2024 Western Neurosurgical Society Meeting
Fairmont Hotel Grand Del Mar
San Diego, CA
September 5-8, 2024
Dear WNS Members, Applicants, and Guests,
We are excited to return to Hawai’i for the 68th Annual Meeting. This will be an in-person event following last year’s very successful meeting in New Mexico. This year, there is further confidence that we shall be able to travel and meet safely and in the most beautiful setting possible. The middle of the Pacific Ocean has certainly a way of impressing upon us the tranquility and natural beauty life has to offer. This will be particularly appreciated during such tumultuous times.
We are fortunate indeed to return to the Kohala Coast, at the Fairmont Orchid. Here is the link for the hotel booking.
For the foodies among us, consider making a reservation at Addison, the only 3-star Michelin rated restaurant in Southern California. Be sure to book early as reservations fill up months in advance.
We can all look forward to a robust scientific program organized by Dr. Melanie Hayden-Gephardt, and her committee. Please consider submitting an abstract now and being a part of the program.
The 2024 Cloward Medal will be awarded to WNS Past President Dr. Linda Liau. Dr. Liau is the W. Eugene Stern Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at UCLA, Director of the UCLA Brain Tumor Program, former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Neuro-Oncology, and an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine. Not only is Dr. Liau an internationally recognized leader in the fight against brain cancer but she is also a dedicated mentor to students, residents, and faculty. As one of Dr. Liau’s mentees, I’d like to say that this award is well deserved!
This year’s Prolo Lecturer will be Dr. Gerald Grant who is the Allan H. Friedman Distinguished Professor and Chair of Neurosurgery at Duke University. Dr. Grant is prior director of the pediatric neurosurgery fellowship at Stanford. He served on active duty in the US Air Force and was deployed to both Iraq and Germany.
Additionally, we will continue to honor our dear friend Dr. Randy Smith with the second annual Randy Smith Lectureship. Thank you to those who have already donated in Randy’s memory and for those who haven’t but still want to, there will be opportunities to give during the meeting.
The scientific program is jointly provided by the AANS and attendees will be eligible for CME.
Of course, the meeting won’t all be about neurosurgery. We are planning a unique social program that will highlight our Society’s 70th anniversary. Join us for local’s night as we enjoy a private tour of the Maritime Museum of San Diego. After dinner and live music on the Steam Ferry Berkley we’ll transition to battling pirates and learning about the Royal Navy on the Star of India and HMS Surprise. This will be a fun event for kids of all ages.
The resort has multiple on-site activity options including hiking, golf, pickleball, archery and horseback riding. In addition, we are planning off-site afternoon activities including horse racing at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, kayaking in La Jolla Cove, hiking through coastal slot canyons and a brewery tour. Details for each will be included in our registration form.
For our guests who have never attended a meeting of the Western Neurosurgical Society and for our members who haven’t been to a meeting since the world stopped, the Western sends you a special invitation to join us this year. You won’t be disappointed!
