NEUROSURGERY NEWS

The 47th Annual Richard Lende Winter Neurosurgery Conference recently took place from February 3-6, 2023, at Snowbird Ski Resort in Salt Lake City, Utah. Attendees were welcomed by a picturesque mountain landscape with sunny skies and fresh powder on the slopes, providing the perfect backdrop for a weekend of education, collaboration, and recreation.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this in-person conference was highly anticipated by neurosurgeons, residents, nurse practitioners, and medical students, as well as allied health professionals in fields such as neurology and anesthesiology. The conference offered a diverse range of educational experiences, with topics presented by neurosurgery faculty, visiting professors, and institutional faculty covering sub-specialties such as neurotrauma, pediatrics, neuropsychology, brain metastases, stereotactic radiosurgery, and more.

Medical students and neurosurgery residents also had the opportunity to showcase their research work and share their insights with seasoned neurosurgeons in attendance, making it a valuable educational experience for the next generation of neurosurgeons. According to Randy L. Jensen, MD, PhD, Vice Chair of Education, and this year's conference organizer, the residents’ topics were diverse and with the potential to be impactful, including minimally invasive treatment methods, gender disparities in representation at national conferences, and the use of artificial intelligence in acute stroke intervention.

Beyond the formal program, there were a number of informal gatherings. It was truly invigorating to see so many colleagues and contacts come back together and continue the tradition of this amazing in-person conference.

The Richard Lende Winter Neurosurgery Conference has a rich history dating back to March 1973 and is widely regarded as one of the oldest and most prestigious winter neurosurgery events in the world. It is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Richard Lende and provides a platform for exchanging ideas and showcasing innovations in neurological surgery and related fields. The conference's blend of research, clinical applications, and relaxed atmosphere make it a must-attend event for neurosurgeons and allied health workers from around the world.

The conference was enhanced by a number of informal gatherings, allowing colleagues and contacts to reunite and continue the long-standing tradition of this remarkable event. The planning committee, speakers, staff, and attendees all played a vital role in making the 2023 Richard Lende Winter Neurosurgery Conference a great success. We look forward to next year's edition of this hallmark event in the neurosurgery community.