#AANS2025
Power of One, Impact of Many
The Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute (SCOLI) made a significant impact at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston, April 25-28, 2025. Under this year’s theme, “Power of One, Impact of Many,” our members exemplified how individual contributions collectively advance the field of neurosurgery through presentations, networking, and scholarly exchange.
Conference Highlights
The 93rd AANS Annual Scientific Meeting took place at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together over 4,000 neurosurgeons and medical professionals from around the world. Boston, with its rich history of medical innovation and world-class institutions, provided the perfect backdrop for this prestigious gathering that featured renowned speakers, groundbreaking research, and cutting-edge technologies in neurosurgical care.
Educational Sessions & Presentations
Dr. D. Kojo Hamilton
Dr. Hamilton led a thought-provoking Spine Morbidity & Mortality session featuring case presentations, thoughtful reflections on complex cases, and practical strategies for avoiding complications. His expertise in spine surgery provided valuable learning opportunities for attendees at all career stages, emphasizing SCOLI’s dedication to continuous improvement and patient safety.
Dr. Nitin Agarwal
Dr. Agarwal delivered an impactful presentation focused on guiding medical students toward success in neurosurgery. His talk covered essential aspects of the journey, including the crucial process of selecting the right mentor and navigating the challenges of this demanding specialty. This session was particularly well-received by medical students and early-career neurosurgeons seeking guidance on career development.
Dr. Agarwal also shared his expertise during a dedicated session on spine trauma management, contributing valuable insights on treatment approaches and surgical techniques. His command of the subject matter reflected SCOLI’s commitment to advancing standards of care in complex spinal cases.
Literary Contributions & Professional Recognition
Book Signing Success
One of the meeting’s highlights was Dr. Agarwal’s book signing event for the second edition of “Neurosurgery Fundamentals.” The event drew medical students and residents from across the nation, demonstrating the significant impact of this educational resource on the next generation of neurosurgeons. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with Dr. Agarwal, discussing key concepts and receiving personalized advice.
Notable Connections & Networking
Distinguished Neurosurgical Leaders
Our fellow Dr. Ayesha Waheed had the opportunity to meet with distinguished neurosurgeons who are advancing the field through their clinical expertise and leadership:
Dr. Rupa Juthani – A fellowship-trained neurosurgeon from Neurosurgeons of New Jersey with specialized expertise in minimally invasive approaches including endoscopic pituitary and skull base surgery, laser surgery, Gamma Knife radiosurgery, and fluorescence-guided surgery. Dr. Juthani serves as the Director of Endoscopic Pituitary and Skull Base Surgery at Valley Hospital and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at NYU Langone.
Dr. Betsy Grunch – A board-certified neurosurgeon at Longstreet Clinic specializing in minimally invasive spinal surgery and artificial disc replacement. Dr. Grunch has received numerous accolades, including being named a Top Doctor by Georgia Trend magazine multiple years, and was recognized as one of “America’s Best Spine Surgeons 2024” by Newsweek. Dr. Grunch is known for her community involvement and has a significant social media presence where she educates the public about neurosurgery.
These connections represent valuable opportunities for future collaboration and knowledge exchange that align with SCOLI’s mission of advancing spinal innovation.
Professional Development Opportunities
AANS 2025 provided numerous opportunities for our members to engage with the latest advancements in neurosurgical science and technology. The meeting featured customized educational tracks for various career stages, comprehensive abstracts covering the full range of neurosurgical subspecialties, and an exhibit hall showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations.
Looking Forward
SCOLI continues to demonstrate leadership in the field of complex and operative spinal innovation. Our presence at AANS 2025 reinforced our commitment to education, mentorship, and advancing the field of neurosurgery. The connections made and knowledge gained will undoubtedly influence our members’ practice and research initiatives in the coming year.
The event’s theme, “Power of One, Impact of Many,” resonated deeply with our organization’s mission to drive collective advancement through individual excellence and collaboration. We look forward to building on the momentum generated at this meeting and continuing to make significant contributions to the field of spinal neurosurgery.
