The Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) is a professional medical organization dedicated to advancing the field of neurosurgery. It is one of the largest neurosurgical organizations in the world and serves as a leading authority on neurosurgical education and innovation.
The CNS's mission is to enhance health and improve lives worldwide through the advancement of neurosurgical education and scientific exchange. It strives to promote the highest quality patient care, research, and education in the field of neurosurgery.
The CNS has a diverse membership that includes neurosurgeons, residents, medical students, and other healthcare professionals with an interest in neurosurgery. Members benefit from access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and professional development.
The organization is committed to providing high-quality education to its members. It offers various educational programs, including webinars, online courses, and publications, to keep neurosurgeons updated on the latest research and clinical practices.
The CNS promotes neurosurgical research and innovation. It supports research grants and awards, enabling neurosurgeons to conduct groundbreaking studies in the field.
The CNS advocates for issues related to neurosurgery on both the national and international levels. It works to shape healthcare policy, improve patient access to care, and address challenges facing neurosurgical practice.
The organization collaborates with other medical societies, patient advocacy groups, and healthcare organizations to advance the field of neurosurgery and improve patient outcomes.
The CNS publishes various journals and resources related to neurosurgery, including “Neurosurgery,” a leading scientific journal in the field.
The CNS also provides educational resources for patients and their families to help them understand neurosurgical conditions and treatment options.
Overall, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons plays a vital role in supporting the neurosurgical community, advancing research, and ensuring the highest standards of patient care in the field of neurosurgery. It serves as a valuable resource for neurosurgeons and contributes to the ongoing development of neurosurgical practice and knowledge.
Leader in education and innovation, dedicated to advancing neurosurgery, by inspiring and facilitating scientific discovery and its translation to clinical practice for members. The CNS provides members with the educational and career development opportunities they need to become leaders and innovators in the field.
Congress of Neurological Surgeons
10 North Martingale Road, Suite 190
Schaumburg, IL 60173
847-240-2500 TEL 847-240-0804 FAX Toll Free: 877-517-1CNS
Sections are independent with their own rules, officers, meetings, dues and financial accounts, but they also report annually to our executive committee. Our members are eligible to join sections, which include:
Cerebrovascular – Dedicated to education, research and patient care in cerebrovascular diseases
Neurotrauma & Critical Care – Focused on advocacy, education and research in the areas of trauma and critical care of the nervous system
Pain – Acts to increase the role of the neurosurgeon in pain management through education and advocacy
Pediatric – Dedicated to education, research and patient care in pediatric nervous system diseases
Spine & Peripheral Nerves – Dedicated to advancing spinal neurosurgery and related sciences through education, clinical research and improved patient care
Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery – Fosters the use of stereotactic and functional neurological methods for the treatment of diseases of the nervous system
Tumor – Promotes the neuro-oncology education of neurosurgeons and serves as a resource on nervous system tumors
Women In Neurosurgery – Serves to inspire, encourage and enable women surgeons
Following World War II, young neurosurgeons returned home looking to improve both their skills and the health of their communities. To meet these needs, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons was founded on May 10, 1951.
By the first Annual Meeting in November 1951, there were 121 members. In the over 60 years since, membership has grown to over 7,000 neurosurgeons worldwide.
The goal from the beginning was to provide the best training to neurosurgeons and improve health around the world. Our name was chosen to reflect this international reach while also referencing our surgical focus, the central nervous system.
One of founding members, James Gay, M.D., has documented the early days.
The CNS Foundation supports the creation and dissemination of neurosurgical clinical guidelines and the promotion of educational programs that enhance neurosurgical care.
Fellowship awards represent a strategic investment by the CNS on behalf of the field of neurosurgery. We offer fellowship awards for residents, neurosurgeons who have recently completed training, and established neurosurgeons alike. The awards are meant to defer some of the costs fellows incur during their research and to enhance the education of neurological surgeons at all stages of their careers.
Applicants must complete an online standardized application, to be reviewed by the CNS fellowship committee. Applications may be given special consideration according to the research or clinical topic chosen and the importance of that topic to the field of neurosurgery. Any overlap in funding for the same research project and/or fellowship period should be disclosed to the CNS fellowship committee and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
To ensure that suitable applicants receive fellowship training at centers that can provide a worthwhile learning experience, the CNS requires that the fellowship sponsor be qualified in the area of sought expertise, be interested in teaching and provide a suitable environment for the applicant.