Transforming Epilepsy Surgery Education at the AES-ASSFN Resident Course

The joint American Epilepsy Society (AES) and ASSFN Resident Epilepsy Surgery Course, held at the AES Annual Meeting in Los Angeles (December 6-7, 2024), was a tremendous success. Due to the collaboration with AES, this year’s course saw an impressive expansion, doubling in size to welcome 40 participants, including 20 neurology residents and 20 neurosurgery residents, from institutions across the the country.

Epilepsy Surgery Course Designed for Engagement, Collaboration, Education

The two-day program focused on the multimodal evaluation of patients for epilepsy surgery, understanding the nuances of different treatment options, and details of the surgical procedures available. The course featured a combination of engaging lectures and small-group, case-based activities to reinforce learning. It also emphasized collaboration and networking, fostering greater crosstalk between neurologists and neurosurgeons.

The course was led by 19 expert faculty members, including nine epilepsy neurosurgeons, nine epileptologist neurologists, and one neuropsychologist specializing in epilepsy. Their time, effort, and expertise were deeply appreciated and contributed significantly to the course’s success.

Next Epilepsy Surgery Course in 2025

Thank you to course directors Chengyuan Wu, MD of Thomas Jefferson University and Andrew Zillgitt, DO of Beaumont Health for their leadership and expert. They look forward to continuing this initiative at the next AES Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA on December 5-6, 2025.

This program is a critical step in advancing epilepsy surgery education and offers residents vital exposure to AES, with the goal of growing the community of multidisciplinary practitioners.