Columbia Neurosurgeons Featured at the 2025 CNS Annual Meeting in Los Angeles

October 2, 2025

The Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Annual Meeting 2025 will be held in Los Angeles from October 11–15, 2025. Celebrating its 75th year, this year’s theme, CNS Connects, emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and leadership across neurosurgery.

The CNS Annual Meeting is recognized as a premier international event for neurosurgeons, featuring symposia, hands-on technical courses, and opportunities to connect with leaders in every subspecialty. Attendees gain exposure to the latest research, technology, and surgical innovations while earning continuing medical education (CME) credits.

Columbia Neurosurgery is proud to have a strong presence at this milestone meeting, with several of our neurosurgeons and trainees selected to present in high-profile sessions and courses.

 

Columbia Presenters at CNS 2025

Dr. E. Sander Connolly, Jr. – SYM08: Swimming with the Sharks; AANS Update

This unique course, directed by Nitin Agarwal and D. Kojo Hamilton, brings together program directors, chairpersons, and leaders in neurosurgery to share lessons on resilience, mentorship, and career development. Dr. Connolly, AANS President, will join a distinguished faculty guiding residents, students, and graduates through small-group sessions focused on overcoming challenges, preparing for interviews, and building successful careers.

Dr. Andrew Chan & Dr. Paul McCormick – SYM05: Operative Spine Video Theater: Unlocking the Essential Elements of Surgery

In this surgical video symposium, Dr. Chan (course director) and Dr. McCormick will present alongside national leaders in spine surgery. The session highlights advanced surgical footage across spine specialties—including degenerative disease, tumor, deformity, robotics, and minimally invasive techniques—followed by expert panel discussions on clinical pearls and key challenges. Dr. Chan will also present on Personalized Interbodies and Rods: Choosing the Right Patient.

Dr. Justin Neira & Dr. Nina Yoh (Chief Resident) – WINS/LGBTQ+ Breakfast Seminar: Neurosurgical Leadership: Owning Your Voice at the Table

Moderated by Dr. Lindsey Ross and Dr. Yoh, this leadership breakfast session provides actionable strategies for neurosurgeons navigating institutional barriers and developing their leadership voices. Dr. Neira joins an accomplished faculty sharing perspectives on advocacy, negotiation, and building impact in the field.

Dr. Taemin Oh – SYM13B: Pediatric Spinal Deformity

Dr. Oh will participate in this symposium dedicated to the latest treatment strategies for complex spinal deformities in children. Topics include halo traction, selective thoracic fusion, spinal tethering, vertebral column resection, and anterior column fusion. This course reflects Dr. Oh’s expertise in motion-preserving and minimally invasive pediatric spine surgery.

Dr. Christopher Winfree – SYM01: CNS Leadership Institute Primer: Neurosurgery Career Essentials

As part of the CNS Leadership Institute, this full-day course prepares neurosurgeons for leadership across clinical, academic, and organizational settings. Aimed at senior residents, fellows, and early-career faculty, the program covers leadership skills, practice management, and strategic planning. Dr. Winfree joins a select group of faculty guiding participants through interactive discussions designed to support long-term professional growth.

 

Through these sessions, Columbia Neurosurgery faculty are helping to shape the future of neurosurgery by sharing knowledge, advancing new surgical techniques, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.

 

Learn More

The CNS Annual Meeting 2025 will feature world-class education, hands-on technical courses, and opportunities to connect with neurosurgeons from across the globe.

🔗 Explore the full program and register here: CNS 2025 Annual Meeting