of many section members, we hope to streamline, focus, and concentrate our efforts with respect to national meetings involving the section. Our goal is to respond to the educational needs of the membership -- and those who care for children but who may not be section members -- by optimizing quality, reducing redundancy, and varying the specific formats most appropriate for the goals of our various meetings.

To learn more, and to get involved, I hope you can attend our annual meeting in Boston! There you can exchange ideas with colleagues, learn what others are doing, and be part of the debates and decisions. There will be new data to discuss, and award-winning papers, honorary talks, point-counterpoint forums, and an expert-packed symposium on the latest in neurofibromatosis will be presented. A special breakfast just for trainees to learn more about our specialty also will be held.

Whether you are able to attend the meeting or not, we urge you to get involved with the Pediatric Section. This is your organization, and we are here to serve your needs. Please feel free to contact any of the officers by e-mail with your feedback and your ideas.

Tina Duhaime, MD, is chair of the AANS/CNS Section on Pediatric Neurological Surgery.

©1998-2009; American Association of Neurological Surgeons / Congress of Neurological Surgeons

In This Issue...
From the Chair
From the Secretary
Winter Meeting 2009
Membership Update
SONS News
Pediatric Section Officers
Pediatric Section Web Site
Neurosurgical Fellowships
AANS Annual Meeting
AANS Educational Programs
Meetings Calendar
Update Your E-mail Address