Neurosurgical Conferences Research Articles

1288 The Role of a Student-Led Neuro-Society Organized Neurosurgical Conference

1288 The Role of a Student-Led Neuro-Society Organized Neurosurgical Conference

Assessment of High-fidelity Anatomical Models for Performing Pterional Approach: A Practical Clinic in American Association of Neurological Surgeons Meeting 2024

Over the last decade, simulation models have been increasingly applied as an adjunct for surgical training in neurosurgery. We aim through a practical course at a national neurosurgical conference to evaluate 3D non-cadaveric simulation models along with augmented reality for learning and practicing the pterional craniotomy approach among a wide variety of participants including medical students, neurosurgery residents, and attending neurosurgeons. Our course was conducted during an international neurosurgery meeting with 93 participants but the course surveys (pre- and post-course) were completed by 42 participants. Most participants were medical students (31; 73.8%). Participants with no experience (the majority) in cadaver lab dissections, craniotomy as first operator, and as second operator represented 12 (27.9%), 29 (69%), and 22 (52.4%), respectively. Participants with moderate experience in cadaver lab dissections were 23 (53.5%). Post-course survey respondents noted positive feedback in most items queried including enhancement of familiarity and acquiring skills, confidence with neurosurgery instruments, confidence with microscope, part of standard training, traditional training, and lifelong training. Simulation model combining augmented reality with physical simulation for hybrid experience can be a promising and valuable tool especially for medical students or early career neurosurgical residents.

Shaping Perceptions and Inspiring Future Neurosurgeons: The Value of a Hands-On Simulated Aneurysm Clipping Workshops at a Student-Organized Neurosurgical Conference.

Objective Early exposure to niche specialities, like neurosurgery, is essential to inform decisions about future training in these specialities. This study assesses the impact of a hands-on simulated aneurysm clipping workshop on medical students' and junior doctors' perceptions of neurosurgery at a student-organized neurosurgical conference. Methods Ninety-six delegates were sampled from a hands-on workshop involving hydrogel three-dimensional printed aneurysms clipping using surgical microscopes. Consultant neurosurgeons facilitated the workshop. Changes in delegates' perceptions of neurosurgery were collected using Likert scale and free-text responses postconference. Results Postworkshop, 82% of participants reported a positive impact on their perception of neurosurgery. Thematic analysis revealed that delegates valued the hands-on experience, exposure to microsurgery, and interactions with consultant neurosurgeons. Thirty-six of the 96 delegates (37.5%) expressed that the workshop dispelled preconceived fears surrounding neurosurgery and improved understanding of a neurosurgeon's day-to-day tasks. Several delegates initially apprehensive about neurosurgery were now considering it as a career. Conclusion Hands-on simulated workshops can effectively influence medical students' and junior doctors' perceptions of neurosurgery, providing valuable exposure to the specialty. By providing a valuable and immersive introduction to the specialty, these workshops can help to dispel misconceptions, fears, and apprehensions associated with neurosurgery, allowing them to consider the specialty to a greater degree than before. This study of a one-time workshop cannot effectively establish its long-term impact on said perceptions, however.

Does gender disparity exist in neurosurgery training? Evidence from a nationwide survey from Pakistan

ABSTRACT Gender disparities are prevalent in the neurosurgical field, particularly for female trainees, despite the growing demand for neurosurgeons. The situation is bleaker in low-and middle-income countries, where gender disparities among neurosurgical trainees have not been evaluated. We aimed to gauge the gender differences in opportunities and perceptions of neurosurgery training in Pakistan by comparing responses between males and females. A nationwide web-based survey was conducted in Pakistan, covering 22 College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan (CPSP) accredited neurosurgery training programs. Convenience sampling was used with a pilot-tested questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. A total of 120 trainees participated in our survey. The mean age of the participants was 30.4 ± 4.1 years, with 29.2% females and 70.8% males. Concerns about gender equity were more among females (34.3%) than males (27.1%). Poor work-life balance was reported by more females (34.3%) than males (30.6%). Burnout due to working hours was strongly agreed by more females (54.3%) than males (35.3%). More females (40%) acknowledged sufficient mentorship opportunities versus males (25%). Female respondents (65.7%) worked 50–100 hours per week, less than males (69.4%). Satisfaction with surgical exposure was lower among females (2.9%) compared to males (18.8%). More females reported access to teaching courses (82.9% vs. 77.6% males) and neurosurgical conferences (85.7% vs. 80.0% males), cadaver workshops (17.1% vs. 12.9% males), morbidity and mortality meetings (88.6% vs. 82.4% males), case-based sessions (82.9% vs. 75.3% males), and radiology discussions (82.9% vs. 74.1% males). Our study highlights substantial gender gaps in neurosurgical training, concerns over working hours, burnout, mentorship, work-life balance, and gender equity. These findings underscore the necessity for interventions to rectify these disparities and foster gender equity in neurosurgical training.

839 A Retrospective, Multi-National, Longitudinal Study for Quantitative Analysis of Gender Distribution of Speakers at Major Neurosurgical Conferences

Abstract Aim To explore gender distribution of invited lecturers and panel speakers at major international neurosurgical conferences and investigate this as a potential contributor to lack of female representation in neurosurgery, known as a significant workforce problem, worldwide. Method We retrospectively analysed annual meetings organised by 4 major neurosurgical organisations between January 2016 and December 2021. Male and female faculty were academically stratified according to mean publications, citations, and H-index. A manel was defined as a session with 2 or more speakers, all of whom are men. Sex was determined by specific speaker title in conference program, online autobiography, or Gender Balance Assessment Tool (GBAT). Results Of the 21 conferences hosted by 4 major international neurosurgical societies/organisations analysed there were 5883 speakers, of which 10.93% (n = 643) were female. Of 885 panel sessions, 534 (60.34%) were manels. There were statistically significant changes between online and in-person conferences (45.45% (n = 60) manels online vs 62.95% (n = 474) manels in-person; p<0.05). Male invited lecturers had significantly higher mean H-index than female invited lecturers (male = 34.88, female = 18.95; p<0.05). There was a significant reduction in the proportion of manels over time (67.35% in 2016 vs 39.83% in 2021; p<0.05). Conclusions Despite encouraging findings that manels are becoming less prevalent in major neurosurgical meetings, they continue to comprise the majority, while female representation remains poor. This study hopes to highlight the need for greater gender diversity and female representation in neurosurgery.

Learnings from Asia’s first ever medical student neurosurgery Conference: NEUROFEST, 2022

The study lays out the design and learnings of Neurofest, Asia’s first ever medical student Neurosurgery conference organized by Walter E Dandy Medical Student Neurosurgery Club, India. Neurofest was conducted in October 2022 inclusive of various events: workshops, talks and contests. An online post-conference questionnaire was disseminated among the delegates to record their experience and feedback for the conference. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS with a level of significance p < 0.05. Of the 158 total delegates, 65.2% (n = 103) participated in this study. The majority of the responders were satisfied with the events at the conference. 85.4% (n = 88) of the respondents reported an increased interest in neurosurgery, probably due to the quality of workshops (p = 0.004), talks by faculty (p = 0.023), contacts with the faculty (p = 0.025) and confidence in approaching a faculty (p < 0.001). 92.2% (n = 95) of the respondents claimed to recommend Neurofest to their colleagues. The reasons for this were found to be the quality of workshops (p = 0.001) and confidence in approaching a faculty (p = 0.030). Nearly all respondents believed that such conferences are important in empowering medical students (n = 100, 97.1%). Similar conferences are required to provide medical students with early exposure to neurosurgery. In the future, continued research is required to optimize neurosurgical conferences and endorse the prospect of neurosurgery as a career option in Lower-Middle Income countries.

Role of a medical student neuro-society organized neurosurgical conference: The Glasgow neuro experience.

Entering neurosurgical training in the United Kingdom demands extensive prior commitment and achievement, despite little to no exposure to the specialty in medical school. Conferences run by student "neuro-societies" offer a means to bridge this gap. This paper describes one student-led neuro-society's experience of curating a 1-day national neurosurgical conference supported by our neurosurgical department. A pre-and post-conference survey was distributed to attendees to ascertain baseline opinions and conference impact using a five-point Likert Scale, and free text questions explored medical students' opinions of neurosurgery and neurosurgical training. The conference offered four lectures and three workshops; the latter provided practical skills and networking opportunities. There were also 11 posters displayed throughout the day. 47 medical students participated in our study. Post-conference, participants were more likely to understand what a neurosurgical career involves and how to secure training. They also reported increased knowledge about neurosurgery research, electives, audits, and project opportunities. Respondents enjoyed the workshops provided and suggested the inclusion of more female speakers in future. Neurosurgical conferences organized by student neuro-societies successfully address the gap between a lack of neurosurgery exposure and a competitive training selection. These events give medical students an initial understanding of a neurosurgical career through lectures and practical workshops; attendees also gain insight into attaining relevant achievements and have an opportunity to present research. Student neuro-society-organized conferences have the potential to be adopted internationally and used as a tool to educate on a global level and greatly aid medical students who are aspiring neurosurgeons.

Letter: Addressing Barriers to Student Participation in Neurosurgical Conferences: Experiences From the Inaugural Early Career Neuroscience Virtual Research Symposium.

Letter: Addressing Barriers to Student Participation in Neurosurgical Conferences: Experiences From the Inaugural Early Career Neuroscience Virtual Research Symposium.

Representation of female neurosurgeons as abstract authors at neurological surgery conferences.

Female neurosurgeon representation has increased, but women still represent only 8.4% of neurosurgeons in the US. Women are significantly underrepresented as authors in neurosurgical and spine journals, a key indicator of professional success in academic medicine. In this study, the authors aimed to assess the gender diversity of first and last authors of accepted abstracts at neurosurgical conferences in 2015 and 2019. Annual meeting abstracts for 2015 and 2019 of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), and pediatrics, spine, stereotactic and functional surgery, and cerebrovascular AANS/CNS subspecialty sections were obtained and analyzed for gender. Partial data were obtained for tumor and pain sections. Composite gender data were obtained from the societies. Percentage differences were calculated using comparison of proportions testing. Overall, female neurosurgeons accounted for only 8.3% of first and 5.8% of last authors, and 7.2% of authors overall. The pediatrics section had the highest proportion of female neurosurgeons as first (13.7%) and last (12.4%) abstract authors, while the spine section had the lowest proportions of female neurosurgeon first (4.6%) and last (2.0%) authors. Qualitatively, a higher proportion of women were first authors, while a higher proportion of men were last authors. Overall, there was no significant change in female neurosurgeon authorship between 2015 and 2019. With regard to society demographics, female neurosurgeons accounted for only 6.3% of AANS membership. The pediatrics section had the highest proportion of female neurosurgeons at 18.1% and the stereotactic and functional surgery section had the lowest of the subspecialty sections (7.6%). While female neurosurgeons represented 12.6% of spine section membership, they represented only 4.7% of first authors (-7.9% difference; p < 0.0001) and 2.4% of last authors (-10.2% difference; p < 0.0001). For the 2019 cerebrovascular section, female neurosurgeons were underrepresented as presenting authors (5.8%) compared with their membership representation (14.8%, -9.0% difference; p = 0.0018). Despite an increase in the number of female neurosurgeons, there has not been a corresponding increase in the proportion of female neurosurgeons as abstract authors at annual neurosurgery conferences, and female neurosurgeons remain underrepresented as authors compared with their male colleagues.

Letter to the Editor: Neurosurgical Conferences Should Be Free for Medical Students: A Call to Action

Letter to the Editor: Neurosurgical Conferences Should Be Free for Medical Students: A Call to Action

Affordable Low-Cost Home-Made Skull Model for Interactive Neurosurgical workshops: Experience with Hands-on Intracranial Pressure Monitoring at 2 International Neurosurgical Conferences

Undergraduate neurosurgery conferences are acknowledged to play an important role in bridging the gap between a limited exposure to neurosurgery within medical schools and a highly competitive application process. Hands-on workshops are attractive for any conference but can be prohibitively expensive, especially for student societies. We describe our method to manufacture a low-cost skull model, which we used for a hands-on intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring workshop station at 2 international neurosurgical conferences. We describe the workflow for our ICP monitoring workshop using these models. Our model acts as an appropriate substitute for more professional simulators while adequately mimicking the sensation of skull drilling, dural puncture, and intraparenchymal ICP bolt and probe insertion. All tools and resources are accessible from local markets and can be sourced online. A total of GB£100 was spent making 5 skull models and took 2 hours to manufacture by 3 individuals. The ICP monitoring workshop was carried out 3 times over 40 minutes, with each session accommodating 18 or 19 delegates (N= 55). These workshop models have been praised by medical students for increasing exposure and awareness toward neurosurgical procedures and the sophistication of investigations used by the specialty. Consultant neurosurgeons have praised the simulation provided by these models as closely mimicking the procedure in reality.

Characteristics of Global Neurosurgery Sessions: A Retrospective Analysis of Major International Neurosurgical Conferences

The global burden of neurosurgical disease is substantial, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Medical conferences are important in connecting those from LMICs to those from high-income countries for support and serve as an educational and networking tool. In this study, we sought to quantitatively assess the incorporation of global neurosurgery topics in international conferences related to the neurosurgical specialty. A database of major international neurosurgical conferences, from the conference of a group of 9 major neurosurgical societies, that had global neurosurgery featured from 2015 to 2020 was created. We then did a retrospective analysis to study the characteristics of these conferences ranging from geographic location to number to different components of the conferences. There was an increase in the number of conferences with global neurosurgery since 2015. This, in addition to the occurrence of 3 wholly global neurosurgery-related conferences in recent years, is promising and suggests growth in the field. However, 52.6% of conferences took place in North American or European countries, the majority of which were high-income countries. Furthermore, a majority of the presence of global neurosurgery was in the form of individual talks (54.5%) as opposed to plenaries or sessions. The preponderance of conferences in North America and Europe can pose barriers for those from LMICs including travel time, expenses, and visa problems. As global neurosurgery becomes an increasing part of the global health movement, we hope that these barriers are addressed. Conferences may become an even stronger tool to promote equity in neurosurgical education and practice.

The gender gap in European neurosurgical conference presentations.

Within neurosurgery, there are fewer women than men at all levels. The authors aimed to assess whether opportunities and representation within neurosurgery are proportional to the existing gender gap. The authors analyzed the program of the 2019 joint European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS)/Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS) conference to assess the proportions of presentations given through abstract submission and invitation by men and women. They compared proportions to the previous joint conference in 2007 and to the gender proportions of board-certified European neurosurgeons. Women delivered 75/577 (13%) presentations at the 2019 EANS/SBNS conference: 54/283 (19%) abstract submissions and 21/294 (7%) invited presentations. Fifteen of 152 (10%) session chairs were women. This increased significantly from 4/121 (3%) presentations delivered by women in 2007. When only presentations given by neurosurgeons (residents or consultants) were analyzed, the proportion of female speakers increased from 1/111 (1%) in 2007 to 60/545 (11%) in 2019. Pediatrics was the subspecialty with the highest proportion of invited female speakers. Across subspecialties, there were no differences in gender proportions for presentations from abstract submissions. Across the top 5 participating European countries, the proportion of female invited speakers (8%) and chairs (8%) was half the proportion of female board-certified neurosurgeons (16%). The proportion of women delivering invited presentations and chairing sessions at a European neurosurgical conference is lower than expected from the available pool of board-certified neurosurgeons. The proportion of women participating is higher through application (abstract submission) than through invitation. The higher proportion of presentations from abstract submission may reflect submission from a pool of trainees with a higher proportion of women. The authors suggest implementation of strategies that increase invited speakers from minority groups and have been shown to be effective in other disciplines, such as improving minority group representation in organizing committees.

Virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: a turning point in neurosurgical education.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused dramatic changes in medical education. Social distancing policies have resulted in the rapid adoption of virtual learning (VL) by neurosurgeons as a method to exchange knowledge, but it has been met with variable acceptance. The authors surveyed neurosurgeons from around the world regarding their opinions about VL and how they see the future of neurosurgical conferences. The authors conducted a global online survey assessing the experience of neurosurgeons and trainees with VL activities. They also questioned respondents about how they see the future of on-site conferences and scientific meetings. They analyzed responses against demographic data, regions in which the respondents practice, and socioeconomic factors by using frequency histograms and multivariate logistic regression models. Eight hundred ninety-one responses from 96 countries were received. There has been an increase in VL activities since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most respondents perceive this type of learning as positive. Respondents from lower-income nations and regions such as Europe and Central Asia were more receptive to these changes and wanted to see further movement of educational activities (conferences and scientific meetings) into a VL format. The latter desire may be driven by financial savings from not traveling. Most queried neurosurgeons indicated that virtual events are likely to partially replace on-site events. The pandemic has improved perceptions of VL, and despite its limitations, VL has been well received by the majority of neurosurgeons. Lower-income nations in particular are embracing this technology. VL is still evolving, but its integration with traditional in-person meetings seems inevitable.

Letter: Preliminary National Survey Results Evaluating the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Students Pursuing Careers in Neurosurgery.

Letter: Preliminary National Survey Results Evaluating the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Students Pursuing Careers in Neurosurgery.

Neurosurgical education in Ireland; a conference and medical student experiences

BackgroundAdult neurosurgery in Ireland is carried out in two specialist centres, attached to only two medical schools. This leaves four Irish medical schools with no formal clinical attachment in neurosurgery. We organised a student neurosurgical conference to increase exposure to neurosurgical topics and to evaluate student's experience of undergraduate neurosurgical education. MethodsThe conference was organised by students from two Irish Universities with assistance from the National Neurosurgical Centre. It was open to students from all medical students in Ireland. Attendees were invited to complete a questionnaire before and after the conference. Questions were either yes or no answer or responses on a Likert scale. Results95 students attended and all medical schools in Ireland were represented. 22% of attendees have received neurosurgical teaching during their medical education, while only 12% had a clinical rotation in neurosurgery. 40% of students are in a medical school attached to a hospital that performs neurosurgery. 54% of attendees disagreed or strongly disagreed that their medical education has comprehensively covered neurosurgical topics. 92% agreed or strongly agreed that they would like more teaching or clinical exposure in neurosurgery. 96% would attend future neurological study days. ConclusionsUndergraduate neurosurgical education in Ireland varies between Irish medical schools. Many students reported their medical education has not adequately covered neurosurgical topics and that they would like more exposure to neurosurgical teaching and clinical attachments. Nearly all students reported they would attend future neurosurgical student conferences and this may be one method of increasing exposure to neurosurgery as a medical student.

Gender Representation at Neurological Surgery Conferences

Women constitute a minority (9.2%) of academic neurosurgeons. We previously found that women in academic medicine are disadvantaged in funding and career advancement opportunities. We hypothesized that women are also underrepresented at neurosurgical society conferences. Programs from the 2014-2018 meetings of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), American Association of Neurological Surgery (AANS), and North American Skull Base Society (NASBS) were analyzed. Demographic data, including name, gender, and geographic region of practice, were collected for speaker, moderator, or leadership positions. χ2 statistical analysis was performed for difference in gender representation across all opportunity spots. In the period 2014-2018, there was no female presidents or honored guest at any academic meetings analyzed; 53.8% of executive committees comprised all men. Women often constituted a minority (<15%) of speakers and moderators at CNS, AANS, and NASBS meetings: speakers (% female, range), 8.6 (5.5-11.7), 13.6 (10.1-19.7), and 10.5 (5.6-16.6); moderators (% female, range), 7.8 (0-14.3), 23.0 (81.3-91.3), and 13.0 (8.6-18.7). Conference panels frequently comprised all men (58% CNS, 20.7% AANS, 61% NASBS). χ2 analysis found a disparity in male and female participation across all opportunity spots (P= 0.002). Additionally, female participants are often repeated, decreasing total number of unique women participating. There was no significant increase in female participation across the study period. In 2014-2018, underrepresentation of women in national neurosurgical conferences either matched or exceeded the baseline gender disparity seen in academic neurosurgery. We discussed potential causes of and strategies to address these findings.

Proceedings of the KCL International Neurosurgical Conference 2018.

Proceedings of the KCL International Neurosurgical Conference 2018.

Necessity of dural tenting sutures in modern neurosurgery: protocol for a systematic review

IntroductionThe ongoing need for dural tenting sutures in a contemporary neurosurgical practice has been questioned in the literature for over two decades. In the past, these sutures were supposed to...

Undergraduate neurosurgical conferences – what role do they play?

Introduction: Undergraduate student conferences provide networking opportunities for students interested in exploring a speciality. The ability to meet with like-minded students, engage with senior clinicians and experience the practical side of a speciality are valuable in shaping the career trajectory of undergraduates. We report our experience of developing a national undergraduate neurosurgery conference – a combined project between the medical students of King’s College London School of Medicine and the neurosurgery department at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.Design: Evaluation of conference design and student feedback.Methods: The conference was organised by medical students with support from a neurosurgical unit. Senior clinicians and trainees helped design practical workshops and a focused programme. Questionnaires were distributed before and after the conference to assess the quality of content and impact of the conference on students.Results: Prior to the conference, 80.7% of respondents stated they were interested in a career in neurosurgery. After the conference the figure rose to 88.9%. The percentage of students who felt they understood what a career in neurosurgery involves increased from 38.6% to 92.1% of respondents. 39.0% of participants had no neurosurgery exposure prior to the conference. 91.9% of participants agreed or strongly agreed they would be more confident engaging with a neurosurgical department following the conference. All participants agreed (29.0%) or strongly agreed (71.0%) that they would recommend this conference to a colleague.Conclusions: Student conferences are a valuable method of increasing exposure to a career in neurosurgery. They serve a great purpose in demystifying the specialty and guiding those with an interest through the steps required to enter and progress.