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1st Quadrennial Meeting Recap

Dear Colleagues,

We just completed our highly successful 1st Dandy Quadrennial Meeting in Dubai:

Awarding of the Dandy 2015 Medal

The Dandy Medal is the highest honor the society bestows. Prof. Ghaus Malik (USA) received the 2015 medal. (Pictured: Prof. Abdulrauf (USA), Dandy President, awarding the medal and official Dandy Leadership pin). Dandy Board members, Profs. Herrera (Argentina), Dolenc (Slovenia), Broggi (Italy) conducted the official ceremony.

Introducing the President and the Presidential Address

Prof. Abdulrauf was introduced by Dr. Aneela Darbar. Pictured in the background is a photograph of the President’s father (Capt. Abdulrauf), a decorated pilot, who has been a key mentor for our President.  The Presidential Address emphasized the integral issue of outcomes of patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures.

Special Session: Performing Under Pressure: The NASCAR  Experience

Trent Cherry, Head Pit Crew Coach, Team Penske, delivered an engaging presentation about challenges and team development in the car racing world. The panel discussion drew lessons for us in neurosurgery.

Special Session: Simulation in Neurosurgery: What We Can Learn From Fighter Pilots

Lt. Colonel Joe “Hooter” Feheley, United States Air Force, delivered an engaging presentation on the lessons learned by fighter pilots and the importance of simulation. The panel drew comparisons to training in Neurosurgery.

Families are welcome

Dandy Society Meetings are designed for members to bring their families to participate in the social program and in the special sessions of the scientific meeting. (Pictured: the daily lunch, which included family members)

The Leadership and Scientific Program Committee

At the official Gala Dinner honoring Prof. Malik. This gives me the opportunity to acknowledge and thank our leadership (Profs. Abdulrauf, Herrera, Dolenc, Gonzalez-Llanos, Xiao) as well as the Scientific Program Committee (Drs. Coppens, Vilasboas, Alfayate, Darbar, Nery, Sabbagh, Grasso, Andrei).
I would like to sincerely thank the Gulf and the Emirates Neurosurgical Societies, with special thanks to Dr. Mohamed Al-Olama, President of the Emirates Society, for his yeoman’s work in making this meeting a success.
This was a unique neurosurgical meeting that addressed the concept of complications in a very open manner, with special sessions that allowed for lessons from outside our specialty and welcomed neurosurgeons’ spouses and families to be fully involved. This was a game changer!

Miki Fujimura, M.D., Ph.D.
Annual Meeting Chairman
Dandy 2015 Fourth Annual Meeting  (1st Quadrennial Meeting)
Dubai, UAE
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Dandy Brazil Collaborative Meeting

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Joint Meeting of
XVI Congresso Da Academica Brasileira De Neurocirurgia
&
The Walter E. Dandy Neurosurgical Society

June 2 – 6, 2015
Atibaia, Brazil

Meeting Leadership

L to R​, Professors Edson Mendes Nunes (Secretary of ABNC), Modesto Cerioni Junior (President of Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery), Marcos Maldaun (President of SNOLA & Vice President of XVI Congress of Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery), Saleem Abdulrauf (President of the Dandy Society), Representative-Saulo Pedroso (Governor of Atibaia District), Paulo Henrique Pires de Aguiar (President of XVI Congress of Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery), Edgardo Spagnuolo (President of FLANC), Jose Marcos Rotta (National Honorary President of XVI Congress of Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery), Marcos Tatagiba (International Honorary President of XVI Congress of Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery), and Jean de Oliveira (Representative of Neurosurgical Society of Sao Paulo).
L to R​, Professors Edson Mendes Nunes (Secretary of ABNC), Modesto Cerioni Junior (President of Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery), Marcos Maldaun (President of SNOLA & Vice President of XVI Congress of Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery), Saleem Abdulrauf (President of the Dandy Society), Representative-Saulo Pedroso (Governor of Atibaia District), Paulo Henrique Pires de Aguiar (President of XVI Congress of Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery), Edgardo Spagnuolo (President of FLANC), Jose Marcos Rotta (National Honorary President of XVI Congress of Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery), Marcos Tatagiba (International Honorary President of XVI Congress of Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery), and Jean de Oliveira (Representative of Neurosurgical Society of Sao Paulo).

Brazil Neurosurgery 101 for Medical Students

May 31, 2015

Sao Paulo, Brazil

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The inaugural Brazil Neurosurgery 101 was held at Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE). Pictured above Professors Abdulrauf (Dandy President) and de Oliveira (Dandy Brazil Chapter Secretary) with the first Brazil Neurosurgery 101 for medical students. May 31st, 2015.

I Interliga Brasileiro de Neurocirurgia Summit of Brazil’s Medical Schools’ Neurosurgery Interest Groups

Professor Abdulrauf (Dandy President) with students from neurosurgery interest groups from throughout Brazil at the Universidade Sao Francisco in the state of Sao Paulo. June 1st, 2015.
Professor Abdulrauf (Dandy President) with students from neurosurgery interest groups from throughout Brazil at the Universidade Sao Francisco in the state of Sao Paulo. June 1st, 2015.

Dandy South America 2015 Medal for Leaders in Education

Professor Paulo Henrique Pires de Aguiar (President of the Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery and President of the Brazilian Chapter of the Dandy Society) was awarded the 2015 Dandy South America Medal for Leaders in Education at the Joint Meeting held in Atibaia, Brazil. June 4th, 2015.
Professor Paulo Henrique Pires de Aguiar (President of the Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery and President of the Brazilian Chapter of the Dandy Society) was awarded the 2015 Dandy South America Medal for Leaders in Education at the Joint Meeting held in Atibaia, Brazil. June 4th, 2015.

Dandy President Awarded the Brazilian Academy of Neurosurgery International Integration Medal

The medal was awarded at the official ceremony of the Brazilian Academy on June 3rd, 2015, Atibaia, Brazil. At the side of Prof. Abdulrauf (Dandy President), are two of Brazil's upcoming exceptional neurosurgeons, Dr. Paulo Porto de Melo (right), Dr. Breno Nery (left), both have been mentored by the Dandy President.
The medal was awarded at the official ceremony of the Brazilian Academy on June 3rd, 2015, Atibaia, Brazil. At the side of Prof. Abdulrauf (Dandy President), are two of Brazil’s upcoming exceptional neurosurgeons, Dr. Paulo Porto de Melo (right), Dr. Breno Nery (left), both have been mentored by the Dandy President.

Medical Student Testimonials

…Prof. Abdulrauf is an awesome doctor and was able to teach so much in such a short time. Im very happy to be part of the first Dandy 101 course in Brazil. Looking forward for the next one.
– Ciro Eduardo Meira Fortes, Universidade Severino Sombra 
I thought the course was amazing. To begin with, Prof. Abdulrauf not only gave an excellent class, but also motivated all students that were there to get to know Neurosurgery by knowing Neuroanatomy – which is fundamental. The interactive kind of class gave us the opportunity to think together and learn a lot more than the old-fashioned kind of class. I was very happy to be there and hope there are other courses in Brazil, maybe longer!
– Daniela Macêdo de Moraes, Unifesp/ Hospital São Paulo
It was an amazing experience. Usually there aren’t many courses regarding Neurosurgery in Brazil, especially with foreign teachers. Hearing a lecture in another language is really important to test your knowledge and your comprehension on a subject, considering you have to double your attention in order to understand everything. In other words, it was a very enriching experience and I’d like to repeat it, if possible.
– Nathalia Rabello da Silva Sousa, FAMERP
It was a very interesting 101 course and increased my knowledge about neurosurgery. It’s a complicated area of medicine and the physicians made it all so clear, I really enjoyed it. Very good.
– Juliana Keiko Toyoda, Universidade de Marilia
The course was great!! It taught us not only techinical aspects about medicine, but also gave us a whole new perspective of the neurosurgical specialty, both professionally and personally.

We also had the opportunity of getting to know Prof. Abdulrauf, who got really interested in us and our projects. He was really “accessible”, and encouraged us on our path to neurosurgery and through medicine itself.
– Patrick Moro Mariano, Universidade São Francisco

The course was a contribution to my graduation. I enjoyed the way the content was exposed. Would like more such events in Brazil.
– Renan Binatti da Silva, Universidade São Francisco

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Dandy Bulgaria Chapter Inauguration

May 28, 2014 – Varna, Bulgaria

Bulgaria_Leadership

The leadership of the Chapter:

Chapter Chairman:
Professor Yavor Enchev
Head of Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital “St. Marina”, Medical University of Varna​

Bulgaria’s Ambassadors to the Dandy Assembly:
Professor Christo Tzekov
Tokuda Hospital

Professor Rumen Popov
Head of Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Hospital “Tzaritza Ioanna”

Secretary:
Professor Christo Geliazkov
Head of Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Hospital St. George,

Treasurer:
Professor Christo Ranguelov
University Hospital St. Ivan Rilsky

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Dandy Bulgaria Operative Techniques Symposium

Professor Abdulrauf, Dandy President, along with participants of the Dandy Bulgaria Operative Techniques Symposium.
Professor Abdulrauf, Dandy President, along with participants of the Dandy Bulgaria Operative Techniques Symposium.
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Dandy China: Establishment of Neurosurgical Training Center

Dandy China Chapter

First Annual Meeting

May 1-3, 2015

L to R​, Professor Jizong Zhao (​Tiantan Hospita​l in Beijing, Member, ​​Chinese Academy of Sciences), Professor ​Abdulrauf (Dandy President), Professor Yu Wang​ (​Vice-President of Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University​ ​School of Medicine​), Professor Jianning Zhang​ (​President of Tianjing General Hospital,Chairman of Neurosurgery Branch of ​the ​Chinese Med​ical​ Association​)
L to R​, Professor Jizong Zhao (​Tiantan Hospita​l in Beijing, Member, ​​Chinese Academy of Sciences), Professor ​Abdulrauf (Dandy President), Professor Yu Wang​ (​Vice-President of Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University​ ​School of Medicine​), Professor Jianning Zhang​ (​President of Tianjing General Hospital,Chairman of Neurosurgery Branch of ​the ​Chinese Med​ical​ Association​)

Inauguration of the 1st Exclusive Hands-On Neurosurgical Training Laboratory in China

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Official Opening Ceremony

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L to R​, Professor Jizong Zhao (​Tiantan Hospita​l in Beijing, Member, ​​Chinese Academy of Sciences), Professor ​Abdulrauf (Dandy President), Professor Yu Wang​ (​Vice-President of Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University​ ​School of Medicine​), Professor Jianning Zhang​ (​President of Tianjing General Hospital, Chairman of Neurosurgery Branch of ​the ​Chinese Med​ical​ Association​)

Dandy Global Officers and Dandy China Officers recognize Professor Xiaohua Zhang for his efforts in establishing the first Dandy Hands-On Training Laboratory in the Continent of Asia.

china-xiaohua_zhangXiaohua Zhang​
Vice-Chairman
Dept. of Neurosurgery,Renji Hospital(East)
Shanghai Jiaotong University,School of Medicine
Chairman
Dept. of Neurosurgery,Renji Hospital(South)
Shanghai Jiaotong University,School of Medicine
Director, Walter E. Dandy Neurosurgical Training Center(Shanghai Lab)

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Dandy 2015 Africa Medal & 2nd Annual Egypt Meeting

2nd Annual Dandy Egypt Meeting

in Collaboration with

The Egyptian Society of Neurological Surgeons (ESNS) 1st Annual Dandy Egypt Skull Base Hands-On Course
March 21-23, 2015
Cairo, Egypt

Collaborative Leadership: Dandy, Egyptian Medical Military Academy, and the Egyptian Society of Neurological Surgeons

From left to right: Professor Khaled El Bahy (Dandy Egypt Chapter Secretary), Professor Abdulrauf (Dandy President), Maj. Gen. M. Dr. Ahmed Al Tawdy (President of Medical Military Academy), Professor Hossam El Husseiny (Dandy Egypt Chapter President), and Professor Mostafa Kotb (Dandy Egypt Chapter Ambassador & President of the Egyptian Society of Neurological Surgeons) officially announcing the start of the 1st Dandy Egypt Hands-On Course at the Egyptian Medical Military Academy.
From left to right: Professor Khaled El Bahy (Dandy Egypt Chapter Secretary), Professor Abdulrauf (Dandy President), Maj. Gen. M. Dr. Ahmed Al Tawdy (President of Medical Military Academy), Professor Hossam El Husseiny (Dandy Egypt Chapter President), and Professor Mostafa Kotb (Dandy Egypt Chapter Ambassador & President of the Egyptian Society of Neurological Surgeons) officially announcing the start of the 1st Dandy Egypt Hands-On Course at the Egyptian Medical Military Academy.

Collaborative Relationship for neurosurgical education: Dandy and the Egyptian Army Academy

Dandy President, Professor Abdulrauf, in an official meeting with Major General Dr. Ezzat Abdel Khalik.
Dandy President, Professor Abdulrauf, in an official meeting with Major General Dr. Ezzat Abdel Khalik.

Dandy Africa 2015 Medal for Leaders in Education

Professor Mamdouh Salama was born in 1934 in Cairo, Egypt. He received his medical degree from Ain Shams University in 1957. He became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (both Edinburgh and London in 1969). He became Professor at Ain Shams University in 1980 and Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery in 1991. He was a founding member of the Egyptian Society of Neurological Surgeons (ESNS) in 1967 and became President of the Society in 1992. He became a member of the Supreme Court of Ethics of Egypt in 1987. He has been a mentor to a whole generation of neurosurgeons in Egypt. Pictured is Dandy President Professor Abdulrauf awarding the medal to Professor Salama, surrounded by Egypt's Dandy Chapter leadership (Professors Kotb, El Husseiny, El Bahy, Salah, and Major General Abdel Khalik).
Professor Mamdouh Salama was born in 1934 in Cairo, Egypt. He received his medical degree from Ain Shams University in 1957. He became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (both Edinburgh and London in 1969). He became Professor at Ain Shams University in 1980 and Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery in 1991. He was a founding member of the Egyptian Society of Neurological Surgeons (ESNS) in 1967 and became President of the Society in 1992. He became a member of the Supreme Court of Ethics of Egypt in 1987. He has been a mentor to a whole generation of neurosurgeons in Egypt. Pictured is Dandy President Professor Abdulrauf awarding the medal to Professor Salama, surrounded by Egypt’s Dandy Chapter leadership (Professors Kotb, El Husseiny, El Bahy, Salah, and Major General Abdel Khalik).
Professor Martin Bettag, Head of Department of Neurosurgery Hospital in Barmherzige Brüder Trier, Germany shown here as a senior faculty member demonstrating endoscopic skull base approaches at the 1st Dandy Egypt Hands-On Course held in Cairo March 21-22, 2015.
Professor Martin Bettag, Head of Department of Neurosurgery Hospital in Barmherzige Brüder Trier, Germany shown here as a senior faculty member demonstrating endoscopic skull base approaches at the 1st Dandy Egypt Hands-On Course held in Cairo March 21-22, 2015.
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Dandy 2014 Resident Course Info

Dandy Resident Course: “The Gladiators Battle in St. Louis” 

July 11 – 13, 2014
St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Our annual Dandy Hands-On Course will be held in St. Louis this July. As you can gather from the theme, this years course will be mainly about Microsurgical and Endoscopic approaches.

REGISTRATION FOR NEUROSURGEONS IN PRACTICE (CONSULTANTS, STAFF, PROFESSORS)
Neurosurgeons $1,500.00
Dandy Society Member Neurosurgeons $1,300.00
Registration is Closed
 
CME is not provided for this course.
REGISTRATION FOR RESIDENTS
 Registration and accommodation Sponsored by Dandy.
You are responsible for your own travel expenses.Please fill out the form in the link below to be considered for sponsorship. (Please know that we receive far more requests than the number of positions we have available. As you know, we have one of the largest hands-on training labs in the world and that it has 25 stations.)Registration has ended.
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Recognizing Dandy’s Contributions on His Birthday

Dear Colleagues,

Professor Walter E. Dandy was born on April 6th, 1886, in the small town of Sedalia, Missouri, only two short hours from where I sit as I write this commentary. From humble beginnings, with immigrant parents, the young Walter completed both his high school (class valedictorian) and undergraduate education in the state of Missouri. He went on to attend the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he completed his residency training and his subsequent pioneering work in neurological surgery.

As we recognize his birthday, I would like to provide, based on my review of his work, a conceptual categorization of his lifetime contributions to our field:

Focus

 

Dandy chose to study and operate on the brain. This would have been considered highly super specialized for his time.

Mastery of Neuroanatomy

 

Dandy early on recognized that to be ​skilled as a surgeon operating on the brain, he must master the anatomy of the brain.

Drawing made by Dandy illustrating the blood supply of the pituitary gland. Of historical note, this was a project given to Dandy by Harvey Cushing.
Drawing made by Dandy illustrating the blood supply of the pituitary gland. Of historical note, this was a project given to Dandy by Harvey Cushing.

Research

 

Dandy believed and practiced the concept that to be a neurosurgeon, one must be a consummate researcher.

Creating internal hydrocephalus in dogs allowed Dandy, working alongside Kenneth Blackfan, to elucidate how CSF flowed.
Creating internal hydrocephalus in dogs allowed Dandy, working alongside Kenneth Blackfan, to elucidate how CSF flowed.

Clinical Expertise

 

Dandy believed in developing specialized teams to improve the patient’s outcomes. Based on my review, it appears he developed the first ICU in neurosurgery.

Dandy with members of his "Brain Team."
Dandy with members of his “Brain Team.”

Surgical Skill

 

Dandy believed to perform neurosurgery, one must continually improve his surgical abilities.

Drawing of trigonal AVM by Dandy reflecting his depth of lesion understanding and the surgical skill needed to approach such a lesion
Drawing of trigonal AVM by Dandy reflecting his depth of lesion understanding and the surgical skill needed to approach such a lesion

Dandy-Birthday-diagram-web

It is not a coincidence that the mission of the Dandy society (improving patient outcomes in neurological surgery) is in concordance with the vision for our field as seen by Professor Dandy. My proposed model for the training and practice of neurosurgery Fork in the Road Editorial incorporates Dandy’s vision for the future growth and development of this specialty.

It makes us very proud that by creating the Walter E. Dandy Neurosurgical Society, a whole new generation of neurosurgeons worldwide are coming to know him and appreciating his monumental contributions to our specialty. I was especially touched having observed a number of neurosurgeons and residents make presentations about the works and the contributions of Professor Walter E. Dandy at Dandy meetings worldwide over the last three years.

Abdulrauf_Office_of_Pres

Saleem I Abdulrauf, MD, FACS
President
Walter E. Dandy Neurosurgical Society​

References:

1. Dandy, W. (1987). The Brain. Birmingham, AL: The Classics of Neurology & Neurosurgery Library.

2. Marmaduke, M. (2002). Walter Dandy: The Personal Side of a Premier Neurosurgeon (I. Awad & E. Laws, Eds.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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Dandy Saudi Arabia Chapter Inaugeration

January 13-15, 2014 – Dammam, Saudi Arabia

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Neurosurgery Residents from throughout the Kingdom attended the inaugural meeting.
Meeting leadership: (L-R) Prof. Abdulrahman Al Anazi, Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Dammam & Chair of the Saudi Dandy Chapter; Prof. Abdullah Al Rubaish, President, University of Dammam; Prof. Saleem Abdulrauf, President, Walter E. Dandy Neurosurgical Society; Prof. Basil Sheikh, Vice-President for the Academic Affairs, University of Dammam; Prof. Ali Sultan, Dean, College of Medicine, University of Dammam, and Prof. Ahmed Ammar, Professor of Neurosurgery, University of Dammam
Meeting leadership: (L-R) Prof. Abdulrahman Al Anazi, Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Dammam & Chair of the Saudi Dandy Chapter; Prof. Abdullah Al Rubaish, President, University of Dammam; Prof. Saleem Abdulrauf, President, Walter E. Dandy Neurosurgical Society; Prof. Basil Sheikh, Vice-President for the Academic Affairs, University of Dammam; Prof. Ali Sultan, Dean, College of Medicine, University of Dammam, and Prof. Ahmed Ammar, Professor of Neurosurgery, University of Dammam
Professor Abdulrauf, Dandy President, and Professor Sultan, Dean, College of Medicine, University of Dammam, signed the collaborative agreement which will include education, research, and exchange programs
Professor Abdulrauf, Dandy President, and Professor Sultan, Dean, College of Medicine, University of Dammam, signed the collaborative agreement which will include education, research, and exchange programs
Presidential Address: Dr. Abdulrauf delivered a speech emphasizing the patient outcome-centric subspecialty model for the future training and practice of neurosurgery.
Presidential Address: Dr. Abdulrauf delivered a speech emphasizing the patient outcome-centric subspecialty model for the future training and practice of neurosurgery.
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Dandy India Chapter Inauguration

January 10 – 11, 2014
Chennai, India

The Dandy India Chapter Inaugural Meeting was held in Chennai, India last week. The meeting was attended by over 200 residents and young neurosurgeons. Some of India's premier neurosurgeons were invited to deliver special lectures.
The Dandy India Chapter Inaugural Meeting was held in Chennai, India last week. The meeting was attended by over 200 residents and young neurosurgeons. Some of India’s premier neurosurgeons were invited to deliver special lectures.
The Dandy India Chapter Inaugural Meeting opening ceremony featured an elegant traditional Indian dance, each segment of which represented the various regions of India
The Dandy India Chapter Inaugural Meeting opening ceremony featured an elegant traditional Indian dance, each segment of which represented the various regions of India
Professor Ghosh is seen here honoring the Dandy President in keeping with the ancient Indian tradition of presenting a dignitary/guest with a Vastram (shawl). This was part of the traditional Indian ceremony of lighting five candles, Panch-Mahabhutas.
Professor Ghosh is seen here honoring the Dandy President in keeping with the ancient Indian tradition of presenting a dignitary/guest with a Vastram (shawl). This was part of the traditional Indian ceremony of lighting five candles, Panch-Mahabhutas.
The Inaugural Dandy India Chapter Meeting Leadership: Professors Ghosh (India Chapter Chairman), Abdulrauf (Dandy President), Pande (2014 India Annual Meeting Chairman), and at the podium Professor Goel (India Chapter Secretary)
The Inaugural Dandy India Chapter Meeting Leadership: Professors Ghosh (India Chapter Chairman), Abdulrauf (Dandy President), Pande (2014 India Annual Meeting Chairman), and at the podium Professor Goel (India Chapter Secretary)
Professor TS Kanaka (seen here seated between the Dandy President and the Dandy India Chapter Chairman) was born in Chennai, India in 1932 and went on to become one of the early pioneers of stereotactic neurosurgery. She was the first female neurosurgeon in the continent of Asia, and is recognized to be one of the first female neurosurgeons in the world.
Professor TS Kanaka (seen here seated between the Dandy President and the Dandy India Chapter Chairman) was born in Chennai, India in 1932 and went on to become one of the early pioneers of stereotactic neurosurgery. She was the first female neurosurgeon in the continent of Asia, and is recognized to be one of the first female neurosurgeons in the world.

Dandy Officers express their appreciation to the Dandy India Chapter Officers for a highly successful inaugural meeting:

Chapter Chairman: Prof. Siddhartha Ghosh
Indian Ambassadors to the Dandy Assembly:
Prof. Sanjay Bihari
Prof. AK Singh
Secretary: Prof. Atul Goel
Treasurer: Prof. Sandip Chatterjee