Council of State Neurosurgical Societies Chairperson's Message
I am proud to be elected as Chair of the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies (CSNS) and serve along with number of dedicated volunteer neurosurgeons working to provide a grass roots voice to the practicing neurosurgeon, and facilitate access and care for our patients. We do this by connecting our neurosurgical colleagues for sharing experiences and knowledge for the socioeconomic and administrative aspects of a medical practice, something not typically taught in most neurosurgery residencies, and create a platform for cogent discussion and debate. Through the resolution process, CSNS members from our state societies, caucuses, and military, can bring forth issues for debate and vote by the overall membership body. Once passed, there are pathways to escalate to our parent organizations of the AANS and CNS for action, and allow the voice of the practicing neurosurgeon to be heard and acted on.
In addition to sharing knowledge and exchanging experiences of the latest impact of health policies and rules, the CSNS also gives guidance and direction about present and future of maintaining the “business” of our profession. A critical mission of the CSNS is socioeconomic education, and we provide tools to our residents and practicing physicians to prepare for these coming changes. We do this by working directly with the AANS and CNS, and leading the creation of educational content at all of our annual meetings such as practical courses, seminars and scientific sessions. We also develop new knowledge in the area of socioeconomics in neurosurgery, with surveys, white papers and peer-reviewed publications which foster our understanding of socioeconomic issues, and guiding change.
Much like our neurosurgeons who had a strong interest in research along with their clinical practice, becoming physician-scientists, the CSNS is fostering the development of neurosurgeons with a strong interest in healthcare administration along with their clinical practice, becoming physician-administrators. The CSNS is an amazing group of dedicated individuals and the open, accessible organization of the CSNS is an incubator of many of our current leaders in organized neurosurgery and medicine. We encourage and support the participation of medical students, residents, neurosurgeons, and interested stakeholders such as our administrators, who seek to become our future socioeconomic leaders.
The Council of State Neurosurgical Societies continues to play a critical role in organized neurosurgery. We look forward to getting you involved as we advocate for our field and patients!
Joseph S. Cheng, MD, MS
Frank H. Mayfield Professor and Chair
Department of Neurosurgery
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
P.O. Box 670515
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0515
(513) 558-3556 Academic Office
(513) 475-8990 Clinical Office
(513) 558-3361 Fax
October 2021
