International Neurosurgical Organizations
The AANS has compiled a convenient reference list of international organizations related to neurosurgery. Listings are alphabetical by organization name. If you know of changes to any of these listings, please notify us at info@aans.org .
Be sure to visit these sites as well:
World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS)
The WFNS and the WFNS Foundation have many international programs. Specifically, the WFNS and their foundation arrange education courses throughout the world. WFNS members are always welcome to volunteer for their courses (membership is through national or regional organizations that are members of the federation). There is no compensation and course faculty customarily pay their own travel expenses. In addition, the WFNS has been involved in the donation of instruments to deserving neurosurgical units in third world countries and there is a formal mechanism for donation of instruments or surgical microscopes through the WFNS foundation.
Foundation for International Education and Neurological Surgery (FIENS)
FIENS puts on neurosurgical training missions worldwide although more on an individual basis than the WFNS. AANS members can volunteer for international faculty experiences through FIENS. The commitment is usually for somewhat longer periods of time than the one or two day WFNS courses. Visit this site to learn more on volunteerism opportunities available through FIENS.
Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS)
The Society of Neurological Surgeons is primarily a USA based society; however the SNS does maintain a registry of "adopt a program" opportunities. Under this program a USA training program or a US based neurosurgical unit will partner with an international neurosurgery program, customarily in developing countries, for the exchange of educational materials and potential equipment donations.