Newswise — ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. (March 29, 2012) — Registered attendance for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons’ (AANS) 80th Annual Scientific Meeting continues to swell, with the organization on pace to exceed the number of attendees at the 2011 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting. More than 7,000 attendees, including an estimated 3,200 medical professionals — including neurosurgeons, neurosurgical residents, medical students, neuroscience nurses, clinical specialists, physician assistants and allied health professionals — are expected at this year’s event, which takes place April 14-18, 2012, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami.

Over the past two years, AANS has provided Annual Scientific Meeting attendees access to meeting content, including abstracts, news, schedules, presentations, updates on social events and programs, and much more, via the iPod touch, iPad and iPhone. As part of its effort to develop a more robust experience for attendees, as well as capitalize on the interactivity that mobile devices and interconnectivity affords, AANS has incorporated feedback from members and exhibitors to make some significant improvements to this year’s Annual Scientific Meeting, including:

Cross-platform Access to the 2012 AANS Annual Meeting Application – Attendees using Android, Blackberry, and other types of smartphones and wireless devices for the first time will be able to access the AANS 2012 Annual Scientific Meeting app. The application’s interface features the same layout structure that iPod touch, iPad and iPhone users see, allowing users to register for sessions and programs; get real-time news updates; use the scheduling tool to maximize their time at the event; find exhibitors’ news and information; read scientific abstracts and papers; find out about hotels and social events; and much more.

Streaming Video of Plenary Sessions Worldwide Opens New Doors for Member Interactivity, Sharing of Information by All Neurosurgical Practitioners – While AANS hopes all its members can attend this year’s event in person, those whose schedules prevent them from making the meeting can still access the many outstanding lectures and peer-reviewed research as — for the first time ever — the meeting’s plenary sessions will be streamed live to AANS members utilizing AANS’ new social media and professional networking website, AANSconnect. In addition, all attendees (in person or virtual) will have the opportunity to engage with presenters, discussants, and other neurosurgical practitioners by posting questions and comments about the various educational presentations, electronic posters, and more. AANS nonmembers, via AANSconnect, also will be able to view the aforementioned (non-streaming) content, and share their thoughts via online discussions and other posting opportunities.

The AANS Annual Scientific Meeting is the largest gathering of neurosurgeons in the nation, with an emphasis targeted on the field’s latest research and technological advances. During the weekend, 37 practical clinics and four International Masters practical clinics will offer state-of-the art continuing medical education to medical attendees only, while the Latin American Federation of Neurosurgical Societies’ (FLANC) International Symposium will showcase a wide range of educational programs over a half-day period. The Scientific Program, which officially opens on Monday, April 16, includes 17 general scientific sessions, three plenary sessions, 71 breakfast seminars, 177 oral abstract presentations, some 582 electronic poster presentations, and 750 exhibit booths representing more than 200 companies.

Special Night Set to Honor the Accomplishments of Dr. Albert Rhoton Jr.; Create Endowment to Support Future Research Efforts On the evening of April 16, the neurosurgical community will come together to celebrate the lifelong commitment to neurosurgery shown by Albert Rhoton Jr., MD, FAANS. Dr. Rhoton, who is considered by many to be the father of modern microscopic neurosurgery, has revolutionized the specialty both in how it is taught and performed. To honor his legacy and his commitment to educating future generations of neurosurgeons, the Rhoton Endowment for Research is being established, with the funds providing future research and training opportunities that stimulate continuous learning in microsurgical advances. The endowment is being supported though a wide range of sources, including donations, support from attendees and a special tribute book.

“Dr. Rhoton’s contributions to the field of neurosurgery are extraordinary,” says AANS president Paul C. McCormick, MD, MPH, FAANS, FACS. “He is one of the founding members of a select few neurosurgeons who were at the vanguard of a movement that transformed a primitive neurosurgery specialty into the magnificent microsurgical discipline that it is today. He is truly a giant upon whose shoulders we stand to see further. This evening is but a small tribute from a grateful specialty.”

To find out more information about the Rhoton Endowment for Research and the evening honoring Dr. Rhoton, visit the Rhoton Tribute area on the AANS Annual Scientific Meeting page by clicking here.

If you are a member of the media and would like to speak with a neurosurgeon about concussion or other neurosurgery-related topics, contact John Iwanski, AANS director of member and public outreach, at 847-378-0517; or via e-mail at [email protected].

Founded in 1931 as the Harvey Cushing Society, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is a scientific and educational association with more than 8,100 members worldwide. The AANS is dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery in order to provide the highest quality of neurosurgical care to the public. All active members of the AANS are certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Neurosurgery) of Canada, or the Mexican Council of Neurological Surgery, AC. Neurological surgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of disorders that affect the entire nervous system, including the spinal column, spinal cord, brain and peripheral nerves. For more information, visit www.AANS.org.