AANS

International Visiting Surgeons Program


Below is an alphabetical listing of programs which will consider accepting international visiting surgeons for educational/observational experiences. This information has been provided by the AANS International Outreach Committee.

This listing is information only. All arrangements must be made directly with the host institution, which determines the length, structure and content of their programs.

If you would like your program added to this listing, please contact AANS Member Services by email at bak@aans.org.

Albany Medical Center
www.amc.edu
Contact Person:
Alan S. Boulos, MD
Albany Medical Center
Neurosurgery (MC 10); Albany Medical College
47 New Scotland Avenue
Albany, NY 12208

Phone: 518-262-5314
Fax: 518-262-5400
E-mail: robinss1@mail.amc.edu
The Albany Medical Center Neurosciences Institute accepts international visiting neurosurgeons each year. Typically, visiting neurosurgeons have stayed from 3 months to 12 months. There is no internal funding available but we encourage the applicant to apply for international fellowship stipends awarded by the AANS with one of our faculty serving as a mentor. The visiting international neurosurgeon will experience a robust clinical and basic science research environment. Previously the international visiting neurosurgeons have been clinical observers in the subspecialty areas of spine, cerebrovascular, neuroendovascular, and skull base neurosurgery. In addition to clinical observation, basic science research in the areas of cerebrovascular, neuroendovascular and tumor biology is available to the visiting neurosurgeon. Animal faciliatise and a 3 Tesla research MRI Center with functional MRI capabilities are available. Clinical rsearch in neuroendovascular surgery and neurointensive care medicine in addition to anatomical dissections in our skull base microsurgery laboratory are encouraged.
Department of Neurosurgery, LSUHSC-Shreveport
www.universityneurosurgery.com
Contact Person:
Anil Nanda
Professor and Chairman
Neurosurgeon
Department of Neurosurgery, LSUHSC-Shreveport
1501 Kings Highway
Department of Neurosurgery
Shreveport, Louisiana 71103

Phone: 318-675-6404
Fax: 318-675-6867
E-mail: ananda@lsuhsc.edu
Department of Neurosurgery at Ochsner Health Systems
www.ochsner.org
Contact Person:
Wale A.R. Sulaiman, MD, PhD, FRCS
Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery
Medical Director, Spine Center
Ochsner Health System
Assoc. Professor of Neurosurgery (Tulane School of Medicine)
1514 Jefferson Highway
New Orleans, LA 70121

Phone Patient Referal: 1-504-842 7551
Adm Asst: 1-504-842 2181
Fax: 1-504-842 6531
E-mail: oarsulaiman@hotmail.com; wsulaiman@ochsner.org
Tulane University and Ochsner department of neurosurgery have a joint residency training program called Tulane-Ochsner Residency program. Visiting surgeons will spend most of their time on the Ochsner campus and may spend sometime at the University teaching hospital located in downtown New Orleans.

The department of Neurosurgery at Ochsner located in New Orleans can accept up to 4 international visiting neurosurgeons each year. Visiting Neurosurgeons may stay from 3 months to 6 months. There is limited internal funding available but we encourage the applicant to apply for international fellowship stipends awarded by the AANS or any other funding opportunities with one of our faculty serving as a mentor. The visiting international neurosurgeons will participate as clinical fellows in the subspecialty areas of i) spine (including minimally invasive and complex spine), ii) cerebrovascular and neuroendovascular, iii) Nerve Surgery iv) functional and epilepsy surgery as well as iv) skull base neurosurgery. In addition to clinical duties, there are opportunities for the fellows to partake in basic science research in the areas of nerve injuries, spine and spinal cord injury, brain tumor biology and in on-going clinical research projects. Scientific publication thereof is encouraged. In addition, the visiting neurosurgeon will be able to participate in weekly conferences, grand rounds, and spine symposiums. Fellows are also provided opportunities to attend surgical skills workshops and symposia during their time with our department.
Duke University Medical Center/ Division of Neurosurgery/Department of Surgery
www.dukeneurosurgery.org
Contact Person:
Allan H. Friedman, MD
The Guy L. Odom Professor of Neurological Surgery
Neurosurgeon-in-Chief - Program Director
Duke University Medical Center/ Division of Neurosurgery/Department of Surgery
Box 3807
Durham, NC 27702-3807

Phone: 919-684-3271
Fax: 919-681-7973
E-mail: fried010@mc.duke.edu
Visiting surgeons must obtain their own funding. Duke University provides no financial support. Visiting surgeons may observe clinical activities and surgeries, attend educational forums, and participate in laboratory work.
Louisiana State University in New Orleans
www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/neurosurgery/residency.aspx
Contact Person:
Gabriel C. Tender, MD
Louisiana State University in New Orleans
2020 Gravier St.
Suite 326
New Orleans, LA 70112

Phone: 504-568-6120
Fax: 504-568-6127
E-mail: gtende@lsuhsc.edu
The Department of Neurosurgery at Louisiana State University in New Orleans can accept one or two international visiting neurosurgeons each year. Visiting neurosurgeons may stay from 3 months to 12 months. There is no internal funding available but we encourage the applicant to apply for international fellowship stipends awarded by the AANS with one of our faculty serving as a mentor. The visiting international neurosurgeon will participate as clinical observers in the subspecialty areas of spine (including minimally invasive and complex spine), cerebrovascular and neuroendovascular, and skull base neurosurgery. In addition to clinical observation, basic science research in the areas of spinal biomechanics and brain tumor biology is available to the visiting neurosurgeon. In addition, the visiting neurosurgeon will be able to participate in weekly conferences, grand rounds, and spine symposiums. Scientific publication thereof is encouraged.
Mayo Clinic, Department of Neurologic Surgery
www.mayo.edu/msgme
Contact Person:
Fredric B. Meyer, MD
Chair
Department of Neurologic Surgery
Mayo Clinic, Department of Neurologic Surgery
Mayo Clinic, Gonda 8-209
200 First Street, SW
Rochester, MN 55905

Phone: 507-284-2254
Fax: 507-284-5206
No internal funding available. Two or three weeks of observation of clinical activities and participation in educational forums is available for international staff neurosurgeons. This is not fellowship training and is not available for physicians in residency training. Additional contact: Connie Hoeft, hoeft.constance@mayo.edu
Medical University of South Carolina
http://neuroscience.musc.edu/
Contact Person:
Alex Vandergrift, MD
Assistant Professor
Department of Neurosciences
Medical University of South Carolina
96 Jonathan Lucas Street
Ste 428
Charleston, SC 29425

Phone: 843-792-7031
Fax: 843-792-0468
E-mail: fellow-neurosurgery@musc.edu
The program for international visiting neurosurgeons is for a maximum of one year. Visiting neurosurgeons can participate in basic science research and clinical trials under the supervision of one of 9 Neurosurgical faculty. Visitors can participate in observership in one the clinical services: spine, neuro-oncology, skull base surgery, endoscopic surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, stereotactic and functional neurosurgery and cerebrovascular and endovascular surgery. Visitor will be able to participate in weekly conferences, grand rounds, and tumor board, spine and cerebrovascular conferences. Scientific publication is encouraged. No internal funding available.
Montreal Neurological Hospital - McGill University
www.mcgill.ca
Contact Person:
Andre Olivier, MD, PhD, FRCS(C), DABNS
Montreal Neurological Hospital - McGill University
3801 University Street #109
Montreal, Quebec, CANADA H3A 2B4

Phone: 514-398-1935
Fax: 514-398-2811
E-mail: luisa.birri@mcgill.ca
Internal funding available.
New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Medical College of Cornell University
www.med.cornell.edu
Contact Person:
Philip E. Stieg, PhD, MD
New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Medical College of Cornell University
520 East 70th Street
Starr 651
New York, NY 10021

Phone: 212-746-4684
Fax: 212-746-6607
E-mail: pes2008@med.cornell.edu
No internal funding available.
New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University
http://www.columbianeurosurgery.org/
Contact Person:
Jeffrey Bruce, MD
New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University
Neurological Institute - Room 434
710 W. 168th St.
New York, NY 10032

Phone: 212-305-7346
Fax: 212-305-2026
E-mail: jbn2@columbia.edu
Specialties: tumor, spine, skull base, vascular, endovascular, pediatrics
Palomar Neurosurgery Center
http://www.palomar-neurosurgery.com/
Contact Person:
Kevin Yoo, MD
15706 Pomerado Road
Suite S-206
Poway, CA 92064

Phone: 858-485-8022
Fax: 858-815-6820
E-mail: yoomd@palomar-neurosurgery.com
This would be a one month long program in neurosurgery. The time of year is very flexible. The hosting hospital would be Scripps in La Jolla, CA.
Pediatric Neurosurgery, Primary Childrens Medical Center, University of Utah
www.medicine.utah.edu/neurosurgery
Contact Person:
John R. W. Kestle, MD
Pediatric Neurosurgery, Primary Childrens Medical Center, University of Utah
100 North Mario Capecchi Drive, Suite 1475
Salt Lake City, UT 84113

Phone: 801-662-5340
Fax: 801-662-5345
E-mail: john.kestle@hsc.utah.edu
An opportunity exists for exposure to a broad range of pediatric neurosurgical disorders and their treatment. Approximately 1,000 surgical cases are done by four full-time pediatric neurosurgeons (John Kestle, MD; Chief, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery; Marion L. Walker, MD; Douglas L. Brockmeyer, MD; Jay K. RIva-Cambrin,MD each year. Focused areas of interest include epilepsy surgery, surgery for craniocervical junction problems, surgery for spasticity, neuro-oncology and hydrocephalus. The duration and timing of visiting neurosurgeons is flexible. In addition to the busy clinical service, there is a full time PhD basic scientist (Dr. Pat McAllister) who runs a basic science laboratory in hydrocephalus investigation. Exposure to this type of work could also be arranged.
Penn State University Hershey Medical Center
www.pennstateneurosurgery.org
Contact Person:
Jonas M. Sheehan, MD, FACS
Penn State University Hershey Medical Center
Department of Neurosurgery
30 Hope Drive
Hershey, PA 17033

Phone: 717-531-8807
Fax: 717-531-3858
E-mail: agrove2@hmc.psu.edu
Subspecialties available: Neuro-oncology, cranial base surgery, radiosurgery, cerebrovascular/endovascular,spine, peripheral nerve, trauma, epilepsy, pediatrics, functional/stereotactic, neuro-critical care. Opportunities exist in each subspecialty for clinical, translational, and basic research, participation in multidisciplinary conferences and programs, and clinical observation. The duration of the visit may be determined by the visitor in conjunction with the host department.
Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego
www.rchsd.org
Contact Person:
Michael L. Levy, MD, PhD
Professor and Division Head Pediatric Neurosurgery
8010 Frost Street, Suite 502
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858-966-8574
Fax: 858-966-7930
E-mail: mlevy@rchsd.org
The fellowship period is variable and based upon the learning Objectives developed for the Fellow. Fellows will observe surgery, be involved in rounding and clinic, and attend conferences. Unless the Fellow has a California Medical License, they cannot have direct involvement in patient care. There is no internal funding available. The Fellow will be exposed to all aspects of pediatric neurosurgery with emphasis on Tumors, Hydrocephalus, Congenital Abnormalities, Vascular Disease, and Craniofacial Malformations. Approximately 800 surgical cases are done by two full-time pediatric neurosurgeons. Exposure to Pediatric Peripheral Nerve Disease and Pediatric Interventional procedures is also available. Basic science interests can be addressed by laboratories at UCSD or the Burnham Institute.
Saint Louis University/Saint Louis University Hospital/SLU Care
www.slu.edu
Contact Person:
Richard D. Bucholz, MD, FACS
Saint Louis University/Saint Louis University Hospital/SLU Care
3635 Vista Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110

Phone: 314-577-8798
Fax: 314-268-5061
E-mail: richard@bucholz.org
Alternate web sites: www.sluhospital.com; or www.slucare.edu. No internal funding available. Specialties include: Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Image Guided Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, and Cerebrovascular Surgery.
Stanford University
www.stanford.edu/dept/neurosurgery/
Contact Person:
Gary K. Steinberg, MD, PhD
Stanford University
300 Pasteur Drive, R281
Stanford, CA 94305-5327

Phone: 650-723-5575
Fax: 650-723-2815
E-mail: gsteinberg@Stanford.edu
No internal funding available. Neurosurgical sub-specialties available: Cerebrovascular, complex spine, brain tumor, skull base, pediatric, radiosurgery, epilepsy, pain and peripheral nerve.
The University of Western Ontario
www.cnsuwo.ca
Contact Person:
David A. Steven, MD,MPH,FRCSC,FACS
The University of Western Ontario
University Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre
339 Windermere Road
London, Ontario, Canada N6A5A5

Phone: 519-663-3297
Fax: 519-663-3296
E-mail: david.steven@lhsc.on.ca
No internal funding available. Programs include epilepsy surgery, cerebrovascular, functional and stereotactic, spine, neuro-oncology and general neurosurgery.
Tufts Medical Center - Boston Institute of Neurosurgery
www.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/OurServices/SurgicalServices/Neurosurgery/default
Contact Person:
Julian Wu, MD
Tufts Medical Center - Boston Institute of Neurosurgery
800 West Washington St.
Boston, MA 02111

Phone: 617-636-4500
Fax: 617-636-7587
E-mail: jwu3@tuftsmedicalcenter.org
Visiting Neurosurgeons will need to obtain their own funding. International visiting neurosurgeons can participate in basic science research or clinical activities. Clinical areas available include cerebrovascular/endovascular, skull base surgery, endoscopic surgery, neuro-oncology, radiosurgery and complex spine.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
www.uams.edu
Contact Person:
Amy Keeland
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Neurosurgery
4301 West Markham, #507
Little Rock, AR 72205

Phone: 501-296-1138
Fax: 501-686-8767
E-mail: keelandamye@uams.edu
The fellowship period varies according to the goal of the applicant and the subject interested in pursuing. The position allows the fellow to observe surgery, attend conferences, be involved in clinical, anatomical, and basic lab research; however, it does not allow participation in patient care unless he is licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board. A variety of areas of expertise include skull base surgery, microneurosurgery, cerebrovascular, spine and pediatric neurosurgery.
University of Chicago Medical Center
www.surgery.bsd.uchicago.edu
Contact Person:
David M Frim, MD, FACS
Section of Neurosurgery, MC3026
University of Chicago Medical Center
5841 South Maryland Avenue MC4066
Chicago, IL 60637-1463

Phone: 773-702-2475
Fax: 773-702-5234
E-mail: dfrim@peds.bsd.uchicago.edu
No internal funding available. Can accept physicians for up to two years at any time of the year. Subspecialty interests can include: cerebrovascular, spine, pediatric and epilepsy neurosurgery.
University of Illinois at Chicago
www.uic.edu/depts/mcns
Contact Person:
Betsy Lopez
University of Illinois at Chicago
Department of Neurosurgery/Neuropsychiatric Institute
University of Illinois at Chicago
912 S. Wood Street (MC 799)
Chicago, IL 60612

Phone: 312-996-4842
Fax: 312-996-9018
E-mail: blopez@uic.edu
Visiting Neurosurgeons will need to obtain their own funding. They will have the opportunity to observe neurosurgical cases in the OR, participate in ICU and resident rounds and attend conferences. However, they will not have access to hands-on patient care or direct involvement in surgery unless they are licensed by the Illinois State Medical Board.
University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine
Contact Person:
Ingrid Menendez
Residency & Education Sr. Program Mgr.
University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine
Lois Pope Life Center-2nd Floor
1095 NW 14th Terrace (D4-6)
Miami, FL 33136

Phone: 305-243-6751
Fax: 305-243-3180
E-mail: nrstraining@med.miami.edu
University of Pittsburgh, Department of Neurological Surgery
www.neurosurgery.pitt.edu
Contact Person:
Mary Ann Vincenzini
Department of Neurological Surgery
University of Pittsburgh, Department of Neurological Surgery
Suite B-400
200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Phone: 412-647-6781
Fax: 412-647-6483
E-mail: vincenzinim@upmc.edu
If accepted as an AANS international fellow, your training will consist of observing in the OR, reviewing cases, attending departmental conferences, research/publications, but will not include any clinical services involving direct patient care. The Department of Neurological Surgery has a long commitment to the training of international observers in a wide variety of fields. Please understand that there are no financial resources available through our institution to support the training of foreign medical graduates for sub-specialty training in neurosurgery.
University of Wisconsin/UW Hospital and Clinics
www.neurosurg.wisc.edu
Contact Person:
Robert J. Dempsey, MD
Department of Neurological Surgery
University of Wisconsin/UW Hospital and Clinics
600 Highland Avenue
Room K4/822
Madison, WI 53792

Phone: 608-263-9585
Fax: 608-263-1728
E-mail: dempsey@neurosurg.wisc.edu
Some matching funding is occasionally available. Outside funding is required. Research fellowships in cerebrovascular, trauma, brain tumor and neuro regeneration are available in one year intervals. Each includes extensive experience in basic and translational research, observation in the clinical program and participation in teaching conferences of the department.
Wayne State University/Department of Neurosurgery
www.med.wayne.edu/neurosurgery
Contact Person:
Murali Guthikonda, MD
Professor and Program Director
Wayne State University/Department of Neurosurgery
4201 St. Antoine
6E University Health Center
Detroit, MI 48201

Phone: 313-745-4523
Fax: 313-745-4099
E-mail: mguthikonda@med.wayne.edu
No internal funding available. Additional contact is Vicki Diaz, MSN,PhD, Associate Program Director, Assistant Professor, vdiaz@med.wayne.edu.
Yale University/Yale New Haven Medical Center
info.med.yale.edu/neurosur
Contact Person:
Charles C. Duncan, MD
Professor and Residency Program Director
Department of Neurosurgery, Tompkins 419
Yale University/Yale New Haven Medical Center
333 Cedar Street
New Haven, CT 06520

Phone: 203-785-2809
Fax: 203-785-6916
E-mail: charles.duncan@yale.edu
No internal funding available. Subspecialties include: General Neurosurgery, Intensive Care, Epilepsy, Neurovascular, Neuro-oncology, Functional, Gamma Knife, Spine, Pediatrics. Availability is strictly through arrangement with the Yale Neurosurgery Faculty.