National review courses for the neurosurgery written board exam have become a significant element in the preparation of many prospective examinees. While no course can guarantee success of the exam, the topic overviews and study materials provided can be valuable. The review courses described below are the most highly attended for preparation for the neurosurgery written board examination.

The Neurosurgery Written Board Review Course
This course is offered by the Olser Institute. It consists of eight days of lectures, supplemented by exam-style multiple choice questions and answers. A syllabus of lecture notes is provided and audio tapes of lectures are available for purchase. Information and registration is available by phone at 1-800-356-7537 ext 201 and online.

The Chicago Review Course in Neurological Surgery
The course is 11 days longs, with up to 12 hours of lecture daily. The focus of the course is neurosurgery. This means that other disciplines, such as neurology, neuroscience, etc., are not covered. An extensive syllabus is provided. Information and registration is available at 773-296-6666 and online.

Kenneth Earle Memorial Neuropathology Review (AFIP)
This course is offered by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. The course offers a detailed review of neuropathology immediately prior to the March boards. The course is not specific for the neurosurgery board exam, it is also attended by neurologist and pathologists. A detailed syllabus is provided as well as a copy of the World Health Organization 2000 classification Tumors of the Nervous System. The course is held at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, MD. Information is available at 1-800-577-3749 or online.

Annual Washington Neuroradiology Course (AFIP)
This course is offered by the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. It is a two day course immediately prior to the AFIP Neuropathology Course (see above). The course is not specific for the neurosurgery board exam; it is also attended by neurologists and other practicioneers. A detailed syllabus is provided.

ORAL BOARD PREPARATION
Neurosurgery Review by Case Management: Oral Board Preparation
This course is sponsored by the AANS and is a highly interactive course that simulates the examination given by the Board of Neurological Surgery. The course has two purposes. First, you will be exposed to the format of the oral boards and you will have the opportunity to practice answering questions under pressure. Second, there will be over a hundred case scenarios presented, which will provide a broad review of pertinent topics in clinical neurosurgery. There are no lectures. The sessions are intense, comprehensive and enjoyable. Experienced neurosurgeons will critique your patient management response and your skill in organizing responses to oral board type questions.