Columbia Neurosurgery at CNS 2026
Faculty and Trainees Contribute Across Scientific and Educational Programming at the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.
Columbia Neurosurgery faculty and trainees joined colleagues from across the field at the 2026 Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Annual Meeting, held October 31–November 4 in Washington, D.C. This year’s meeting, themed “Evolution: Change is the Only Constant,” explored how advances in technology, research, surgical technique, education, and clinical care continue to shape the field of neurosurgery.
Faculty from Columbia contributed across several areas of the scientific program, including neuro-oncology, spine surgery, facial pain, peripheral nerve surgery, and neurosurgical leadership.
Spine Surgery and Research
Columbia’s spine team had a strong presence throughout the meeting.
Paul C. McCormick, MD, moderated the Master Series: Spinal Surgery Technique Videos, a session featuring expert-led demonstrations of both established and evolving spine surgery techniques. During the same session, Andrew K. Chan, MD, presented “Navigated Prone Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion,” highlighting an advanced minimally invasive approach to lumbar spine surgery.
Dr. Chan also participated as faculty in Adult Spinal Deformity: Evolving Trends, Technology, and Techniques, which focused on emerging approaches to evaluating and treating complex spinal deformity.
The meeting also provided an important platform for Columbia’s next generation of neurosurgical researchers. Medical students and residents working with the Columbia spine research team delivered a combined 11 podium presentations at CNS 2026, highlighting the breadth of ongoing research across the program.
Brain Tumor, Pain, and Peripheral Nerve Care
Brian J. Gill, MD, PhD, served as faculty for Brain Tumor Update: Management of Malignant Brain Tumors, a symposium examining advances in the diagnosis and treatment of aggressive brain cancers, including surgical technologies, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, clinical trials, and evolving standards of care.
Christopher J. Winfree, MD, participated in two sessions focused on pain and peripheral nerve disorders. During The Pain Neurosurgery Decision Lab: Rapid-Fire Expert Reasoning on Impossible Cases, he presented “PNS Failures: What to do Next?”, contributing to a case-based discussion of difficult pain and neuromodulation scenarios.
Dr. Winfree also served as faculty for Radiculopathy vs. Nerve Entrapment, an interactive seminar focused on distinguishing nerve root disorders from peripheral nerve conditions using clinical evaluation, imaging, anatomy, and electrophysiologic testing.
Raymond F. Sekula, MD, co-moderated The Facial Pain Summit: Diagnostics, Targets, and Tailored Surgical Strategies, which brought together experts to discuss the evaluation and treatment of facial pain through imaging review, clinical cases, and individualized surgical decision-making.
Neurosurgical Leadership
The meeting also addressed the changing role of neurosurgeons beyond the operating room.
Brett E. Youngerman, MD, co-moderated the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies session The Neurosurgeon-Executive: Strategy, Business and Leadership in a Complex Healthcare Landscape. The session examined healthcare consolidation, changing practice models, and the role of physician leadership in navigating an increasingly complex healthcare environment.
Reconnecting Across the Columbia Neurosurgery Community
Beyond the formal scientific program, CNS offered faculty the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and former trainees.
Dr. Winfree shared that one of the highlights of the meeting was catching up with several former Columbia Neurosurgery residents. He also reflected on a discussion featuring Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn, who spoke candidly about the drive behind her extraordinary success in ski racing while also acknowledging areas of life in which her strengths and abilities were different. Dr. Winfree described her remarks as intelligent, insightful, and humorous.
From faculty-led educational sessions to trainee research presentations and connections with former residents, CNS 2026 offered a broad snapshot of Columbia Neurosurgery’s continued engagement with the national neurosurgical community. The 11 podium presentations from Columbia’s spine research team were an especially notable reflection of the department’s commitment to mentorship, research, and the development of future neurosurgical leaders.