Below is Dr. Poffenbarger’s statement regarding the American Association of Neurological Surgeons:

After being a AANS member since 1996, I watched with dismay as the organization changed itself from a neurosurgical professional organization into a social and political agenda that I completely disagreed with. The speakers at national meetings who were paid in some cases over $100,000 to speak pushed a social and political agenda that had nothing to do with neurosurgery. The cities chosen for national meetings were expensive to visit, often dangerous to walk the streets, had very restrictive personal carry laws and forced attendees to conform to their local and state agendas that I found objectionable. These ‘inclusive’ agendas excluded me and those like me; but were still labeled inclusive. Given that AANS membership is over $1000 a year and the national meeting tuition, fees, hotel and registration cost over $5000 many times, I decided to vote with my wallet and feet. I did not renew my membership in AANS. I know not a few board certified neurosurgeons that have done the same. As neurosurgeons we are fortunate to have two professional organizations and I am still a member of CNS (Congress of Neurologic Surgeons).