International Observership Program (IOP)

The AANS/CNS Tumor Section, in conjunction with the CNS Foundation, is pleased to announce the inaugural International Observership Program (IOP), which will provide an Argentinean neurosurgeon the opportunity to participate as an observer for three months at the University of Miami in the division of surgical neurooncology. The rotation focuses on all tumors of the central nervous system, with participation in clinic, conferences, surgery and consultations. Visit the website.

The rotation will be in the fall/winter and consists of a scholarship/grant of $25,000 USD (including air travel, accommodations and expenses during the observership). Requirements include:

  • Must be 35 years of age or younger
  • In the final year of residency
  • Chief resident or up to two years post-residency
  • Provide a recommendation letter from director of candidate’s residency program
  • Include a Curriculum Vitae
  • Describe the project on basic or clinical research in the field of neurooncology

Each observer will be required to provide a monthly report of activities highlighting the most significant and relevant learning during the observership. The observer will also write a paper on the experience for publication in the Revista Argentina de Neurocirugia. The observer will also present the results of their clinical investigation project at SNOLA 2020.

Inaugural Observer Testimonial

My name is Alexis Morell, and I was the first awardee of the International Observership Program at the University of Miami. In three months, I had a fantastic opportunity participating in the brain tumor program of the University of Miami, directed by Ricardo Komotar, MD, FAANS, and Michael Ivan, MD. This program, sponsored by the AANS/CNS Tumor Section and hosted by The University of Miami, is an excellent learning opportunity for young neurosurgeons with a particular interest in neurosurgical oncology.

The experience was highly productive, not only in the number of cases that I observed (around 250 brain tumors, from acoustic neuromas to awake craniotomies for gliomas), but I also participated in many academic and research activities with excellent neurosurgeons and scientists. Furthermore, I found exceptional mentorship in my research project, which is focused on brain tumor metabolism and the effects of nutritional interventions in high-grade gliomas.

Finally, I want to say that throughout this program, I have learned not only about neurosurgery, but also about teamwork, commitment, professionalism and leadership. I think that transmitting those values is a critical part of education and mentorship in Neurosurgery.

I am deeply grateful to the AANS/CNS Tumor Section, the University of Miami and the Argentinian Association of Neurosurgery for this program. As Dr. Cushing once said, “Nothing great or new can be done without enthusiasm,” and I can honestly say that I expected to learn about neurosurgical oncology, but I left with deep enthusiasm to learn even more.

Best Regards,

Alexis Morell, MD

Drs. Ashish Shah, Alexis Morell, Ricardo Komotar and Christopher Sarkiss