First International Observership Awardee Shares His Experience

Pictured: Ashish Shah, Alexis Morell, Ricardo Komotar and Christopher Sarkiss

My name is Alexis Morell, and I was the first awardee of the International Observership Program at the University of Miami. In the last three months, I had a fantastic opportunity participating in the Brain Tumor Program of the University of Miami, directed by Ricardo Komotar, MD, FAACS, FACS and Michael Ivan, MD, MBS. This program, sponsored by the AANS/CNS Tumor Section and hosted by The University of Miami, is an excellent learning opportunity for young neurosurgeons with a particular interest in Neurosurgical Oncology. 

The experience was highly productive, not only in the number of cases that I observed (around 250 brain tumors, from acoustic neuromas to awake craniotomies for gliomas), but also I participated in many academic and research activities with excellent neurosurgeons and scientists. Furthermore, I found exceptional mentorship in my research project, that is focused on brain tumor metabolism and the effects of nutritional interventions in high-grade gliomas. 

Finally, I want to say that throughout this program, I have learned not only about neurosurgery but also about teamwork, commitment, professionalism, and leadership. I think that transmitting those values is a critical part of education and mentorship in Neurosurgery.   

I am deeply grateful to the AANS/CNS Tumor Section, The University of Miami and the Argentinian Association of Neurosurgery for this International Program. As Dr. Cushing once said, "Nothing great or new can be done without enthusiasm," and I can honestly say that I expected to learn about neurosurgical oncology, but I left with deep enthusiasm to learn even more.

Best Regards, 

Alexis Morell, MD