October is filled with impact and inspiration for ASBN! This month’s issue spotlights breast cancer awareness from a neurosurgeon’s perspective, a powerful recap of CNS 2025, and our featured Mentor of the Month. You’ll also find updates from our committees, member highlights, and upcoming opportunities to stay engaged as we continue advancing representation, mentorship, and excellence in neurosurgery.

Thank You to Our ASBN Ambassadors!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible ASBN Student Ambassadors — future neurosurgeons and current changemakers. Your presence, professionalism, and passion continue to inspire the next generation of leaders in medicine. From representing ASBN at CNS 2025 to engaging with peers and mentors, you exemplify the excellence and dedication that drive our mission forward. Thank you for being the bridge between today’s vision and tomorrow’s legacy in neurosurgery.

Amani Carson

Akeive Burrows

Chiemela Izima

Miyah Davis

De'Larrian Knight

Kailyn Hayes

Deondra Montgomery

Honoring Our Leadership: Thank You, Dr. Adogwa & Congratulations, Dr. Barthélemy

As we close the 2024–2025 chapter, the American Society of Black Neurosurgeons extends our deepest gratitude to Dr. Owoicho Adogwa, whose leadership, dedication, and vision have helped strengthen our mission to advance diversity, mentorship, and excellence in neurosurgery. Your commitment to uplifting our members and expanding ASBN’s reach has left a lasting impact that will continue to shape the society for years to come.

We are equally proud to welcome Dr. Ernest J. Barthélemy as our new President for the 2025–2026 year. Dr. Barthélemy’s passion for service, scholarship, and advocacy represents the very spirit of ASBN. We look forward to a future filled with innovation, collaboration, and continued progress under his leadership.

Together, we honor the legacy of those who paved the way and celebrate the exciting new chapter ahead for our ASBN family.

ASBN Celebrates Sold-Out Inaugural Art Auction

The American Society of Black Neurosurgeons (ASBN) is proud to announce the success of its Inaugural Art Auction, where all paintings donated to the campaign were sold. This milestone event showcased exceptional works from generous artists and rallied supporters whose bids will help advance ASBN’s core programs—mentorship and pipeline development, research and education, and public awareness initiatives.

Hosted at Phillips Auction House in collaboration with Gardy St. Fleur, the event beautifully blended art and advocacy—raising awareness and support for ASBN’s mission to advance diversity, mentorship, and research in neurosurgery.

ASBN extends heartfelt gratitude to Philips Auction House and Gardy St Fleur for their visionary collaboration, the artists who donated, the collectors and bidders who invested in the work, and the volunteers and sponsors who made the evening possible. Together, we transformed creativity into concrete support for the next generation of neurosurgeons and the communities we serve.

Check out the full album here: ASBN Inaugural Art Auction

Navigating the Neurosurgery Interview

Join Neuro Mentoring Matters and ASBN for our next virtual large group event, Navigating the Neurosurgery Interview!

Our incredible panel of neurosurgeons and residents will share insider tips, answer your questions, and provide valuable guidance on how to shine during the neurosurgery residency interview process.

• Saturday, November 1
• 3:30–5:00 PM EST
• Virtual Event

Whether you're preparing for your first interview or looking to strengthen your approach, this session is designed to help you succeed.

Reserve your spot now: RSVP

The Brain Trust: Virtual Mentorship Hours

Your journey, their experience — bridging the gap from aspiration to application.

This initiative offers students a unique opportunity to book a 30-minute Zoom session with an ASBN neurosurgeon to ask questions, seek personalized guidance, and gain insight into the neurosurgery pathway — from early interest through residency and beyond.

Please note: Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Only verified U.S.-based ASBN student members are eligible. These 2-hour mentorship blocks are open to students who were not matched with a mentor in our formal NeuroMentoring Matters pod program, as well as new students looking to connect.

Mock Interview Recap

Building Confidence. Sharpening Skills. Inspiring Excellence.

This fall, ASBN launched its Mock Neurosurgery Residency Interview Program, pairing fourth-year medical students entering the 2025 Match cycle with attending neurosurgeons, fellows, and senior residents for simulated interviews and real-time feedback.

Each 45-minute session included 30 minutes of focused interviewing followed by 15 minutes of personalized feedback, helping participants refine their communication, confidence, and professionalism in a supportive, low-stress environment.

Here’s what students had to say:

“It felt like the real thing — and the feedback afterwards was incredibly detailed.”

“I appreciated the chance to practice challenging questions in a realistic setting and get targeted advice on how to improve my clarity and body language.”

“Dr. Newman treated it as if it was the real deal, asked specific questions about my CV and personal statement, and gave thoughtful feedback at the end. A great use of my time.”

“I found it so helpful to discuss what not to say in my responses and anticipate the types of questions interviewers ask.”

“The student toolkit and variety of interviewers made it an invaluable experience.”

These mock interviews provided a safe space for students to learn, grow, and prepare for one of the most pivotal stages in their neurosurgery journey — the residency interview.

A heartfelt thank-you to our dedicated mentors who volunteered their time and expertise to make this initiative possible. Programs like this embody ASBN’s mission to bridge the gap between mentorship and opportunity, ensuring every aspiring neurosurgeon feels ready to shine.

Every October, we shine a light on breast cancer — a disease that affects millions of women across the globe. But beyond the pink ribbons and awareness walks lies a sobering truth: Black women in the United States are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women, despite having a slightly lower incidence of the disease.

Why This Matters to Neurosurgeons

As neurosurgeons, we often encounter breast cancer when it has spread beyond the breast — particularly to the brain. Brain metastases from breast cancer can lead to symptoms such as headaches, seizures, weakness, cognitive changes, and vision loss. These neurological complications are not just clinical issues; they are deeply human ones, affecting how a person experiences the world and their relationships.

By the time breast cancer reaches the brain, treatment becomes far more complex and outcomes more uncertain. This is why early detection and equitable access to care are not just oncology priorities — they are neurological ones too. Preventing breast cancer from reaching the brain means saving both lives and quality of life.

Our Commitment

At the American Society of Black Neurosurgeons (ASBN), we stand with patients, survivors, and families during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond. Our commitment includes:

• Raising awareness about disparities in diagnosis and outcomes
• Advocating for equity in screening, imaging, and treatment access
• Supporting education and research to improve care across disciplines



Read the full piece and stand with us in supporting this important work.

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