From March 23-29, 2025, the OMI hosted the Neurosurgery (Brain) seminar in Salzburg, in partnership with Weill Cornell Medicine and the Medical University of Innsbruck. The course brought together 34 fellows from 24 countries for an immersive week of learning, discussions, and case presentations led by some of the most renowned neurosurgeons in the world.
Neurosurgery, particularly cranial neurosurgery, is a constantly evolving field that addresses conditions such as brain tumors, cerebrovascular diseases, traumatic brain injuries, and functional neurological disorders. The seminar focused on equipping young neurosurgeons with the latest advancements and techniques in brain surgery. At Weill Cornell Medicine, the Department of Neurological Surgery actively researches innovative approaches to treat and manage neurological diseases. One of their recent studies explored advanced imaging techniques to improve preoperative planning for brain tumor resections, enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes (WCM Department of Neurological Surgery, 2025).
The seminar was directed by Dr. Jared Knopman, Director of Cerebrovascular Surgery and Interventional Neuroradiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, and co-directed by Dr. Claudius Thomé, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Medical University of Innsbruck. Their collaboration represents a union of two important institutions, bringing together US and European perspectives in the field.
Reflecting on the week, Dr. Knopman stated:
“The Neurosurgery (Brain) Course offers a full array of courses and lectures focusing on the most common and critical topics related to cranial neurosurgery. Fellows receive comprehensive lectures in head trauma, neurovascular surgery, brain tumor and endoscopic surgeries, anatomic skull base lectures, and functional neurosurgery. The lessons are interactive, and feedback is encouraged. In addition, individual case presentations provide an opportunity for real-time discussion and clinically applicable learning.”
The seminar was enriched by the presence of distinguished faculty members from both Austria and the United States. From the Medical University of Innsbruck, faculty included Dr. Christian Freyschlag, Professor and Vice-Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery; Dr. Johannes Kerschbaumer, Consultant Neurosurgeon; and Dr. Franziska Schmidt, Neurosurgeon, who kindly participated remotely.
From Weill Cornell Medicine, faculty included Dr. Antonio Bernardo, Professor of Neurological Surgery and Director of the Surgical Innovations Laboratory for Skull Base Microsurgery; and Dr. Justin Schwarz, Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery.
A particularly significant presence was Dr. Philip E. Stieg, Margaret and Robert J. Hariri Professor of Neurological Surgery, Neurosurgeon-in-Chief at the Department of Neurological Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Stieg has been a supporter of the OMI since his first seminar in Salzburg in 2003, continuing to mentor and shape the next generation of neurosurgeons worldwide.
Dr. Stieg’s unwavering support for the OMI is evident in his contributions to the program. Speaking about his involvement, he emphasized the opportunity that OMI provides to medical professionals around the world:
“There is nothing like the OMI in the world. Regular gatherings of senior clinicians and young doctors from around the world and all walks of life. The OMI creates collaboration through the language of medicine. Any effort as noble as this is natural to support.”
Having world-renowned leaders in neurosurgery come together in Salzburg for this seminar showcases the mission of the Open Medical Institute: To foster global medical education and collaboration. The dedication of the faculty, all participating pro bono, ensures that the next generation of neurosurgeons receives the highest quality training and mentorship.
The 2025 Neurosurgery (Brain) seminar was not just a week of learning; it was a testament to the power of knowledge-sharing in advancing medical science and patient care worldwide. This is the essence of OMI.
Iroda Mammadinova, MD
OMI fellow from Kazakhstan
“As a vascular neurosurgeon, the most valuable lectures for me were those given by Dr. Knopman and Dr. Stieg. With the rapid development of new devices, endovascular techniques have taken center stage, while discussions on the microsurgical treatment of aneurysms and AVMs have become less common. The lectures offered a fresh perspective.”
Aemro Mazengia Andualem, MD
OMI fellow from Ethiopia
Ilija Perutina, MD
OMI fellow from Bosnia and Herzegovina
