{"id":"f6924a13-68fe-4d7b-9b31-aff072e37ecf","slug":"the-dark-side-of-the-american-association-of-neurological-surgeons-aans-intimidating-neurosurgeons-from-testifying-for-patients","title":"The dark side of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS): Intimidating Neurosurgeons From Testifying For Patients","authors":["Nancy E. Epstein"],"abstract":"Background: The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) transitioned from a 501c3 charitable association to a 501c6 trade association in 2003, which raised concerns about its commitment to patient care versus member interests. This change has led to a conflict where the AANS aims to promote high-quality patient care while simultaneously serving the business interests of its members. Summary: Evidence indicates that the AANS's Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) disproportionately sanctions neurosurgeons who testify for patients, creating an environment of intimidation. Between 2003 and 2006, the PCC saw a significant increase in complaints, primarily against surgeons acting as plaintiffs' experts, resulting in a higher rate of sanctions. The AANS's actions suggest a bias that undermines the integrity of expert testimony in medical malpractice cases. Conclusion: The AANS's current practices appear to prioritize the protection of its members over the interests of patients, leading to a chilling effect on neurosurgeons willing to testify on behalf of injured patients. To truly promote patient care, the AANS must reevaluate its policies and focus on accountability for negligent practices among its members. Keywords: AANS, neurosurgery, expert testimony, medical malpractice, professional conduct, patient care, sanctions, trade association","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/placeholders/specialty/socio-economics-politics-and-medicine.png","publishDate":"2025-05-30T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_356_2025","categories":["Socio-Economics, Politics, and Medicine","Editorial"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/13602/SNI-16-218.pdf"}