Medical Students

The AANS encourages medical students taking an interest in neurosurgery to learn about this field of study. Find out what kinds of cases you will be seeing, what is covered in a neurosurgeon’s training and what a neurosurgeon’s life is like. Use this site as your first stop in learning about neurosurgery and as resource for planning your career.

Team learning medicine

Featured courses for students

Featuring several new courses to help students stay up to date with cutting edge insights and expertise

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Online Course

Neurosurgery in Press: Latest Results of Clinical Trials in Neurosurgery and Allied Fields

As neurosurgeons increasingly practice as part of multidisciplinary teams, major clinical advances are sometimes reported outside of neurosurgical meetings. Vital information for daily neurosurgical practice can be reported at a general oncology meeting, a stroke meeting in Europe or an orthopedic spine meeting. Few neurosurgeons can attend every important allied meeting and none can keep […]
  • Cerebrovascular
  • Spine
  • Tumor
Course

Exit Strategies for Senior Residents

Exit Strategies for Senior Residents is an introduction to post-graduation fundamentals for those entering the workforce after residency, led by course director William T. Couldwell, MD, PhD, FAANS.This course is published as a resource for neurosurgeons by the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) and the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).
Journal CME

NSF June 2023: Machine Learning in Neurosurgery Volume 54, Issue 6

Neurosurgical Focus covers a different topic in-depth each month. Enhanced by color images and video clips, each peer-reviewed issue constitutes a state-of-the-art “textbook chapter” in the field of neurosurgery.While Neurosurgical Focus is open-access and has been free to the public since 1996, claiming CME credit is free only for AANS members. Each monthly issue offers […]
Journal CME

NSF August 2022: Education Methodology and Metrics in the Training of Neurosurgical Residents Volume 53, Issue 2

Neurosurgical Focus covers a different topic in-depth each month. Enhanced by color images and video clips, each peer-reviewed issue constitutes a state-of-the-art “textbook chapter” in the field of neurosurgery. While Neurosurgical Focus is open-access and has been free to the public since 1996, claiming CME credit is free only for AANS members. Each monthly issue […]
Online Course

New and Evolving Technologies for Minimally Invasive Lumbar Surgery

The evolution of technologies for lumbar spine surgery is increasing in momentum. The use of robotics, low dose radiation protocols, navigation and augmented reality is increasing.  The expanding role of awake procedures and endoscopic procedures has also gained a foothold.  This online course explores the current state of these technologies, how to overcome the barriers […]
  • Spine
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Take the next step in your journey

Explore the directory and discover the programs that align with your aspirations. From Albany to Loma Linda, we’ve got you covered.

Go to the Residency Directory

group of surgeons in operating room at hospital.

Career Support & Development

Find Your Medical School Chapter

The chapters provide a forum for students to organize professional, educational and research activities within their medical schools, promote mentorship and facilitate participation at a national level for the next generation of neurosurgical leaders.

Student Chapters

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Find Your School’s Chapter

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Explore all Fellowships and Grants

Study in a lab under an AANS mentor, or receive a grant and pursue a research topic. Many opportunities are available through the AANS and Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation (NREF).

Seeall Grants & Fellowships

Neurosurgery Match

Looking to match in neurosurgery? Check this essential resource first.

Access Neurosurgery Match Resources for Students