May 2026 President Spotlight: AAN Annual Meeting Update

In the May episode of the President's Spotlight, Dr. Jason Crowell and Dr. Natalia Rost provide a leadership perspective on the 2026 Annual Meeting.  Stay informed by watching the President's Spotlight video.   Show transcript:  Dr. Jason Crowell: Hey, this is Jason Crowell with today's Neurology Minute. Once again, we have Natalia Rost joining us for our monthly check-in. Of course, Natalia is the president of the AAN. Natalia, thanks for joining us again this month. Dr. Natalia Rost: Hi, Jason. Dr. Jason Crowell: So what have you been up to since we last spoke a month ago? Dr. Natalia Rost: Well, as you know, we just came back from Chicago, where our 2026 AAN annual meeting took place, and of course, it's the largest gathering of neurologists and neuroscience professionals worldwide, so not a small feat. We welcome this time a record-breaking 16,000 plus participants in person in Chicago and online, representing 110 countries and all 50 states, what I call a microcosm of the global neurology community. It was amazing, and an opportunity to step back, reflect, and be reminded that progress in neurology happens not in isolation, but through our shared purpose and collaboration, and the energy and optimism coming out of this meeting is something I'm so proud of. Dr. Jason Crowell: I can only imagine what a whirlwind week that is for you. So now that it's past us and you reflect back, what stands out to you from the week? Dr. Natalia Rost: Well, it was clear during that meeting that we're advancing what comes next and that's why science and research was at the heart of the week and why sustained investment in discovery matters. I had the privilege of seeing colleagues modeling leadership in neurology, both on stage and behind the scenes and attendees engaged with cutting-edge science, shared insights across disciplines, and bringing those new insights and techniques home to their practices, institutions, and communities. Dr. Jason Crowell: Now, your presidential plenary at the meeting was about neuroscience at the crossroads. What would you say is the most urgent challenge facing our neurology community right now? Dr. Natalia Rost: You know, as a physician scientist myself, I'm focused on how to sustain progress at this moment of rapid scientific advancement. Our neurology community is gathering extraordinary volume of knowledge, but translating that momentum into durable impact requires continued commitment to research, workforce development and collaboration across disciplines are key topics. And I feel that this is a pivotal time for our field. Dr. Jason Crowell: And if I could ask you to just briefly take off your president hat for a moment, personally, what was your favorite thing about the week? Dr. Natalia Rost: What always been for me for over two decades now, the chance to come together as a community. I always say AAN is our home and the annual meeting is like one big homecoming for us. There's a unique energy that comes from being in the same space with colleagues from across neurology, sharing ideas, learning from each other, and just reconnecting with people who care deeply about this field, your colleagues. And while our work can be demanding, as we know on a day-to-day basis, the meeting helps remind us why we chose this profession and why it matters. Dr. Jason Crowell: And lastly, what would you say for anyone who was not able to make it to this homecoming in Chicago? Dr. Natalia Rost: We got you. We have great resources for those who weren't able to join live and you can get high-level highlights or diving into programming online. Access it all at theaan.com/am. Dr. Jason Crowell: Natalia, thanks so much. Dr. Natalia Rost: Thanks for having me.