Dear Friends and Colleagues:
“I am a part of all that I have met.” – Lord Tennyson
That sentiment is certainly true for me. In my professional career, I’ve had the great privilege of knowing some tremendous individuals: mentors, colleagues, students, patients and industry partners – many of whom are now friends. These relationships have been transformative in my education and growth as a neurosurgeon.
The methods by which we connect with fellow neurosurgeons have undergone revolutionary change since I first joined the AANS as a resident candidate in 1987. The Internet as we know it did not exist, and social media was still more than a decade away.
That’s why I’m excited about the collaboration between the AANS Young Neurosurgeons Committee (YNC) and the Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation (NREF) on the launch of the NREF-YNC Social Media Lab.
Under the leadership of Christopher S. Graffeo, MD, and Jeremiah Johnson, MD, the Lab’s mission is to promote social media engagement and education among neurosurgeons. The Lab will introduce tools designed to assist members who aspire to develop their online brand and to foster connections within neurosurgery.
Bill Gates has said, “I’m a great believer that any tool that enhances communication has profound effects in terms of how people can learn from each other and how they can achieve the kind of freedoms that they’re interested in.”
I hope you will visit the NREF-YNC Social Media Lab and take advantage of the new tools available for neurosurgeons to learn, engage and connect with peers.
Thank you for including NREF in your philanthropy, and best wishes for a safe and happy summer!
Warmest Regards,
Regis W. Haid Jr., MD, FAANS
NREF Chair
