Western Neurosurgical Society
FALL NEWSLETTER 2009
Dear Members and Guests,
Once again, our annual meeting was a wonderful combination of informative presentations, recreational and social events in a beautiful setting, Sunriver Resort. The Ablin lecture, by Dr. Michael DeGeorgia on “Struck Down: The Collision of Stroke and World History” was both fascinating and entertaining. The Cloward Award Lecture by Dr. Nick Hopkins provided a thorough review of the capabilities of current endovascular techniques for stroke. Dr. Larry Shuer, our outgoing President, gave an insightful talk on “Change in Neurosurgery”. Our society is indebted to both Larry and Paula for their leadership and service to the Western. The vascular mini-symposium, moderated by Dr. Neil Martin, was well received with a wide variety of presentations discussing stroke, endovascular techniques as well as current radiosurgical techniques for giant AVMS.
Surgical treatment options for AVMs and aneurysms were also reviewed. The program committee, chaired by Dr. Mark Linskey, provided us with an outstanding and varied educational experience.
During the business meeting, two new members were elected: Dr. Praveen Mummaneni and Dr. Howard Yonas; both gave outstanding presentations, and are outstanding additions to our membership. The 2009 Executive Committee consists of:
Phil Carter, President
Austin Colohan, President-Elect
David Newell, Vice President
Charles Nussbaum, Secretary-Treasurer
Larry Shuer, Past President
Randy Smith, Historian.
The evening activities in Sunriver were very enjoyable. Once again, Jeff and Pam Rush provided us with great food, beverage and entertainment each evening. The local’s night at the High Desert Museum was fascinating, thanks to Mike Kendrick. The formal dinner was a memorable event in a beautiful setting, with lively music and dancing.
If you have not received your CME certificate from the AANS, you should very shortly. Please contact myself (charles.nussbaum@vmmc.org) or Jeff Rush (jefferyleerush@msn.com) with any concerns about this. Dr. Randy Smith has been updating our website, www.westnsurg.org , with future meeting dates and venues as well as photographs and information for prospective applicants.
Dr. Marvin Bergsneider, Membership Committee chair and I are happy to receive the contact information for any individuals that may be interested in joining our group. Marvin can be reached at mbergsneider@mednet.ucla.edu. Please contact either of us and we will handle the process from there.
The WNS 2010 annual meeting will take place at the Eldorado Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from October 8-11. The location is unique and the hotel is located in the cultural and artistic heart of Santa Fe. Among the outstanding amenities at the Eldorado are a full service spa, and a roof top pool. The web address for the hotel is: www.eldorardohotel.com. The location and usual weather in Santa Fe in early October should be perfect for golf, tennis and a variety of other outdoor activities. More details will be forthcoming in our winter newsletter, along with a first call for abstracts. We are very appreciative that Mark Linskey has once again agreed to be program Chair for the 2010 meeting.
Finally, our group has been very fortunate to have Jeff and Pam Rush in the Secretary-Treasurer position for the last three years. They have provided the Western with outstanding meetings. Debbie and I hope we can continue their outstanding contributions to the Western!
On behalf of the Executive Committee, we hope you and your family have a joyous holiday season. We look forward to an exciting 2010 meeting. See you there!
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