Columbia Neurosurgery at the 2026 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting

The 2026 American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting brought together leaders from across the field in San Antonio under the theme, “Neurosurgery Frontiers: Innovation, Collaboration, Transformation.” The meeting highlighted advances in surgical techniques, research, and collaboration across subspecialties, with Columbia Neurosurgery faculty, residents, and trainees contributing throughout the program.

A central moment of the meeting was the leadership of E. Sander Connolly, Jr., MD, who served as AANS President and delivered the 2026 Presidential Address to a standing ovation. His remarks reflected on the future of neurosurgery, emphasizing the importance of innovation, mentorship, and the evolving role of academic leadership in advancing patient care, research, and education. Jeffrey N. Bruce, MD participated in the presidential program with the formal introduction of Dr. Connolly.

Columbia faculty were also featured in several prominent scientific sessions. During the Opening Session on Friday, May 1 (4:30–6:00 PM CT), Dean Chou, MD, and Guy M. McKhann II, MD served as plenary speakers, joining the featured program at the start of the meeting. Both also played key roles in shaping the meeting as Scientific Program Co-Chairs, helping guide the academic content presented throughout AANS 2026.

Dr. Chou contributed to spine-focused programming with his presentation, “When Do We Need an Osteotomy, and Type?”, addressing decision-making in complex spinal deformity. Dr. McKhann also contributed to the scientific program with his presentation, “Tumor Associated Epilepsy and Indications for ECoG Localization,” highlighting advances in epilepsy surgery and neurophysiology. He additionally participated in the World Brain Mapping course on Friday.

In spine surgery sessions, Andrew K. Chan, MD presented on minimally invasive anterior lumbar interbody fusion (MIS ALIF), focusing on surgical techniques and strategies for complication avoidance. Taemin Oh, MD also contributed to the meeting through abstract discussions highlighting emerging research and innovation in neurosurgery.

Later in the meeting, Brian Gill, MD moderated Top Scoring Scientific Abstracts on Sunday, May 3 (4:00–5:30 PM CT), a session featuring some of the highest-ranked research presented at AANS 2026.

Columbia trainees were also recognized at the national level. Nicholas Dadario, MD (PGY-1), alongside faculty mentor Dr. Gill, received the 2026 Emerging Innovator Award, which was presented at the Connectomics Circle Summit during the meeting. The award recognizes innovative contributions and emerging leadership within the field of neurosurgery.

Throughout the meeting, Columbia trainees and affiliates were widely represented through research presentations, posters, and participation in educational and networking events spanning cerebrovascular, spine, neuro-oncology, and functional neurosurgery.

Looking Ahead: AANS 2027

The next AANS Annual Scientific Meeting will take place April 9–12, 2027, in San Diego, California, under the theme “Navigating the Impossible.”

Columbia Neurosurgery faculty Dean Chou, MD, and Guy M. McKhann II, MD will serve as Annual Scientific Meeting Co-Chairs, helping lead the national program and shape discussions on innovation, technology, and the future of neurosurgical care.

🔗 Learn more at the AANS website