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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 non-
technical 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 anti-
glioma 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