XLI Latin American Congress (CLAN), Santiago, 20-25 October

XLI Latin American Congress (CLAN), Santiago, 20-25 October 2024

From October 20 to 25, 2024, Santiago, Chile, became the epicenter of the XLI Latin American Congress of Neurosurgery (CLAN), bringing together over 900 participants from across the region. The event was memorable not only for its robust organization but also for the high academic standard of its presentations.

With two days of pre-congress courses and four days of a comprehensive program covering all neurosurgical subspecialties, CLAN 2024 achieved significant impact. Presentation halls were constantly filled, and active participation in academic discussions and activities was evident. The met an exceptional standard, with an effective communication campaign that facilitated organization the smooth execution of scheduled activities and created an environment conducive to knowledge exchange and experience sharing.

The quality of presentations was remarkable, with contributions from neurosurgeons across Latin America, who shared in-depth analyzes based on thorough literature reviews and clinical cases representative of various countries. Additionally, all neurosurgery training centers in Chile were represented, underscoring the commitment and unity within our community to strengthen the specialty.

Alongside the neurosurgeons, the congress welcomed nurses, neurosurgery residents, physical therapists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals, who had opportunities for professional development tailored to their specific areas. This interdisciplinary approach enriched the experience and highlighted the collaboration between different areas of medical support.

Industry support was crucial to the success of CLAN, actively contributing to the event's sustainability and demonstrating great commitment and enthusiasm at their booths. We were also honored by the presence of national government officials, underscoring the importance of neurosurgery on the public health agenda.

This congress reaffirmed Chile's position as an attractive destination, not only academically but also for its diverse tourist attractions. The attendance of international delegates reflects the respect and esteem our country and our enjoyment of specialty throughout the region.

This success is a shared achievement of the organizers, who deserve our recognition, as well as the Chilean Neurosurgery Society and the members of the Latin American Federation of Neurosurgery Societies (FLANC), who worked together in constant collaboration and coordination. Every neurosurgeon, directly or indirectly, contributed to this outcome, reflecting our organizational culture and professional identity. This approach—honoring a committed promise with systematic, rigorous work—is a source of pride for us.

We extend our gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this international congress, and we can confidently say with great joy that CLAN Chile 2024 will be remembered as an exceptional, unforgettable event in scientific, social, tourism, and technological terms.