Welcome from ASSFN President Julie G. Pilitsis, MD, PhD

Dear Members of ASSFN,

I am deeply honored and excited to address you as the new President of the American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (ASSFN). As we embark on this new chapter together, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued dedication and commitment to our shared mission.

First and foremost, I want to thank our outgoing president Dr. Andre Machado, whose leadership and vision have greatly advanced our society and its goals. His hard work and strategic plan developed with prior presidents, Drs. Joseph S. Neimat and Robert E. Gross, has laid a solid foundation upon which we can build, and I am committed to continuing this positive momentum. I also want to acknowledge the hard work of our passionate officers and board members past and present.

As I step into this role, I am inspired by the collective expertise, passion, and innovation that define our members and our field. Our strength lies in our unity and the diverse talents each of you brings to functional neurosurgery.  

My vision for my presidency is to enhance awareness about our collaborative and individual efforts, foster cutting-edge research through our grants and fellowship programs, and continue advancing educational opportunities for all our members. Together, we will work towards pushing the boundaries of functional neurosurgery, improving patient outcomes, and supporting each other in our professional journeys.

This newsletter is just one of the many ways we will stay connected and informed. Inside, you will find updates on upcoming events and highlights on our strategic goals. I encourage you to engage with these resources and contribute your own insights and experiences. Your active participation is crucial as we strive to grow and innovate.

In the coming months, I look forward to meeting many of you, hearing your ideas, and working alongside you to shape the future of ASSFN. Notably, we will be having a Town Hall on October 9 at 7 pm Central Time on Zoom, where I hope you can all join us. Let us embark on this journey with enthusiasm, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Thank you for your trust and support. Here’s to a productive and inspiring year ahead!

Warm regards,

Julie G. Pilitsis, MD, PhD

President, American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (ASSFN)