History

Following World War II, young neurosurgeons returned home looking to improve both their skills and the health of their communities. To meet these needs, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons was founded on May 10, 1951.

By the first Annual Meeting in November 1951, there were 121 members. In the over 60 years since, our membership has grown to over 9,600 neurosurgeons worldwide.

Our Founding

One of our founding members, James Gay, M.D., has documented the early days.

View the Historical Timeline

Naming the CNS

The goal from the beginning was to provide the best training to neurosurgeons and improve health around the world. Our name was chosen to reflect this international reach, while also referencing our surgical focus, the central nervous system. 

Miscellaneous Historical Essays

• Congress Quarterly Spring 2015 Constants Among Change: What the History of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Tells Us about the Next 50 Years
• Congress Quarterly Fall 2012
  International Initiatives of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons: Historical Vignettes
• Congress Quarterly Winter 2010
  Vignettes from the CNS Archives: Contributions of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons to Socioeconomic Issues