Neurosurgery Research &
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In the Honor of Dr. Michael Groff and Family
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the entire neurosurgical community mourn the untimely passing of Michael W. Groff, MD, FAANS, a distinguished spine neurosurgeon, beloved colleague and dedicated leader. Dr. Groff passed away tragically in a plane crash on April 12, 2025, leaving behind a profound legacy of clinical excellence, academic contribution, and selfless service to the field of neurosurgery. Even more tragically, Dr. Groff’s family members — including his wife Dr. Joy Saini, son Jared and oldest daughter Karenna, and Jared’s and Karenna’s girlfriend and boyfriend, respectively — were also victims of the tragic accident.
News & Updates
As the philanthropic arm of a medical association committed to advancing the health, safety, and well-being of individuals around the world, we wish to express our profound solidarity with citizens and our neurosurgeon colleagues around the world seeking, with international assistance, to defend their liberty, security and ancient, sacred cultural values. Furthermore, we wish to unequivocally express our condemnation of violence as a means of advancing individual or national self-interests, wherever and whenever such tyrannical disregard for human life, dignity and freedom takes place.
Please consider supporting relief efforts for the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine.
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Heading to San Antonio for #AANS2026? Visit NREF team in the NEURO HUB to learn more about our courses, grants and fellowship programs! @henrybgonzalezconventioncenter
Dr. Harvey Cushing – the father of modern neurosurgery – was born on this day in 1869. Celebrate his 157th birthday with a gift to the NREF: https://ow.ly/FMgJ50YFK0W
The nomination window for the NREF MISS and Emerging Technologies Course closes this Friday, April 10.
These courses are nomination-only, and a program director (or coordinator) must submit your nomination. If you’re interested in attending this year’s MISS course, be sure to
If you have not registered yet, now’s the time to act. Register and secure your housing by April 2 to take advantage of advance registration savings prior to the cutoff date. https://ow.ly/PQCI50YAEkM
The 2026 Cushing Bowl is on! Help your favorite team carry the torch for the future of neurosurgery. Your donation brings them closer to capturing the coveted Cushing Bowl trophy. Find out more and see participating teams here: https://igfn.us/vf/CUSHING #CushingBowl #GameOn
On this #NationalDoctorsDay, we recognize the hard work, dedication, and compassion of all health care providers. Thank you for your tireless efforts in patient care, research, and innovation. #DoctorsDay2026
Who Will Carry the Torch for the Future of Neurosurgery?
The 2026 Cushing Bowl launches April 1st. Will Westchester Medical Center defend their title, or will a new champion emerge? Stay tuned for updates! #CushingBowl #GameOn #DonateToday #Neurosurgery #NREF #Fundraising
The nomination window for the 2026 Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) and Emerging Technologies Course is now open!
Connect with your program director or coordinator to be nominated, or contact info@nref.org for more information.
Receiving an @NREFORG #YoungInvestigator grant was such an honor, & a huge opportunity to launch my #neuroanatomy & #pedagogy research as a faculty @OU_Neurosurgery… this interview was a nice chance to express my gratitude & highlight the value of supporting @NREFORG!
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The NREF is dedicated to providing education to neurosurgeons at all stages of their careers, as well as funding research into new and existing neurosurgical treatments, in order to identify links between best practices and improved outcomes in patient care.
