International Members Find Big Benefit in Coming Together with Neurology’s Largest Community
July 15, 2024
The AAN is a vibrant, global community that transcends borders, connecting more than 40,000 members from 141 countries across six continents. Non-US-based members now make up 23% of membership. Within the Academy’s robust membership benefits package, the advantages international members said they value most according to the recent AAN Member Needs Assessment Survey include: access to the Academy’s exclusive online education resources, the latest information on scientific research, high-quality clinical practice guidelines, professional development opportunities, the latest relevant news impacting their profession, and, not least of all, the Academy’s top-tier conferences—including neurology’s biggest and best get-together, the AAN Annual Meeting.
Coming Together for Learning, Collaboration
One way the Academy engages its non-US members in a meaningful way is through the annual International Scholars Program. Established more than 20 years ago, the program awards early career neurologist and trainee members from outside the US the opportunity to travel to and attend the AAN Annual Meeting. Not only are the scholars recognized for their achievements and dedication to improving neurologic care and advancing neurologic research in their home countries, but the experience serves as a career- and, often, life-changing platform for learning, collaboration, and exchange of ideas with neurology’s biggest leaders and experts from around the world. In 2024, 25 early career scholars were selected to travel to Denver where they got to experience firsthand the diverse and inclusive AAN community.
What are International Scholars Saying About the AAN?
In my country, I think we don't have the sense of community across neurologists and neuro-enthusiasts that the AAN evokes. The AAN has always felt embracing and nurturing even as someone who studies and practices medicine outside of the US. Everyone I have ever spoken to is always willing to understand and help with my particular situation. I think these small acts of kindness go a long way in helping the AAN feel like an organization truly meant for everyone involved in neurology.
- Maria Jimena Aleman, MD
Universidad Francisco Marroquin
Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala
As a first-generation individual to pursue higher education and medical training within my family, I have journeyed from a rural village in Rwanda to achieving significant milestones in the field of medicine and global health. Having attended several international conferences, I can attest that the AAN Annual Meeting stands out as the pinnacle of excellence in the field. As I am committed to effecting positive change within my communities in Rwanda, Africa, and beyond, I am eager to maintain a connection with the AAN. Continued participation will enable me to learn from leaders in the field, broaden my expertise, and translate acquired knowledge into impactful projects.
Olivier Uwishema, MD
Oli Health Magazine Organization (OHMO)
Kigali, Rwanda
Attending the AAN [Annual Meeting] benefits me in multiple ways: acquiring updated knowledge from world-renowned neurologists, connecting with neurologists from around the globe, fostering opportunities for rotations and research with other institutions. I bring back to my country new ideas and research approaches, rotation proposals, and knowledge applicable to my daily practice.
Maria Agustina Zarate, MD
Fundación para la Lucha de Enfermedades Neurológicas en la Infancia (FLENI)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
2024 International Scholars Discuss Benefits of AAN Membership
Learn more about the many benefits of AAN International Membership.