Columbia Neurosurgery Highlights from the 2025 CNS Annual Meeting

The 75th Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Annual Meeting—CNS Connects— brought together thousands of neurosurgeons, trainees, and researchers in Los Angeles, October 11–15, 2025. The meeting celebrated innovation, collaboration, and leadership across the field of neurosurgery, and Columbia Neurosurgery was proud to be strongly represented among this year’s speakers, moderators, and awardees.

Sharing Expertise in Spine Surgery

Dr. Paul McCormick and Dr. Andrew Chan were featured during the Operative Spine Video Theatre symposium, where leading experts presented real case videos to share technical pearls and operative insights.

• Dr. McCormick presented his approaches to cervical ependymoma and hemangioblastoma resection, emphasizing safe and effective tumor removal techniques.
• Dr. Chan demonstrated his minimally invasive prone lateral surgery technique, highlighting advances that reduce recovery time and optimize outcomes.

Dr. Chan also participated in a special session on personalized medicine, discussing his experience with patient-specific cages and rods—an approach that embodies the meeting’s broader emphasis on precision medicine and customized surgical innovation.

Dr. Dean Chou, Dr. Chan, and clinical research manager Vivian Le represented Columbia Neurosurgery at the QOD Spine CORe research group meeting, helping shape national quality and outcomes standards in spine surgery.

Research and Collaboration

As the CSNS/CNS Foundation Medical Student Summer Fellow in Policy Research, VP&S student Chiemela Izima was invited to deliver a plenary talk during the CSNS session. He presented research conducted with Dr. Chou and Dr. Chan examining the impact of social work referral on clinical outcomes after spine surgery, reinforcing Columbia’s commitment to patient-centered, multidisciplinary care.

Advancing Vascular and Pediatric Neurosurgery

Dr. Sean D. Lavine, Director of Endovascular Neurosurgery, spoke during SYM02A: Ischemic Stroke: An Update on Indications, Devices, New Technology, and Stroke Center Development. His presentation, “The Expanding Landscape of Ischemic Stroke Treatment: Where Will It Lead Us or Where Will We Lead It?”, explored how rapidly evolving endovascular devices and new technology are redefining treatment for ischemic stroke.

Dr. Taemin Oh joined the Pediatric Spinal Deformity Symposium (SYM13B) to discuss “Updates in Fusion vs. Growth-Regulated Modulation – I Would Tether.” He shared insights into motion-preserving and growth-modulating surgical strategies for children with complex spinal deformities.

Leadership, Mentorship, and Advocacy

Columbia’s leadership in neurosurgical education and mentorship was also recognized throughout the meeting.

• Dr. E. Sander Connolly, Jr., Chair of Neurosurgery, participated in SYM08: Swimming with the Sharks; AANS Update, joining national program directors and academic leaders to share lessons on resilience, mentorship, and navigating successful neurosurgical careers.
• Dr. Christopher Winfree served as faculty for SYM01: CNS Leadership Institute Primer – Neurosurgery Career Essentials, a full-day course preparing early-career neurosurgeons for leadership across academic, clinical, and organizational settings.
• Dr. Justin Neira and Chief Resident Dr. Nina Yoh participated in the WINS/LGBTQ+ Breakfast Seminar: Neurosurgical Leadership – Owning Your Voice at the Table, with Dr. Yoh also serving as co-moderator. The session focused on leadership, advocacy, and representation in neurosurgery.

Dr. Yoh also joined attendees for the CNS 5K Run, embodying the collegial spirit and community engagement that define the meeting each year.

Columbia’s participation at CNS 2025 underscored the department’s ongoing leadership in precision medicine, surgical innovation, and patient-centered care.

📸 View more photos from the CNS 2025 Annual Meeting below.

Looking Ahead

As the CNS community looks forward to CNS 2026 in Washington, D.C. (October 31–November 4, 2026), Columbia remains committed to driving progress in neurosurgical research, education, and care—continuing to lead where innovation and compassion intersect.

🔗 Learn more about the Congress of Neurological Surgeons at www.cns.org