Position Statement

AANS/CNS Position Statement on Neurosurgeons and Neurocritical Care

POSITION STATEMENT on Neurosurgeons and Neurocritical Care

Summary Statement
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-approved neurosurgical residency training includes critical care management of patients with neurological disorders. Neurosurgeons are fully trained in neurointensive care by reason of training program requirements, and upon completion of training are competent to independently manage and direct treatment of patients with neurological disorders requiring critical care. Additional training in critical care is optional, but not necessary for neurosurgeons to manage neurocritical care patients following residency training.

Certification in neurological surgery is through the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS), and includes certification for critical care of patients with neurological conditions. No other certification is required for ABNS diplomats for privileges in neurological surgery or neurocritical care management. Additional certification by organizations unrecognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is unnecessary for ensuring neurosurgeon training, competency, or credentialing in intensive or critical care.

Click here to view the full AANS/CNS Position Statement on Neurosurgeons and Neurocritical Care.