WSSFN – World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
WSSFN – World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
Vanessa Milanese, MD, PhD
Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery Communication Director
Secretary Director of the Brazilian Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
Functional Neurosurgeon at Beneficência Portugues of São Paulo Hospital, Brazil
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Mayo Clinic Florida, USA
From September 3rd to 6th, 2024, the XX World Congress of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery unfolded in the vibrant city of Chicago, USA, marking the 75th anniversary of modern stereotaxis. This landmark event brought together over 744 distinguished experts, including world-renowned neurosurgeons, aspiring professionals, leading researchers, healthcare specialists, and peers from 52 countries, all united by their commitment to advancing the field of Functional Neurosurgery.
Over the course of four days, participants explored the latest scientific breakthroughs, addressed pressing challenges, and examined transformative trends reshaping the discipline.
Since its inception in 1963, the WSSFN Congress has been held regularly and remains a cornerstone event in the neurosurgery community. The 2024 Congress featured a meticulously curated program that promoted interdisciplinary collaboration and offered a comprehensive overview of current developments in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery. Attendees engaged in state-of-the-art symposia, interactive breakfast sessions, and hands-on workshops led by internationally recognized authorities—enhancing both skills and knowledge.
For early-career professionals, pre-conference workshops provided invaluable practical training in cutting-edge techniques, guided by some of the world’s most respected experts.
Participants were invited to present their research, gain international recognition, and foster collaborations that extended beyond the congress (Figure 1). This platform highlighted groundbreaking contributions to the field, sparking insightful discussions and innovative ideas to further the advancement of functional neurosurgical care.
Figure 1.
The global WSSFN community came together to exchange experiences across cultures, share diverse perspectives, collaborate, and expand professional networks—while forming meaningful, lasting relationships (Figure 2). Together, we celebrated a milestone in the history of stereotaxis and helped shape a shared vision for the future of Functional Neurosurgery.
Figure 2.
The Congress also celebrated the importance of community and connection. Through vibrant social events, participants engaged with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds and enjoyed a memorable time of learning, all while building meaningful connections and strengthening the global WSSFN network.
One of the key outcomes of the XX World Congress of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery was the establishment of a Globalization Task Force, dedicated to advancing functional neurosurgery in regions of the world where such treatments are currently underdeveloped or unavailable.
After all, WSSFN 2024 was not only about science. With its unique blend of iconic architecture, rich history, and dynamic culture, Chicago offered the perfect backdrop for both professional and personal growth. Whether exploring the city’s modern innovations or enjoying its traditional charm, attendees experienced an unforgettable combination of professional enrichment and leisure.
One of the event’s highlights was the reception at Navy Pier (Figure 3), which provided a picturesque and festive setting for networking and celebration.
Figure 3.
As we celebrate this milestone in the history of stereotaxis, WSSFN 2024 stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of progress and the fostering of a shared vision for the future of Functional Neurosurgery.
A highlight of the event was the unforgettable award ceremony, where named awards were presented to some of the society’s most deserving members. The Spiegel-Wycis Awards were awarded to Bart Nuttin from the Netherlands and Joachim Krauss from Germany; the Tasker Award was presented to Jin Woo Chang from South Korea; and the Gildenberg and Kandel Awards were given to U.S. neurosurgeons Michael Schulder and Kim Burchiel, respectively.
At the closing ceremony, Dr. Mojgan Hodaie presented the awards and introduced the newly elected 2024–2028 board members (Figure 4). Dr. Konstantin Slavin gave his closing remarks and introduced Dr. Jean Régis, the incoming WSSFN President for 2025–2026 (Figure 5).
Figure 4.
Figure 5.
Letter prepared by Dr Vanessa Milanese
Join us as we continue to shape the future of Functional Neurosurgery alongside this inspiring leadership team.
The Scientific Program Committee, under the leadership of Professor Sameer Sheth, deserves commendation for curating an outstanding and thoughtfully designed program.