Fund Purpose: To advance medical student mentorship, research, education and participation in organized neurosurgery, particularly students who would otherwise lack access.
Chris A. Philips, joined the professional staff of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and would go on to become one of the longest-serving staff members in AANS history. Chris served the AANS with distinction from July 11, 1988 until her retirement as Director of Membership on July 31, 2020.
For three decades, Chris was committed to the AANS, providing exemplary service to its members. As staff liaison to the Membership and Young Neurosurgeons Committees and to the AANS/CNS Section on Women in Neurosurgery, she offered support and guidance to physician leaders, and received multiple medical publication citations, most recently for an article written for the Journal of Neurosurgery on the history of the Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation (NREF).
During her years of service, she served as a guide and mentor to many neurosurgeons, particularly in her work with the former Young Neurosurgeons Committee (now the Early to Mid-Career Neurosurgeons Committee) where she helped many ascending AANS leaders navigate the nuances of the organization early in their careers. Throughout her career, Chris was also a generous donor to the NREF.
In recognition of her leadership and commitment to the neurosurgical community, the Chris A. Philips/E2M Fund was established to provide engagement of medical students in organized neurosurgery.
"Chris played a pivotal role in the Young Neurosurgeons Committee for nearly 20 years. She had an influential role in guiding numerous young neurosurgeons from fresh committee members to rising leaders in organized neurosurgery. Her contribution to the evolution of the committee and the development of its leaders cannot be over emphasized."
Jeremiah N. Johnson, MD, FAANS
Assistant Professor
Baylor College of Medicine Neurosurgery
Chair, Young Neurosurgeons Committee (2019-2021)
To view a list of all donors to this fund,click here.