Empowering Neurosurgical Leadership: Training the Next Generation of Neurosurgical Leaders

Authors

• Shahaan S Razak
• Anand Veeravagu
• Emily Stiehl
• Ashwini D Sharan
• Elad Levy
• Alexander A Khalessi
• Steven N. Kalkanis, Henry Ford HealthFollow
• Brian Asmussen
• David Langer
• Lola B Chambless
• Michele Hilgart
• John Ratliff
• Lauren E Haydu
• Ellen L. Air, Henry Ford HealthFollow
• Alan Scarrow
• Brian V Nahed

Recommended Citation

Razak SS, Veeravagu A, Stiehl E, Sharan AD, Levy E, Khalessi AA, Kalkanis S, Asmussen B, Langer D, Chambless LB, Hilgart M, Ratliff J, Haydu LE, Air EL, Scarrow A, Nahed BV. Empowering Neurosurgical Leadership: Training the Next Generation of Neurosurgical Leaders. Neurosurgery. 2026.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-26-2026

Publication Title

Neurosurgery

Keywords

Leadership; Neurosurgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Leadership Institute developed the first structured leadership program designed specifically for neurosurgeons. Led by the experts in neurosurgery, health care administration, and business, the program provides formal leadership training and mentorship aimed at advancing neurosurgeons' professional development at local, regional, national, and international levels.

METHODS: The CNS Leadership Institute offers 2 curricula tailored for junior and senior faculty. Training begins with assigned readings, webinars, and online lectures that establish essential leadership principles. Core learning occurs during 2 in-person courses featuring interactive lectures, feedback sessions, and a longitudinal leadership project guided by national mentors. Program outcomes were assessed through a 40-question survey of alumni evaluating training effectiveness, skill application, and career advancement.

RESULTS: Since 2016, 195 neurosurgeons have completed the CNS Leadership Institute. Among the 77 survey respondents, 70.1% reported significant professional advancement (new leadership role or job transition), and 64.8% directly attributed their advancement in skills and insights acquired through the program. Overall program effectiveness was rated 4.4 of 5, and the mean likelihood-to-recommend was 8.95 (95% CI: 8.70-9.20), yielding a Net Promoter Score of +63 (95% CI: +49 to +77). Alumni have assumed prominent roles including 16 Residency Program Directors, 3 Department Chairs, 1 Vice Dean, 4 Service Line Leaders, 13 CNS Executive Committee members, and over 100 committee or editorial board appointments critical to the specialty.

CONCLUSION: The CNS Leadership Institute equips neurosurgeons with structured leadership training, mentorship, and practical tools to enhance their effectiveness as leaders. Survey results confirm that the program has a measurable impact on participants' career trajectories and professional growth. This initiative provides a reproducible model for cultivating the next generation of neurosurgical leaders and advancing the specialty's capacity for strategic, transformational leadership.

PubMed ID

41885450

ePublication

ePub ahead of print