It is with great enthusiasm and anticipation that I extend a warm invitation to all neurosurgical professionals to join us at the 31st Annual Meeting of the South African Neurosurgical Society (SNSA). As the Congress Chair, I am honoured to welcome you to the picturesque city of Gqeberha, where we will convene at the prestigious Boardwalk Hotel and Convention Centre from August 15th to 18th, 2024.
We have meticulously curated a program that promises to be intellectually stimulating, fostering collaboration, and celebrating the remarkable strides made in our field.
Allow me to highlight some of the exciting features awaiting you:
1. World-Class Faculty
Our distinguished international faculty includes luminaries such as:
Dr. Mitch Berger: A trailblazer in neuro-oncology and renowned for his groundbreaking work in brain tumour surgery.
Dr. Gavin Britz: A visionary leader in cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery, whose expertise has transformed patient outcomes.
2. Cutting-Edge Sessions
Immerse yourself in scientific sessions dedicated to the latest advancements in neurosurgical techniques, minimally invasive procedures, and personalized patient care. Engage in lively discussions during our scientific sessions, where groundbreaking research will be presented.
3. Networking Opportunities
Connect with colleagues from around the globe, exchange ideas, and forge lasting professional relationships. The SNSA meeting provides a unique platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
4. Gala Evening:Join us for an elegant gala evening, where we will celebrate our collective achievements and honour those who have contributed significantly to our field.
5. Exploring Gqeberha
Nestled along the stunning Eastern Cape coastline, Gqeberha offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Take time to explore its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and culinary delights.
As we emerge from the challenges of the Covid years, this in-person gathering represents a beacon of hope and resilience. Let us come together to learn, inspire, and shape the future of neurosurgery.
Register now to secure your place at this exceptional event. Visit the official SNSA congress website for detailed information, registration, and accommodation options.
Looking forward to welcoming you to Gqeberha!
Warm regards,
Anton van Aswegen
Congress Chair, 31st SNSA Meeting
Dear Colleagues and friends in neurosurgery
We are excited to announce the annual Congress of the Society of Neurosurgeons of South Africa to be held in Gheberha, August 15-18.
In many ways we are still basking in the glow of the World Congress our Society so proudly hosted in December, its first time in Sub-Saharan Africa! If you were there, you will know that it was a resounding success.
Even with our biases aside, all of our feedback was tremendously positive. It seemed everyone had an amazing time. We had the great opportunity to showcase the diversity and quality of African neurosurgery and organization, and also to open the eyes of our colleagues from the Global North. We couldn't have asked for a better conference and we are extremely grateful for all the efforts our community put in to make it happen.
Meet the SNSA President
Prof Anthony Figaji
In some ways though, we missed out in connecting as a local and regional Society, so I am particularly excited about this upcoming congress. Our colleagues from Bloemfontein are the formal hosts and we get to visit the beautiful Eastern Cape.
For all neurosurgeons and trainees in South Africa (and our valued colleagues from elsewhere in Africa), this is our main opportunity every year to connect as a Society. Having seen the state that many national and world societies are in, and having heard from our African colleagues about how inspired they are about how we function, I cannot emphasize enough how valuable our group is.
This is how we come together to function as a collective, which is much more effective than as individuals. We can accomplish great things - in communicating surgical technique, training, and research, we are a diverse and exciting Society.
And this is our once a year opportunity to do this together. Please do not miss out. We need you as part of our community.
Tony Figaji
SNSA president
VENUE
The Boardwalk Hotel and Convention Centre, Gqeberha
DATES
15-18 August 2024
Agenda Overview
Thursday, 15 August 2024
Pre-Congress Seminars & Special Sessions
Friday, 16 August 2024
Day One - Full Day Congress
Saturday, 17 August 2024
Day Two - Full Day Congress
Sunday, 18 August 2024
Day Three - Half Day Congress
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHT
Featured Speakers
Dr. Mitchel Berger
Dr. Mitchel S. Berger is an Internationally recognized expert in treating brain and spinal cord tumors as well as tumor-related epilepsy in adults and children.
He also is a specialist in brain mapping techniques – used to identify and preserve areas of motor, sensory and language function during surgery – and an expert in using the Gamma Knife, a precise, noninvasive tool that applies radiation beams for tumor treatment.
He is director of the Brain Tumor Center, director of the Center for Neurological Injury and Repair and co-director of the Adult Brain Tumor Surgery Program.
Dr. Berger was elected to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons' board of directors and appointed to the American Board of Neurological Surgery.
Dr. Gavin Britz
Gavin W. Britz is Director of the Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery and the Candy and Tom Knudson Centennial Chair in Neurosurgery at Houston Methodist Hospital.
He also is Professor of Neurological Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Dr. Britz leads an acclaimed team of neurosurgeons and affiliated professionals and is recognized as one of the nation's foremost cerebrovascular, skull base and brain tumor surgeons and is included in the 'Masters of Neurosurgery' book.
Dr. Britz has received Best Doctor in America distinction in six different years.
