Groundbreaking CNS Program Encourages Underrepresented Minorities to Consider Career in Neurosurgery
Schaumburg, Ill., September 24, 2024—The Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Foundation is excited to announce the 2024 Pathway to Neurosurgery program. Building on the success of previous years, the CNS Foundation will be collaborating with Breakthrough Houston for this year’s program to be held September 30, 2024.
Pathway to Neurosurgery, now in its fourth year, has been instrumental in inspiring and mentoring the next generation of neurosurgeons. The initiative is dedicated to alleviating health care disparities by encouraging high school students from underrepresented groups to pursue a career in neurosurgery or medicine. The overwhelming interest from students, faculty, and sponsors generated by this initiative underscores the importance of providing opportunities for aspiring neurosurgeons from backgrounds underrepresented in the STEM field.
High school students from Breakthrough Houston have been selected to participate in a full-day symposium at the CNS Annual Meeting, an international conference for neurosurgeons and other neuro-specialists to discuss the latest advancements in the field. The guest students will attend inspiring presentations and participate in hands-on laboratory stations to gain insight into a neurosurgeon’s daily life. At the end of the symposium, the students will be invited to apply for scholarships, and up to two will be selected for year-long mentorships with local neurosurgeons in Houston.
In the ever-evolving landscape of neurosurgery, diversity and inclusion have emerged as critical pillars shaping the future of the field. Since its establishment in 2021, the CNS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee has been at the forefront of these efforts, including the CNS Foundation’s Pathway program. The committee has played a pivotal role in shaping subcommittees and engaging diverse speakers across age, race, gender, and more. This commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the CNS Annual Meeting, as CNS continues to advocate for diversity in all aspects of neurosurgery, from training programs to academic institutions.
The Pathway to Neurosurgery program is supported by generous grants from Medtronic and Stryker.
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About the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and CNS Foundation
The Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) is the global leader in neurosurgical education, serving to promote health by advancing neurosurgery through innovation and excellence in education. The CNS provides leadership in neurosurgery by inspiring and facilitating scientific discoveries and its translation into clinical practice. The CNS maintains the vitality of the profession through the volunteer efforts of its members and the development of leadership in service to the public, to colleagues in other disciplines, and to neurosurgeons throughout the world in all stages of their professional lives. For more information, visit cns.org.
The CNS Foundation's philanthropic mission is to improve worldwide patient health by supporting innovative programs that allow neurosurgeons to collaborate globally as researchers, learners, educators, and caregivers. For more information, visit foundation.cns.org.