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. 

Bydon

Neuro Innovate

  • Date: Friday, August 6 and 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: Register here! 

 

 

 

 

awad

Safadi Lecture

  • Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 10:00am-12:00pm
  • 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: Amber Ogle (amber.ogle@bsd.uchicago.edu)
  • Registration Link: Coming soon!
Herman

Kranzler Chicago Review Course (CRC) in Neurosurgery

  • Date: January 16-21, 2027 Chicago, IL (with virtual option)
  • Course Description: The Chicago Review Course in Neurosurgery has been recognized as the most thorough review of neurosurgery for residents and practicing physicians for more than forty years. Founded in 1973 as the Cook County Graduate Medical Education Neurosurgery Review Course, this course was launched in an effort to provide a comprehensive and intensive review for residents preparing for their written boards, newly-established neurosurgeons preparing for their oral boards, and practicing neurosurgeons who want to ensure their diagnostic and surgical skills are current. The course memorializes Dr. Leonard Kranzler's commitment to directing the course and is hosted by Dr. Martin D. Herman and the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Chicago.
  • Target Audience: This activity is designed for physicians and other healthcare professionals in the specialty of neurosurgery.
  • Course Director: Dr. Martin Herman
  • Coordinator: Leslie Brizendine, Meeting Achievements (leslie@meetingachievements.com)
  • Registration Link: https://uchicagoreviewcourse.com/
Neurotrauma Brain

Neuro Trauma Conference

  • Date: Stay tuned for the 2026 Neuro Trauma Conference 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 - Brain

Stroke Symposium

  • Date: Stay tuned for the 2027 Stroke Symposium announcement
  • 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! 
image

Margaret Hackett Family Program Symposium (MHFP)

  • Date: Stay tuned for the 2027 Margaret Hackett Family Program Symposium announcement
  • 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!
Trauma

Chicago Symposium on Trauma

  • Date: Stay tuned for the 2027 Chicago Symposium on Trauma announcement
  • Lecture Description: Experience cutting-edge trauma surgery at its best featuring expert presentations on the latest operative techniques, controversial case discussions, and dynamic panel debates with nationally recognized trauma leaders. Enhance your symposium experience with a hands-on workshop designed for skill advancement. Attend the May 5 pre-meeting course, Trauma Essentials, to advance skills in early procedural techniques, or attend the post-meeting course, Trauma Xtreme on May 8, to hone advanced operative skills with expert-led live surgical technique practice. Sharpen your trauma nursing practice with dedicated sessions designed for the frontline trauma team.
  • Target Audience: This activity is designed for academic, military, and community trauma surgeons as well as other surgical sub-specialists, intensivists, ER physicians, nurses, PAs, technologists, and other healthcare professionals who care for critically ill trauma patients.
  • Faculty Leadership: Dr. Selwyn O. Rogers
  • Program Manager: Sharnae Phagan
  • Registration Link: Coming Soon!