The European Neurosurgical Training Courses

The EANS is involved in all aspects of neurosurgical training both at pre-board certification level and at special interest training level.

At general training level the EANS' main activity is the European Neurosurgical Training Course.

The Post Graduate Education Committe is responsible for the organisation of ongoing neurosurgical training on behalf of the EANS. The inaugural EANS courses in Spine Surgery, held in Opatija, Croatia in 2007 and 2008 were extremely successful, a further Spine course is planned for October 2009 and it is intended that this should become an annual event. A course in Radiosurgery, and an event designed specifically for young neurosurgeons who have recently completed the European Training Courses are also planned.

Through its membership of UEMS the EANS has important links to other specialties such as radiology.

European Neurosurgical Training Course

The EANS Training Committee, whose current Chair is Professor Vladimir Benes, Training Course Co-ordinator and Executive Administrator are responsible for arranging the European Neurosurgical Training Courses.

These consist of four annual courses of five days each, covering the key topics of Vascular Neurosurgery , Tumour , Head Injury / Functional and Spine / Peripheral Nerve . The course cycle therefore takes four years to complete. Founded in the 1970s by Professors Brihaye, Pia and Vigoroux, the courses are aimed at serving the needs of neurosurgical trainees in the latter half of their training in neurosurgery.

The excellence of the courses and their scientific and social value is acknowledged throughout the neurosurgical community, and the current committee would like to acknowledge the tremendous part played by the founders, past chairmen of the Training Committee and previous Executive Administrator, Stephanie Garfield-Birkbeck, in bringing this about.

Admission to the Courses

New candidates should be in their third or fourth year of specialist training. There are two separate course cycles, each of which can accommodate around 220 participants. Once accepted for one series of courses, it is not possible to switch to the other series.

Applicants who are successful are automatically admitted for the full four years and must attend four consecutive courses within their cycle. Any exceptions to this are at the discretion of the chairman of the Training Committee and Administrative Director of the EANS. There are strict arrangements for maternity and paternity leave. Applicants must have a high-level of English, both written and spoken and all trainees must attend the course unaccompanied.