The University of Wisconsin AANS Medical Student Chapter is uniquely combined with the School of Medicine’s NeuroScience Interest Group (NSIG). This collaborative effort provides a wide array of opportunities for medical students to gain exposure to the field of neurosurgery as well as neuroradiology, neuropathology and neurology. In addition to traditional clinical shadowing of neurosurgeons and attendance in clinical conferences, our chapter organizes brain cutting conferences and cadaveric dissection courses led by neuropathologists and neurosurgeons respectively. Lunch hour, case-based learning sessions are hosted, featuring a physician panel composed of a neurosurgeon, neuroradiologist and neurologist to discuss interdisciplinary care for patients with complex neurologic diseases. The goal of these early immersive learning experiences is for students to appreciate the exciting, complex and integrated role of neurosurgery in patient care.
The chapter also hosts events to emphasize the importance of neuroscience research in the advancement of neurosurgery. Such opportunities include informal journal clubs led by faculty members. These integrative sessions allow students to learn not only about faculty members’ research, but also how physician-scientists balance patient care with academic pursuits. Our AANS chapter director, Raheel Ahmed, MD, FAANS, will also host a clinical research match day to connect students interested in doing neuroscience research with potential research mentors. To augment students’ understanding of neurological fields, our chapter provides opportunities to connect with current and future physicians in the field. We also host an informal discussion and Q&A session with fourth year medical students who recently matched into a neuroscience specialty. This opportunity helps students identify what they need to do to maximize their preparedness for residency applications. Additional social outings, such as dinners and outdoor sporting events with faculty, give students the opportunity to socialize with neurosurgeons outside of the operating room. Through this combination of events, the University of Wisconsin AANS Medical Student Chapter hopes to emphasize the amazing clinical, scientific and personal aspects of a career in neurosurgery.
(not picture) Chapter Advisor, Raheel Ahmed, MD, PhD