The CNS Leadership Institute is a 12-month leadership program, designed to empower neurosurgeons with the practical skills and business acumen they need to engage with hospital administrators and lead multi-disciplinary teams.
Our 2025 program has been revised to give participants more opportunities to workshop their personal leadership challenges with their colleagues and mentors, applying the skills learned throughout the program to effect meaningful change in their own departments, organizations, hospitals, and health systems. We've also added a new Executive Leadership curriculum available to a limited number of participants in 2025.
Following a series of introductory virtual sessions and a leadership strengths assessment, participants will be invited to one of three live courses November 13-15 in Chicago, for a deep dive into critical healthcare leadership concepts. Participants then return home to apply the learning to their individual projects, supported by supplemental webinars, continued mentorship, and peer networking opportunities.
Note: The CNS Leadership Institute is designed for CNS Member neurosurgeons who are 2 or more years into active practice. Residents and trainees are not eligible to participate at this time, but are encouraged to access valuable leadership content through our Annual Meeting courses, including weekend symposia like Leading the Pack and Essentials for a Rewarding Neurosurgical Career.
Applications for the 2025 Leadership Institute are now open.
The application deadline will be Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Leadership in Health Care Course
Designed for early-career neurosurgeons
Course topics include*:
- Group Dynamics: Building Influence and Change Management Skills
- Optimizing Neuroscience Service Line for Care Delivery
- Leveraging Your Leadership Strengths
- Art of Negotiation
Vanguard Leadership in Health Care Course
Designed for mid-career surgeons and those in formal leadership roles
Course topics include*:
- Culture and Influence: Navigating Your Institutional Dynamics to Ensure Success
- Physician Payment Incentives: Intended and Unintended Consequences
- Transforming from Physician to Leader and Mentor
- Art of Negotiation
Executive Leadership in Health Care Course - NEW
Designed for advanced career surgeons in executive leadership roles within their institutions
Course topics include*:
- Strategic Planning and Sustainable Change
- Healthcare Policy and Value-Based Care in Surgery
- Financial Stewardship and Resource Allocation
- Management, Retention, and Organizational Culture
Note: a $500 Registration Fee applies for those selected to participate in the Executive Leadership in Healthcare Course in 2025.