March 2026 President Spotlight: Preview of the Annual Meeting

In the March episode of the President's Spotlight, Dr. Jason Crowell and Dr. Natalia Rost share key updates and strategic insights for the upcoming April meeting in Chicago.

Stay informed by watching the President's Spotlight video.

Show transcript:

Dr. Jason Crowell:

Hey, this is Jason Crowell. Thanks for listening to today's Neurology Minute. Once again, this month, we have Natalia Rost joining us, the president of the AAN for her presidential spotlight. Natalia, the sun is starting to come out. The flowers are starting to bloom. Spring is here. What is going on with the academy? What would you like to tell us about this month?

Dr. Natalia Rost:

These are exciting times indeed. Our annual meeting is just one month away. And so I'm looking forward to all of us coming together to learn, share ideas, and to connect. And this year, the world's largest neurology event is even larger. And I like to say it's my meeting of 15,000 friends.

Dr. Jason Crowell:

Terrific. For those who are listening today who haven't heard about the annual meeting, what would you like for them to know about it?

Dr. Natalia Rost:

Well, so the meeting takes place April 18th through 22nd in Chicago and online. And like so many, I love Chicago. It's a world-class city. It's a major travel hub and making it easy for many of us to attend. And we're expecting presentations of more than 3,500 abstracts. It's a new record for our meeting. Registration is also trending ahead of previous years, so now is the time to make your plans.

Dr. Jason Crowell:

And what would you say are the three things that you look forward to the most every year at the meeting?

Dr. Natalia Rost:

Well, first of all, the Sunday of this meeting, April 19th, is our research day, which will focus on advancing neuroscience and the AAN's renewed commitment to research funding we talked about last month. It includes my presidential plenary, which is titled Neuroscience at the Crossroads, and which will feature interactive panels of seasoned neuroscience leaders and clinician scientists who are right in the midst of their exciting careers. We will have our research hub to take part in many opportunities to support our high quality research program, so that's going to be great. Another highlight is a celebration of the extraordinary accomplishments of Dr. Walter Koroshetz, the immediate past NINDS director, and a phenomenal neurologist who is our 2026 President's Award winner and who will join us at the Presidential Plenary. This is going to be a very special and spirited event. And also, I'm excited to debut the new Brain Hub this year. I hope folks will stop by. Along with that, we have a special museum exhibit and reception for the Neurology Journal's 75th anniversary. I sure will be stopping by both.

Dr. Jason Crowell:

I would say that people in the world of medicine often misunderestimate just how much fun neurologists can be. What fun is planned for the annual meeting this year?

Dr. Natalia Rost:

Oh yeah, we're on it. As always, we will have our celebrated annual meeting party on Sunday night. This year, the entire Griffin Museum of Science and Industry will be hours to explore while you enjoy your food, drinks, and conversation with colleagues.

Dr. Jason Crowell:

And for our listeners, where can they learn more about the annual meeting and all the details?

Dr. Natalia Rost:

Please register now at aan.com/am. This is an annual meeting you won't want to miss, so join me with everything neurology premier event has to offer.

Dr. Jason Crowell:

Terrific. Natalia, thanks so much. Looking forward to Chicago.