The ASBN Global Neurosurgery Committee Newsletter
The American Society of Black Neurosurgeons Global Neurosurgery
Committee Presents:
Our monthly newsletter delivers updates on events, research, resources, and initiatives of the global neurosurgery committee (ASBN-GNC) and in the larger global neurosurgery space, all curated specifically for our ASBN members.
The ASBN Global Neurosurgery Committee (ASBN-GNC) is a subcommittee of the Service and Communications/Outreach committee. Building on the ASBN mission, ASBN-GNC centers on three core values:
I. Global Health Equity
II. Decoloniality
III. Pan-Africanism
Research Highlight:
Stay informed with the latest updates and information on groundbreaking research, innovative projects, and cutting-edge developments within ASBN-GNC.
Dr Esene operating a case of pediatric traumatic brain injury (left), at a workshop on Neurosimulation in Nairobi, Kenya in 2022 (center), and conducting a functional Neurosurgery-Pain Management (right).
Neurosurgeon Highlight
Ignatius Ngene Esene,
MD, PhD, MSc, MPH
Dr. Ignatius N. Esene is a certified Cameroonian Neurosurgeon-Scientist and a public, international, and global health physician. He is a senior neurosurgery lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda.
To become a leader in neurosurgery and science, Dr. Esene obtained his Medical Doctorate Degree from Cameroon and was awarded the Academy of Research and Higher Education scholarship to undertake a Master of Public Health in Brussels, Belgium. He then proceeded to Cairo for his residency in Neurosurgery at Ain Shams University. He obtained a Master of Neurosurgery/Neurology and a Doctorate Degree (PhD) in Neurological Surgery under the aegis of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) and auspices of the Cameroonian-Egyptian government cooperation.
Furthermore, Dr. Esene holds Postgraduate Certificates in Health Economics, International Health, Advanced Research Methods, Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, and Skull Base and Neuro-Vascular Surgery. After his education, Dr. Esene returned home to make a positive impact in his home. He accomplished this by establishing the first neurosurgical care unit in the northern part of Cameroon to improve on patient care by performing surgeries including congenital malformations, complex brain tumors, and spine pathologies. He has improved neurological care throughout Africa by working on humanitarian trips and has greatly influenced neuro-research and education globally, renowned for his innovative works in metascience.
As a leader in the field, Dr. Esene holds leadership positions globally: current Secretary General of the Cameroon Neurosurgery Society; past Secretary General of the Continental Association of African Neurosurgical Societies (CAANS), past Chair of the World Federation of Neurosurgical. Societies’ Young Neurosurgeons Forum, and is the Founder/CEO of Winners Foundation, a global organization focused on education, training, research, and neurosurgical care.
In addition to surgery and leadership, Dr. Esene is a prominent researcher, seen through his H-Index of 22 and authorship of over 180 scientific publications. Additionally, he developed the scientific proof of the diagnostic power of the Medial Hamstring Reflex in spine pathologies and popularized its use amongst neuroscientists. As a proponent of evidence-based neurosurgery, his team published the first paper with an algorithm edifying research methods in neurosurgery. Collaborating with the Cambridge team, Dr. Esene and his team published the first research article outlining qualitative methods in neurosurgery. He is credited for developing the scientific proof for sample sizes for case reports and case series in neurosurgery, a significant advancement in the field of metascience/meta-research.
His pioneering spirit in neurosurgical studies has led to him presenting his research at more than 100 international conferences, including grand rounds and visiting lectures at major institutions like Oxford, Harvard, Duke, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dr. Esene is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders through his roles as a mentor and teacher. He is actively involved in neurosurgical education, mentoring prospective neurosurgeons and guiding them in their academic and professional pursuits. His dedication to neurosurgery education and research capacity building has made a significant impact, inspiring and empowering students and young neurosurgeons to excel in their fields. Young neurosurgeons have been one of the main foci of Dr. Esene’s activities as a mentor and leader. His leadership and mentorship has inspired and motivated them to pursue their dreams and create an impact.
Around the Globe: Impacts and Projects
A look at current events in global neurosurgery
Dr. Esene:
Training, Teaching, Research
Dr. Esene is the neurosurgery chief at Garoua Regional Teaching Hospital in Cameroon. He is the current chair of Young FIENS and a past chair of the Young African Neurosurgeons Forum. He is also a past chair of World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Young Neurosurgeons Forum, the deputy editor in chief of the Journal of Global Neurosurgery, and a co-founder/scientific editor of the Pan African Medical Journal – Clinical Medicine.
Dr. Esene in a neuroanatomy lab at the University of Wisconsin–Madison during his fellowship in 2018 (left) and addressing attendees and mentees at the 2024 Mentorship and Research Capacity Building of African Medical Students in Lusaka, Zambia.
Dr. Esene illustrating an endoscopic pituitary surgery in a laboratory simulations and an operating room. Dr. Esene at a community outreach activity to follow up on children operated for Congenital Malformations such as hydrocephalus and spina bifida.
Dr. Esene and his colleagues at the establishment of the first neurosurgical care unit in Northern Cameroon in 2021.
Dr. Esene presenting his research (a), moderating a session (b) and engaging with peers (c) during the WFNS Congress in Cape Town (left). He addressed attendees at the Young African Neurosurgeons in Nairobi, Kenya (center), and was a participant at the 2025 Joint Egypt-Japan Neurosurgery Congress where he was recognized for leadership in Global Neurosurgery Research (right). There, he also was a guest faculty in the Scientific Research Workshop at this conference.
Family life:
Dr. Esene with his family in Cairo, Egypt. From left to right are Caroline, Cindy, Ryan, and Jace
Hobbies:
He loves watching African movies, reading fiction, listening to inspirational music and dancing to classical music.
More of Dr. Esene and his colleagues
Dr. Esene and his colleagues at an MD Thesis in Cameroon where he acts as an examiner (top left), at a career orientation and mentorship of prospective Cameroonian Medics and scientists @Open Dreams with mentees (top right), attending the WFNS World Congress in Cape Town with two members of ASBN executive committee (bottom left), and at a 2021 Mentorship and Research Capacity Building of Young Arab Women in Neurosciences in Cairo, Egypt (bottom right).
Cameroon, often called "Africa in miniature," is a Central African nation known for its diverse geography, ranging from coastal plains to mountainous regions like Mount Cameroon, an active volcano. Historically, it was a German colony before becoming a French and British mandate, gaining independence in 1960–1961. The country boasts rich cultural heritage, with attractions like Waza National Park, Limbe Botanical Gardens, and the historic Foumban Palace. Healthcare access remains challenging, especially in rural areas, with neurological and neurosurgical care being limited but growing. Efforts to expand neurosurgery training and improve health infrastructure are ongoing, though financial barriers persist.
Visit Cameroon
Cameroon boasts breathtaking landscapes, from volcanic mountains to pristine beaches, alongside rich cultural diversity and vibrant wildlife. Whether exploring Mount Cameroon, relaxing on Kribi’s stunning shores, or immersing yourself in local traditions, the country offers an unforgettable and authentic African experience. Moreover its rich cultures boast over 250 ethnic groups, each contributing beautiful and unique languages, food, and cultural dances, such as the traditional dance from Guider-Cameroon, seen below with Dr. Esene (center).
Committee Meeting Highlights
May 2025 Meeting
The meeting reviewed ongoing research on the impact of globalization on Black neurosurgery, along with current projects and contributions from members of ASBN-GNC. Key points addressed in the meeting included the 78th World Health Assembly Side Event in Geneva sponsored by the WHO in May, ideas in building strategic alliance and relationship with the Continental Association of African Neurosurgical Society (CAANS) with focus on advocacy, policy, funding, and sustainability, and updates on current status of the decoloniality paper project and updates on paper series. Furthermore, the committee discussed potential opportunities for collaboration with the National Medical Association (NMA) and the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) to support shared goals in global neurosurgery and education. The conversation emphasized educational and leadership development as a means to enhance organizational support, participation, global impact, and overall committee effectiveness.
Fostering Worldwide Global Neurosurgical Care Advancements
Any ASBN member (students, residents, attendings, etc..) that is engaged in a project, particularly one focused on global neurosurgical healthcare and international or multi-organizational collaboration, we encourage you to reach out to our team. We are committed to fostering partnerships and facilitating proper collaboration to achieve our shared goals. Let's work together to make a meaningful impact.
Upcoming Conferences and Conventions
A Joint Congress: SNOSSA-CAANS. Theme: Innovation In Neuro Oncology Care in Sub-Saharan Africa. Yamoussoukro Cote D'Ivore. July 23-25, 2025.. https://snossa.org
Each issue, we recommend published research articles with a unifying theme. You can also always check out our comprehensive reading list linked below!
Challenges in studying neuroanatomy in sub-Saharan Africa: The case of CameroonThis study reinforces the importance of interactive and resource-diverse teaching approaches and tools such as cadaver dissection and neurosimulation practicals, highlighting the critical need for enhanced neuroanatomy education in Cameroon so to address the skilled neurological workforce gap. Moreover, key challenges such as limited hands-on learning, inadequate teaching and training times, and reliance on passive instructional methods were identified.
Diagnostic performance of the medial hamstring reflex in L5 radiculopathyThis study highlights the importance of medial hamstring reflex (MHR) in diagnosing L5 radiculopathy, comparing its diagnostic strength to knee and ankle reflexes. With high intra-rater reliability and strong inter-rater repeatability, the MHR emerges as a valuable neurologic test that should be incorporated into routine examinations for suspected L5 radiculopathy.
A guide to interpreting systematic reviews and meta-analyses in neurosurgery and surgery This study provides practical guidance to help neurosurgeons—particularly non-statisticians—critically interpret systematic reviews and meta-analyses (MAs). It outlines key steps for conducting and appraising MAs, explains important statistical concepts such as heterogeneity and bias, and offers hypothetical examples illustrating different types of MAs relevant to neurosurgery. Additionally, it includes Forest plot interpretation and an evaluation of methodological quality, further enhancing its value.
