Thus, in the late 1940s, the number of young neurosurgeons surfaced in communities and sought recognition from organized neurosurgical societies.

The Harvey Cushing Society (now the AANS), did not immediately recognize this new group of neurosurgeons and made efforts to exclude them from their organization.

The precursor to the CNS was the Interurban Neurosurgical Society organized by neurosurgeons Adrian Verbrugghen and Harold Voris meeting at the University Club of Chicago.

Eventually, a more organized effort was put together when twenty two neurosurgeons met in St. Louis, Missouri.

In 1951, the first formal organizing and scientific meeting was convened in Memphis, Tennessee, attended by 121 neurosurgeons.

[1] The CNS was infolded into the AANS for several years until it held its own independent meeting in 2000, completing the separation of the two organizations.

[2] The CNS exists to enhance health and improve lives through the advancement of neurosurgical education and scientific exchange.

[9] The meeting covers all aspects of neurosurgical research, including basic, translational, and clinical.

Each year the CNS recognizes exceptional service, lifelong dedication, and meritorious accomplishments in the field of medical education with its Founder's Laurel award.