Neurosurgery Courses and Symposia

We are proud to offer a diverse selection of academic courses, symposia, and lectures throughout the year. These events bring together experts in neurosurgery, neuroscience, and related disciplines to advance clinical knowledge, share research insights, and foster collaboration.

Below is a list of our upcoming and recurring programs.

Neuro Innovate

Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
Course Description: The Neuro Innovate course will equip seasoned and new-to-the-field professionals with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the evolving landscape of neurosurgery innovation. Participants will have the opportunity to gain invaluable insights from neurosurgeons shaping the future of research and practice.
Target Audience: This course is designed for orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, residents, fellows, researchers, and medical/health professional students.
Course Director: Dr. Mohamad Bydon
Coordinator: Leslie Brizendine, Meeting Achievements (leslie@meetingachievements.com)
Registration Link: Coming soon!

Kranzler Chicago Review Course (CRC) in Neurosurgery

Date: Saturday, January 17th through Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
Course Description: The Chicago Review Course, founded in 1973, is a nationally recognized program offering a comprehensive review for neurosurgery residents preparing for written boards, early-career neurosurgeons preparing for oral boards, and practicing neurosurgeons seeking to stay current. The course honors Dr. Leonard Kranzler’s legacy and is hosted by Dr. Martin D. Herman and the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Chicago.
Target Audience: Neurosurgery residents preparing for the written board examinations, early-career neurosurgeons preparing for the oral board examinations an practicing neurosurgeons seeking to update their diagnostic and surgical knowledge and ensure their skills remain current
Course Director: Dr. Martin Herman
Coordinator: Leslie Brizendine, Meeting Achievements (leslie@meetingachievements.com)
Registration Link: 2026 Kranzler Chicago Review Course in Neurosurgery | Center for Continuing Medical Education

Neuro Trauma Conference

Date: Stay tuned for 2026 symposium announcement
Symposium Description: This dynamic event will immerse you in the latest clinical guidelines, spotlight urgent knowledge gaps, and tackle practice challenges head-on. Gain actionable insights to elevate patient care, shape research priorities, and drive impactful, patient-centered improvements. Through engaging discussions on clinical priorities, groundbreaking research methodologies, and the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, this symposium will empower you to be at the forefront of trauma management innovation.
Target Audience: This activity is designed for clinicians, clinical research methodologists, agency representatives, and community members dedicated to advancing the management of firearm-inflicted brain injuries.
Faculty Leadership: Dr. Paramita Das (Course Director), Dr. Ali Mansour (Neurology)
Coordinator: Liam Thomas, Neuroscience Service Line (liam.thomas@uchicagomedicine.org)
Registration Link: Coming soon!

Stroke Symposium

Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2026
Symposium Description: This interactive symposium brings leading experts together to explore the latest evidence, controversies, and advances in stroke care. Designed for clinicians, it offers a unique opportunity to strengthen expertise, engage with faculty, and stay at the forefront of cerebrovascular medicine.
Target Audience: This activity is designed for healthcare professionals, including nurses, family medicine physicians, internists, emergency department physicians, neurologists, and others who care for patients with acute and chronic cerebrovascular disease.
Faculty Leadership: Dr. James Siegler (Course Lead), Dr. Sean Polster (Course Director)
Administrator: Jacqueline Morales
Registration Link: Coming Soon!

Margaret Hackett Family Program Symposium (MHFP)

Date: Friday June 5, 2026
Symposium Description: This symposium will introduce a variety of central nervous system (CNS) congenital anomalies and the challenges of diagnosis and treatment. Specific congenital syndromes will be discussed in detail to describe various approaches to each entity. In addition, models of care as well as future approaches will be discussed.
Target Audience: This activity is designed for neurosurgeons, neurologists, pediatricians, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the treatment of central nervous system congenital anomalies.
Faculty Leadership: Dr. Bakhtiar Yamini
Program Manager: Julie Fernandez (jdroessler@bsd.uchicago.edu)
Registration Link: Coming Soon!

Safadi Lecture

Date: Stay tuned for 2026 announcement
Lecture Description: Whether in clinical care or medical research, it is critical for physicians and scientists to partner in order to make important advances. This is particularly true in the neurosciences, where the brain presents an immense frontier for scientific advances utilizing collaborative tools and integrative strategies. The Safadi Program of Excellence in Clinical and Translational Neuroscience at the University of Chicago Medicine was launched on April 18, 2017, with the aim of facilitating this multidisciplinary interface, and creating opportunities for collaboration among scientists and clinicians engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders
Target Audience: This activity is designed for neurosurgeons, neurologists, pediatricians, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the treatment of central nervous system congenital anomalies.
Faculty Leadership: Dr. Issam Awad
Program Manager: Daniel Nava (dnava@uchicagomedicine.org)
Registration Link: Coming soon!