Dear “ISPN family” members,
It is with great emotion and heartfelt pride that I am writing to you at the start of a new year for the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery with the incredible honor to live it as President of our community.
We are approaching the end of 2024, the year of our 50th anniversary, duly celebrated with a historical annual meeting held in Toronto, one of the “Temples” of Pediatric Neurosurgery since its foundation.
An unprecedented number of innovations have been driven by the tireless efforts of our immediate past President, Shlomi Constantini. Despite his renownedly busy schedule, he covered the role with energy, strength, seriousness and balance, continuously introducing new ideas to render the ISPN a central position among many global sister societies, including ESPN, EANS, IFNE, and the newly formed AfPNS to name a few. Our shared passion to advance pediatric neurosurgical care and improving outcomes for children unites us.
So, on behalf of the entire ISPN, thank you Shlomi. We all owe you a lot for the game changes you started.
The two key pillars that will continue to guide us are:
- Broad member engagement – To involve as many members as possible in actively contributing to the advancement of our Society’s objectives, combining their experience, enthusiasm, energy and wisdom.
- Educate, Guide, Mentor – There is an incredible number of young colleagues eager to expand their knowledge, seeking mentorship as they start their careers, looking for guidance in their daily practice.
In-person courses remain, in my perspective, among the most important occasions to provide this “three-in-one” experience, where the younger generation has the possibility to learn and talk to senior colleagues as older brothers and father guides. While online teaching will continue to be an important ally, especially as travel becomes increasingly challenging, the Society’s healthy balance, thanks to the Treasurer’s efforts, will allow us to invest in an increasing number of sponsored fellowships: our young colleagues, particularly those coming from LMIC/MIC will benefit from these opportunities.
Looking ahead, there are several challenges that require our ongoing efforts. These include expanding our presence in regions like Africa and “continental countries” like China, to the transition of our Society’s official and historical Journal, Child’s Nervous System, to a fully digital platform.
As I start my drive in this “Ocean” I feel supported by the wisdom and friendship of the many experienced members who will continue on the Executive Board this next year, and I feel energized by the number of enthusiastic new members elected to start their walk in the ISPN, assuring for all, at anytime, my presence and support.
Gianpiero Tamburrini
ISPN President 2024-2025
