2024 Western Neurosurgical Society Meeting
Fairmont Hotel Grand Del Mar
San Diego, CA
September 5-8, 2024
Dear WNS members and guests,
Welcome to the 70th Annual Western Neurosurgical Society Meeting, a celebration marking our Platinum Jubilee! This milestone is a testament to the enduring dedication, innovation, excellence and friendship that define our community.
We are honored to host an exceptional lineup of speakers who continue to push the boundaries of our field. This year is particularly momentous as we celebrate a historic achievement: Dr. Linda Liau is the first-ever woman recipient of the prestigious Cloward’s Award. This landmark moment not only honors her outstanding contributions to neurosurgery but also symbolizes the growing diversity and inclusion within our profession and the WNS.
We are also excited to present a unique armchair session with two WNS past presidents and senior neurosurgeons, Drs. Steve Giannotta and Larry Shuer, who will take us on a journey through the evolution of neurosurgery and the WNS over recent decades. This session promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the advances, challenges, and milestones that have defined our field and society, and will provide a fascinating look at how far we’ve come.
In addition, we are privileged to have Dr. Gerry Grant to deliver the Prolo Lecture, which will delve into the often-overlooked but critical value of nontechnical skills in neurosurgery. We are also honored to welcome Maestro Nuvi Metha, virtuoso violinist and director of special projects at the San Diego Symphony, who will deliver the Smith Lecture. This unique presentation will explore the profound relationship between music and the mind, offering a fascinating perspective on how these two worlds intersect and influence each other.
We are proud to honor two exceptional residents who have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to our field. Dr. Lily Kim’s paper on antiglioma effects and metabolic modulation and Dr. Silvia Vaca’s paper on disparities in post-operative care, stand as exemplary works that push the boundaries of our knowledge and set new standards for excellence in neurosurgery.
We are thrilled to welcome our newest members and candidates, whose fresh energy and ideas will undoubtedly contribute to the future of the WNS. Your presence here signifies the ongoing growth and evolution of our community, and we are excited to see how you will help drive our field forward.
Finally, this year’s meeting is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, whose commitment to neurosurgery helps fuel our progress and innovation. Their partnership is invaluable, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their continued support.
As we celebrate this Platinum Jubilee, let us honor the past, embrace the present, and look ahead to a future filled with promise and discovery. Welcome to the Western Neurosurgical Society’s 70th Anniversary Meeting—let’s make it a celebration to remember!
Marco Lee MD PhD