Learning the Latest Techniques & Practices with ASSFN Webinars &Podcasts

ASSFN continues to deliver a high-impact webinars and companion podcast series designed to provide a practical, in-depth exploration of surgical decision-making, operative strategy, and the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape in functional neurosurgery.

Upcoming Webinar & Podcast Lineup

Looking ahead, the 2026 series will continue with a robust lineup of webinars and podcasts. This series is designed to equip clinicians with actionable insights that can be directly translated into clinical practice while fostering engagement with leaders shaping the future of the field. The podcast series builds on our recent epilepsy-focused content and features a multi-part series aligned with the ASSFN webinar curriculum, offering deeper clinical insight and practical discussion.

May 2026 – Intracranial EEG and Surgical Planning

Webinar: A comprehensive review of SEEG network analysis, semiology-driven targeting, advanced implantation strategies, and the evolving role of subdural grids, including minimally invasive approaches.

Podcast: An in-depth discussion on network-based SEEG strategy, electrode placement principles, the selection of grids versus SEEG, minimally invasive grid approaches, and how intracranial data shapes definitive treatment.

July 2026 – Surgical Treatment Options: Neuromodulation

Webinar: Focused discussions on patient selection, device programming, and outcomes across current and emerging neuromodulation therapies.

Podcast: A comparative exploration of DBS and RNS across varying seizure focalities, including target selection, programming challenges, combination therapies, and long-term outcomes.

September 2026 – Resective and Ablative Treatments

Webinar: Comparative approaches to resection and ablation, including technical nuances and outcome optimization.

Podcast: A technical review of temporal lobectomy approaches, laser ablation strategies, hemispherotomy, and other disconnection procedures, with emphasis on patient selection and operative nuance.

November 2026 – The Future of Epilepsy Surgery

Webinar: Exploration of next-generation therapies, including cell and gene-based treatments, as well as incisionless and minimally invasive innovations.

Podcast: A forward-looking conversation examining cell and gene therapy, neural transplantation, focused ultrasound, incisionless approaches, and emerging clinical trials that may redefine epilepsy care.

Stay tuned as we continue to highlight innovation, technical expertise, and thoughtful decision-making across functional neurosurgery.

If you are interested in any of these webinars, please email education@assfn.org to receive future communications about these sessions.

Past Webinars & Podcasts

In case you missed them, here are five recent recordings to watch and listen in.

Brain–Computer Interfaces: The Future Is Now

In case you missed it, on February 25, we hosted an outstanding webinar featuring an all-star panel including Edward Chang, Ben Rapport, and Matt Wilsey, with moderation by David Brandman. The discussion highlighted major advances in brain–computer interface technology and offered a forward-looking perspective on where the field is headed.

Epilepsy Surgery Part I: Surgical Decision-Making

On March 11, we launched our Epilepsy Surgery series with a focused session on, featuring Jerry Shih, Eva Alden, and Joseph Niemat, moderated by Danika Paolo and Nehaw Sarmey. This session provided a high-yield, multidisciplinary framework for approaching complex surgical decision-making in epilepsy.

Podcast: Decision-Making in Surgical Epilepsy with Dr. Kai Miller

Dr. Kai Miller (Mayo Clinic) shares a thoughtful framework for epilepsy surgery centered on concordance—aligning seizure semiology, imaging, and electrophysiology to guide treatment decisions. The conversation explores stereo-EEG strategy, dominant temporal lobe considerations, pediatric versus adult approaches, neuromodulation targets, and the importance of transparent, patient-centered counseling.

Podcast: Patient Experience with DBS for Depression

In a powerful patient-focused episode, Jon Nelson discusses his journey with deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression. This conversation offers an important perspective on investigational neuromodulation, highlighting both the hope and complexity surrounding advanced therapies.

Podcast: Contract Negotiation and Rising the Ranks to Leadership

This career-focused discussion provides practical guidance on navigating employment contracts, understanding differences between academic and private practice models, and advancing into leadership roles within neurosurgery.

Access Webinar & Podcast Recordings

Recordings of these sessions and prior webinars and podcasts are available online.

You may now filter educational content by topics, including: Chronic Pain; Epilepsy; Movement Disorders; Patient Perspectives/Outcomes; Practice Development; Psychiatric Disorders; Surgical Techniques and Training/Career Development. With these categories, we hope you can quickly pinpoint content that interests you.

Sharona Ben-Haim
, MD
UC San Diego Health

Danika Paulo, MD

Henry Ford Health