Contents:
- Message from the President
- Biography of the President
- Message from CNS President
- Biography of the CNS President
- Reinventing Neurosurgery and Lebanesehood
- In the Lebanese Mountains
- Next WALN Reunion
- Secretary’s Message
- Treasurer’s Message
- Acting Newsletter Editor’s Message
- Next WALN Business Meeting
- Young Lebanese Neurosurgeon Committee
- WALN Minutes
- Member and Social news


Message from the President of WALN: Fady Charbel, MD

Dear Brothers, friends and colleagues:

It all started with a dream. The dream of bringing together the best of what the mother land had given the world, not only physician healers, but neurosurgeons who have spread across all continents, remaining united at the roots by an unwavering bond of brotherhood and friendship that will unite them forever.

WALN was born, conceived and begotten by its founding fathers and growing rapidly from the four corners of the earth on the shoulders of its membership. The years have gone by and indeed the flame remains strong. From its fiery inception, WALN is now entering the mature phase where the initial ebullience of youth must start to give ways to steady maturity and long term planning.

It has been indeed one of my highest pleasures to be elected by you for presidency of WALN. As this term is progressing, one cannot but reflect for a moment on what has happened to the members around the world. It is indeed true that we should feel, each and every one of us, great pride and joy at the collective and individual achievements of this organization. From presidency of one of the largest neurosurgical societies in the world (CNS) to memberships and the board of directors of international societies to chairmanships of departments all over the world to successful private and academic practices and multiple levels of leadership both at the level of the communities in which we live and throughout, WALN members have dotted the neurosurgical landscape with bright stars shining like beacons for all to see.

However, with all of our individual achievements and success comes the sense of responsibility, the necessity of maintaining the legacy, and the urgency of the mission. WALN does not belong to an individual or a group of individuals or to anyone for that matter. WALN belongs to all of us collectively and we all have a job to do. For this organization to remain alive and thrive, we must avoid complacency. Work has to be done and as always work is done at the individual level. Our house needs to be put back and kept in order, our membership strengthened, our registry updated, our meetings attended and our communications improved. As president, I have assigned myself three goals, which, with your support, I hope to be able to achieve during this term. The first is the establishment of a tax-exempt status for our society. The second is the WALN fellowship and the third, a web-based relationship between key sites and members.

The first two goals have been identified previously and need to be implemented. These goals are not easy to achieve, however, they are important and feasible. The tax-exempt status will allow us to meet our fiduciary responsibilities and discharge our treasury from an unnecessary burden. It will also allow us to be the recipients of philanthropic gifts and donations to fulfill some of our educational and other goals. A WALN fellowship should allow a focused contribution to further the education and knowledge of one or more individuals to travel and learn at various centers and thereby further fulfill our educational mission.

Finally, we need to stay in touch with each other. Our maintained communication is the basis of our strength. We need to capitalize on the strong bonds that connect us and be able to reach to each other for advise, information, and sometimes comfort in our busy and demanding professional lives. The Internet is the medium to make this happen and within our society, we can move forward without too many expenses on the web-based interconnectivity. I am counting on what brought us together to sustain our growth. I urge you to make the effort and let us hear what you want done done and to contribute in order to make it happen.

Let’s work together to rekindle our sense of mission and purpose.

Let’s work together to help each other in reaching our goals and fulfilling our aspirations.

Let’s work together to keep the dream alive.


Biography of Dr. Fady Charbel

Dr. Charbel was born in Zahle, Lebanon in November 20, 1959. He went to school at the historical “Al-hekmeh” college (College de la Sagesse) in Beirut and completed high school at the “Al-Sharkieh” (Oriental College) in Zahle, Lebanon. He then attended St. Joseph’s University School of Medicine, in Beirut, graduating in 1984. Immediately afterwards, he left for the United States, seeking formal academic neurosurgical training that would fulfill his personal interest in cerebrovascular disease. Thus he began with a neurosurgical research fellowship in microsurgery at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. The following year, he became a clinical fellow at the Montreal Neurological Institute of McGill University and then returned to Detroit in 1986, where he continued his neurosurgical training until the summer of 1991. At that time, Dr. Charbel accepted a Chief Residency position at the University of Illinois and moved to Chicago where he helped build the residency program of the department of neurosurgery. This program was developed to become a leading national and international program with Dr. Charbel in the role of Chief of the Clinical service. In addition, Dr. Charbel continued to develop his clinical interests in cerebral vascular surgery, critical care and complex microsurgery. His research interests also flourished. In 1999, Dr. Charbel became the Residency Program Director and a year later, Vice Chairman. He is now Professor and Interim Head of the department of neurosurgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Dr. Charbel’s clinical expertise is recognized in the area of neurovascular surgery, head and neck revascularization, critical care and microsurgery. His research has focused on cerebral blood flow and metabolism, cerebral hemodynamics and computerized visualization and simulation of cerebral vascular dynamics. Since his move to Chicago, he has been involved in the training more than 100 fellows from various countries.

Dr. Charbel’s commitment to WALN and the Lebanese Diaspora has been manifested by his numerous activities and travels to Lebanon, Europe, and South America where he keeps very close ties of friendship with WALN members. He also serves on the board of directors of the Societe de NeuroChirurgie de langue Francaise, and is honorary member of the Chilean and Brazilian Neurosurgical societies. Dr. Charbel and his wife Alexandra have been married since 1985. They have three children, Fady, Elijah, and Joseph who in the final analysis, and amongst other things, make sure their dad keeps matters in their proper perspective.


Heritage and Identities

By Issam Awad, MD
51st President, Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Founder and past-President, World Association of Lebanese Neurosurgeons

On the occasion of welcoming fellow members of the World Association of Lebanese Neurosurgeons (WALN) at the 51st Annual Meeting of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) in San Diego, September 29-October 4, 2001, I am filled with pride on behalf of our collective Lebanese heritage. For the first time in the history of our profession, a native son of the Cedars presides over the national meeting of one of the largest neurosurgical organizations in the world. A foreign-born immigrant from an eastern land has been honored and privileged to represent nearly 5,000 neurosurgeons from throughout the world. It is a humbling honor indeed, and a singular opportunity to celebrate, reflecting on our heritage and identities.

The CNS presidency is a career achievement which I could not have imagined in wildest dreams when I traveled to this country 27 years ago. Yet it illustrates the extraordinary potential of every young colleague, eager to learn and advance in one’s chosen profession. It is but an example of what is possible with learning and with commitment. The seeds of future success were planted in a humble Lebanese home, with limited means but unlimited dedication. The joy of making my parents proud shaped an inner conscience, and helped me fight the urges of more traveled paths. Close family ties and unabashed friendships guided not only the journey, but also the dreams. Ambition was never blind, hateful or jealous. Every achievement was to be considered a gift from the Almighty. To this day, my career decisions are guided by a sense of common good and blessed by prayer.

Deferred gratification and a firm belief in higher values have remained at the heart of choices which guided my career path and my personal life. These were powerful assets, which I carried from Lebanon along with lesser liabilities—an alien identity and the clumsiness of cultural unfamiliarity. Muted but real forces of race and insularity were formidable enemies, especially when compounded by jealousy. Yet I have found that a common good prevails among most people in this country, and American institutions ultimately reward diligence and merit. A higher ground is always valued in America, and this is an American identity I am proud to have adopted.

With the pride in our Lebanese heritage we should all look at the very origins of our values, but also at the splendid opportunities provided to us that shape our successes. I have learned most of all never to surrender to bitterness or cynicism, regardless of difficulties I encounter, as these would surely poison the well of future thirst. Yet the grace of persistence and humility can transform every failure into a strengthening potion, ultimately feeding subsequent successes. I have learned in earnest that true intellectualism is telling the truth to authority, and true professionalism is being generous to the most vulnerable.

These values are not Eastern nor American. They belong to the best of humanity wherever it dwells. From the humble roots of our Lebanese heritage, let us collectively identify with these higher values, those raising man toward his God, and let us adopt them with grace and enthusiasm. We shall then be destined to become neurosurgeon citizens of the world, thriving in service of our fellow men, advancing the science and art while balsaming pain or celebrating cures. And what a privilege to have been chosen for this calling! While clinging to our distant Lebanese heritage, let us celebrate the identities belonging to the best of mankind. May this be WALN’s true celebration in San Diego. And may the roots of Cedars continue to feed evergreen branches reaching toward God.


Our CNS President in Perspective

By Ghassan Bejjani, MD

Issam Awad was born on September 23, 1956 in Beirut, Lebanon. His father Abdullah, Director General of Mail and Telecomunication was from Hasroun, and his mother was from Jbeil. Issam was raised in Achrafieh, Beirut. He received his basic education at the College Sagesse, run by the Maronite monks, and one of the most illustrious national colleges of Beirut. After completing his secondary studies he decided to move to the USA where he would receive the quality medical training he aspired to. One of his aunts lived in California, so that was where that he headed to attend the Loma Linda University in 1974.

There he received a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in 1976 (Summa Cum Laude). He was enrolled in a combined Masters-MD program so he received a Master of Science degree in 1979 and his MD degree in 1980, graduating Valedictorian of his class and receiving the “Student Investigator of the Year Award” and The Griggs Medical Scholarship Award. He was also elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. While in medical school he was involved in a laboratory project on brain ischemia. During this project, he was fascinated by the brain and its vascular anatomy and physiology, that he decided to go into Neurosurgery.

He joined the Neurosurgery training program at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (OH) and graduated in June 1985. During his residency he spent some time as a Honorary Registrar at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in Scotland (1983) in their Head and Spinal Injury Unit. He spent the year following his graduation in Phoenix, AZ doing a fellowship with Dr. Spetzler in cerebrovascular surgery. He was the second fellow to be selected by Spetzler after Neil Martin.

After finishing his fellowship, Dr. Awad began his professional career in CA. He held an appointment with the faculty at the University of Stanford, CA from 1986-87. In 1987 he was hired by Dr. Little and returned to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. There he served as Head of the Section on Epilepsy Surgery (1988-92), Head of the Section on Cerebrovascular Surgery and Surgical Director of the Cerebrovascular Center (1990-93), and Vice-Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery (1991-93).

In 1993 Dr. Awad moved to Yale University where he was appointed Director of the Neurovascular Surgery Program. In 1994 he was promoted to Professor of Surgery (Neurosurgery) with continuing appointment. He has received an Honorary Masters of arts degree from Yale University where he also serves on the Board of Permanent Officers of the School of Medicine. In July 1996 he was appointed the Nixdorf-German Professor of Neurosurgery. He moved to Denver in January 2001, after being appointed Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Colorado.

He has authored over 200 scientific papers and book chapters, and he has edited 11 books dealing with cerebrovascular surgery and other aspects of Neurosurgery. He has presented over 300 papers and lectures at major and international meetings and symposia, and has been a Visiting Professor at numerous institutions.

Dr. Awad is active in the leadership of numerous professional and educational societies. He was on the Publications Committee with the AANS (American Association of Neurological Surgeons) from 1988-1993, when the Neurosurgical Topics Series was started. He edited 7 books in that series. He became involved with the CNS (Congress of Neurological Surgeons) in 1987 through the Sargeant at Arms activities, and since 1989 has became involved with the Scientific Program Committee, which he chaired in 1998. He was elected to the Executive Committee of the CNS in 1992, and served as a member of the Education Committee from 1995 to 1998, when the neurosurgical curriculum for medical schools was developed. His involvement with the CNS culminated in his election as President of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in 1999. He is now on the Board of the American College of Surgeons, on the Executive Committee of the Stroke Council of the American Heart Association. He is also the recipient of two NIH grants for the study of the biology of vascular malformations of the brain.

His fundamental contributions to medicine include the characterization of subcortical ischemic lesions in the aged, advances in understanding the natural history and biological behavior of cerebral vascular malformations, numerous technical advances in neurovascular and epilepsy surgery, and the compilation of the first scholarly treatise on philosophy of neurosurgery. His main interests lie in the study of the bilogy of cerebrovascular malformations, the scientific assessment of technology, and the development of International Neurosurgery.

Dr. Awad has made also enormous contributions to WALN. The WALN owes Dr. Awad more than to anybody else. Issam was the founding President in 1992 when Drs. Haddad and Mohasseb entrusted him with the task of establishing WALN. It was during that period that he took upon himself the arduous task of collecting the names of prospective WALN members and gathering everybody in this unique organization. It was during his Presidency that WALN had its growth spurt. He was and is still extremely committed to WALN; always present at all the meetings, trying to bring together all members, and working hard to have WALN prosper.

Issam Awad is an eloquent, firm speaker with a charismatic personality. He is respected by his peers. Some of his close colleagues say that he can convince you of anything if he wants to. Always relying on reason, he has his own way of presenting the most complex issues in a simple rational manner and reaching sound convincing conclusions. He is a good educator and an excellent clinician. I had the opportunity to watch him discuss the management of difficult neurosurgical cases from A to Z, in a clear and concise fashion which you do not see frequently with other speakers. He has a good sense of humor: you can always count on him for a few jokes to spice the atmosphere. He also has a hidden poet in him as we recently found out in Beirut (WALN Newsletter Issue 11). His love of Lebanon and the of the Lebanese is unequivocal. Throughout the years he has helped many compatriots to achieve their goals and still continues today. He is proud of his Lebanese heritage: it is with WALN members that he celebrated his election to the Presidency of CNS.

Dr. Awad is married to Catherine Ampart. They met when he was a resident and she was a critical care nurse at the Cleveland Clinic. They have a 12 year old son, Armand. His hobbies include bicycling and family travel.

Dr. Awad is a source of pride for all of us at WALN. He has truly accomplished a lot for Neurosurgery and Lebanon.


Reinventing Lebanesehood: From the Cedars to San Diego

By Bernard R. Bendok, MD

This year Lebanon and her people are honored by having one of the Cedars’ cherished sons achieve a rare and prestigious distinction in one of man’s most competitive professions. In a time when confidence in Lebanesehood is at an all time low, we are blessed with a leader who asks us and shows us to make of our Lebanesehood a Phonecian ship which is unbound by any borders of cultural definition yet seeks to amass and integrate the best of every culture, the best of every human instinct, drive, and desire into the burning flame of our souls. In a time when a surgeon’s role in scientific endeavor has been marginalized by economic forces, we are blessed by a surgeon who maintains our specialty’s presence at the very forefront of the biological mysteries which underlie diseases we treat on a daily basis. There at the very heart of these mysteries he has planted a neurosurgical flag, a Lebanese flag, and a universal flag which claims accord with all that yearns to be closer to God. In a time when joy and materialism blur into a hybrid organism, Dr. Awad appears to have liberated joy and claimed it for truth, compassion and integrity.

In an era when philosophy has been divorced of science, Dr. Awad has remarried them. The World Association of Lebanese Neurosurgeons salutes Dr. Awad. In San Diego we will be celebrating Dr. Awad’s distinguished career as well as the distinctive achievements of our other members. Let us all meet in San Diego, not to merely praise achievement but to honor achievement by taking on the challenges put before us by Dr. Awad : dare to be united, dare to excel with humanity and compassion, dare to surpass the potential the world assigns us and aspire to the potential God grants us, dare to go beyond our wildest dreams, ...


In the Lebanese Mountains

Remember-the noise of moonlight
when the summer night collides with a peak
and traps the wind
in the rocky caves of the mountains of Lebanon.

Remember- a town on a sheer cliff
set like a tear on the rim of an eyelid;
one discovers there a pomegrate tree
and rivers more sonorous than a piano.

Remember-the grapevine under the fig tree,
the cracked oak that September waters,
fountains and muleteers,
the sun dissolving in the river currents.

Remember- basil and apple tree,
mulberry syrup and almond groves.
each girl was a swallow then
whose eyes moved like a gondola
swung from a hazel branch.

Remember the hermit and the goatherd,
paths that rise to the edge of a cloud,
the chant of Islam, crusader’s castles,
and wild bells ringing through July.

Nadia Tueni
Lebanon 20 poems for one Love

Translated by Samuel Hazo, 1990


Next WALN Reunion: The White Glistening Slopes of Faraya

Like many of you, I have enjoyed the WALN reunions we have had in Lebanon. During these meetings our connection to Lebanon and to each other has been strengthened. At the same time the trips have given us the opportunity to see our family and friends and share our country with our spouses, children, and colleagues.

The last two meetings have been during the summer. This time I thought it would be refreshing to experience another facet of Lebanon: the ski season. I would like to suggest that we meet in Lebanon February 14th through the 18th in Faraya.

I would like to know the level of interest in this meeting. Please send me your feedback to:
fcharbel@uic.edu.

Thank you,

Fady Charbel, MD.


Secretary’s Message

By Ghassan Bejjani,MD

Dear WALN colleagues,

It gives me great pleasure to write a message for this special issue.

This issue of the Newsletter celebrates Lebanese Neurosurgery at its best, with the Presidency of Dr. Awad for the Congress of Neurosurgeons. This is truly a historical moment for WALN: its founding president is being recognized for his leadership and contributions to the field, in one of the premier neurosurgical societies worldwide.

It is also the first issue that I do not edit since 1996. It gives me great pride to see the wonderful job that Dr. Bendok has done with the enthusiasm and ingenuity of our young Lebanese neurosurgeons. And the future is promising to surpass the past and further enrich WALN. Although we had a slowdown for one year, this was only a transition, a moment of reflection for WALN. Reflection on the true identity of WALN, its reason to be, and the sacrifices it requires from its officers and members. The slowdown of WALN underscored its importance for its members who felt that something was missing.

The slowdown was also a moment of reflection for the officers on what WALN requires from sacrifices to keep it going. We are a voluntary association: there are no full time employees but us, there is no budget for the daily operations, and every officer spends countless hours to maintain and promote WALN. All of us, members and officers, are busy with our professional and personal obligations, and the time given to WALN has to come from some aspect of our lives. But we are all honored for being entrusted by your vote, for the daily operations of WALN. The sense of belonging and the pride we get from the prosperity of WALN is worth the efforts.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge one of our previous officers, Dr Muakkassa. Dr. Muakkassa as most of you now, was one of the founding members of WALN and one of its most enthusiastic supporters. His achievements can be seen in every aspect of WALN. He worked hard and for countless hours on our logo, our bylaws, the early Newsletters, the collection of the dues and the propagation of the message of WALN during its early days, when the future was still uncertain. Although some professional circumstances kept him from being as involved as he used to be, he always maintained his unconditional support for WALN. I would like to extend to him the deepest gratitude and appreciation for his crucial and valuable contribution. I am sure that he has more to give.

It is also a sad issue, since it is the first time that we have to publish the obituary of a close colleague, Dr. Afif Iliya, who passed away this past winter during a hunting trip in Florida, from a heart condition. Dr Iliya, whom most of you know, was a giving and generous individual, enthusiastic to WALN and its cause. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

In conclusion, I am glad that the Newsletter is back in force. This is a very important symbol of WALN. With our youth, our enthusiastic members, and our renowned figures, we will be here for years to come, and with more to offer.

Respectfully,

Ghassan K. Bejjani, MD
WALN Secretary


Treasurer’s Message

By Ali Krisht, MD

WALN is in the process of collecting membership dues for 2001.

We continue to have a fairly good amount from the previous years' collections. As soon as a non-for-profit status is achieved a significant number of opportunities are already explored and available for contributions from Lebanese expatriots. A connection was established with one of the representatives in Belgium and they are ready to help.

An effort will be made during the next WALN meeting to increase funding from exhibitors that will support some of the long term WALN plans. This will also be more relevant once the non-for-profit status is achieved.


Acting Newsletter Editor’s Message

By Bernard R. Bendok, MD

Dear WALN colleagues and friends:

During residency, I awaited the WALN newsletter eagerly. Isolated in the world of neurosurgical training I felt connected to the rich heritage of Lebanese Neurosurgery and to our home Lebanon with every issue. It was Jacques Morcos who wrote the newsletter back then so when he and Dr. Fady Charbel asked me to step in as interim newsletter editor, I felt very honored but also deeply thankful for the opportunity to serve this outstanding and vibrant organization. It is my hope that this newsletter will enrich all busy neurosurgical residents and practioners all over the world, with a warm connection to their Lebanese colleagues and to a sense on an international Lebanese presence in our field.

Several people deserve much credit for the production of this newsletter. I must first thank Dr. Charbel for accepting my late night calls to go over the newsletter and for sharing his wisdom and humor. Dr. Charbel has been a generous mentor and caring brother to me over the past several years. I want to thank Dr. Morcos for entrusting me with this duty and for sharing his dynamic insights. I must also thank our past newsletter editor, Dr. Ghassan Bejjani for his help, and advice. Ghassan, established high standards for the WALN newsletter which were appreciated by people around the world. I hope the foundations he laid will guide the newsletter into an industrious and elegant future. I want to thank my wife Karen who makes everything I do possible. I want to thank the members of WALN around the world and in Lebanon who by standing out with their character, elegance of thought and skills, genuine hospitality and passion for Lebanon and her people inspire this newsletter.

I invite all WALN members to contribute to the next newsletter. We welcome your news, ideas, creative works (poetry, paintings, music)., as well as neurosurgical and scientific perspectives. E-mail your work to bbendok@hotmail.com.


Next WALN Business Meeting: A Taste of Fairuz

The next WALN business meeting will be held in conjunction with the CNS meeting in San Diego. We encourage all WALN members to attend.

The meeting will be held at Fairouz Gallery and Café on Sunday September 30th at 9 PM. The restaurant is located at 3166 Midway Drive #102 San Diego Ca. 92110. The phone number is (619) 225 – 0308.

At this meeting we will be addressing the plans for the up coming year, the election of a new newsletter editor, and we will also finalize plans for a winter meeting for WALN in the beautiful area of Faraya in February. Most importantly we will be celebrating the many achievements of WALN members throughout the past year!

In order to have a headcount please e-mail me by September 25th to let me know if you can make it (bbendok@hotmail.com).


Young Lebanese Neurosurgeon Committee

By Bernard R. Bendok, MD

The executive committee of WALN recently entrusted me with the important task of forming a young Neurosurgeon committee with the objective of developing an agenda which serves Lebanese Neurosurgical residents. We will be planning to have special meetings during WALN reunions which allow residents to intimately interface with Lebanese neurosurgeons from throughout the world for questions, advice, and insights.

We will also start to feature resident achievements and publications separately in the newsletter. Long term we hope to develop A WALN fellowship which will serve residents in Lebanon.

Please e-mail me your ideas and suggestions: bbendok@hotmail.com.


Minutes from Past WALN Meetings

Minutes of the WALN meeting in San Francisco, April 2000
(Prepared by Ghassan K. Bejjani, MD, secretary of WALN)

The WALN meeting was held in parallel with the meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons in San Fransisco.

The traditional dinner was held after the AANS opening reception at Kan Zaman Restaurant on Sunday April 9, 2000 at 8:30 P.M. The following members were present: Mokbel Chedid, Patrick Hitchon, Ali Araj, Hayan Dayub, Nabil Okais, Ghassan Bejjani, Issam Awad, Ronald Moussa, Fady Charbel, Ibrahim Saikali and Dennis McDonnell.

The business reunion followed in the Main Lobby of the San Fransisco Marriot. The following members were present: Mokbel Chedid, Patrick Hitchon, Ali Araj, Hayan Dayub, Nabil Okais, Ghassan Bejjani, Issam Awad, Ronald Moussa, Fady Charbel, Ibrahim Saikali and Jacques Morcos.

The opening remarks were made by Dr Chedid who acknowldged Dr. Bejjani for his efforts as Newsletter Editor. He stressed the need for solidarity to keep WALN growing: one soul, one body, one hand. He updated the attendees on the latest on the Not-for-profit status: the application was rejected by the federal government, and the reapplication is in process. He discussed the meeting of our Brazilian colleagues and reiterated WALN’s support to Dr. Latuf and his activities.

Two WALN delegates to the PANS were selected unanimously: Dr. Mokbel Chedid and Dr. Ghassan Bejjani.

The recent election of Dr. Awad as president of the CNS was discussed again and the need for a strong WALN presence in the CNS meeting in San Diego in 2001 was emphasized.

The upcoming PANS meeting in Beirut was discussed in the presence of its scientific program chairman, Dr. Nabil Okais.

A motion was made on having the presidential term limited to three years and non renewable: it was unanimously approved.

Dr. Hitchon proposed a motion to have nominations submitted 2 weeks at least prior to the elections. This motion did not pass.

The issues of proxy votes was discussed and it was decided that these should be personal: every member has to individually submit his proxy vote.

Dr. Chedid withdrew his candidacy from the WALN presidency.

The elections were then held: Dr. Charbel was elected with the majority of 19 votes. The elected Board of officers included: Dr. Bejjani (Secretary), Dr Ali Krisht (Treasurer), Dr Jacques Morcos (Newsletter Editor), Dr. Patrick Hitchon (North American Representative), Dr Nilton Latuf (South American Representative), Dr. Marwan Hariz (European Representative) and Dr. Nabil Okais (Lebanese Representaive).

After the elections the efforts of Dr. Muakassa were acknowledged. Dr. Muakassa as most of you know is one of the founders and active members of WALN. He held the Secretary Treasurer positions from the early days of WALN until 2000 and was instrumental in the initial steps of WALN: Bylaws, logo, newsletter, etc.

Recognition awards were then given honoring the previous officers of WALN: Dr Issam Awad, founder and past president, Dr Chedid Past president, Dr. Muakassa Past secretary, Dr. Morcos Past Newsletter Editor, Dr Bejjani Past Newsletter editor. Other awards will be mailed to the honorary presidents.

Dr. Charbel followed with his opening speech. He emphasized the value of family, our fathers and past presidents. He also stressed the importance of collaboration and assistance between WALN members.

Other business items followed including the dues and the Third WALN Homecoming meeting in 2001. It was decided to hold it on June 22, 23, 24th in Broumanna, preferably. Drs Hitchon and Moussa were entrusted to head the scientific committee.

The meeting was concluded afterwards.

Minutes of the WALN meeting in San Antonio, September 2000
(Prepared by Bernard R, Bendok MD, Interim Newletter Director of WALN)

In attendance: Fady Charbel, Issam Awad, Ali Krisht, Jacques Morcos, Christopher Abood, Abbas Srour, Beshir Araya, Joseph Shehadi, Rodolfo Hakim, Badih Adada, Daniel Shedid, Nicolas Kandalaft, and Bernard Bendok.

The WALN business meeting was held at the Marriott Hotel in San Antonio. At 10:30 PM, Dr. Fady Charbel called the meeting to order. Dr. Charbel welcomed everyone especially those who were new to the organization. Each person then introduced himself. The group was diverse geographically as there were members from France, Canada, USA, Europe, South America, Lebanon, ...

An update on the newsletter was given by Dr. Charbel and Dr. Morcos. There was agreement in the group that it would perhaps be better to send the newsletter out after a business meeting since a business meeting usually generates discussions and decisions, which can enrich the newsletter.

Dr. Charbel then addressed the importance of communication in WALN. This project falls under the large project of updating the directory and membership list. The importance of integrating our communication systems with the web page was emphasized.

Dr. Krisht then gave a Treasure’s update. Collecting membership dues will be integrated into a comprehensive plan to update our membership roster. Dr. Krisht discussed the opportunities for raising funds for WALN from benevolent individuals. In this context he emphasized the importance of obtaining tax exempt status. Dr. Charbel endorsed this as a crucial step for our organization and proposed 6-week time frame to research this objective. Dr Awad emphasized the importance of displaying structure, professionalism and clear objectives when it comes to raising money for WALN.

Based on the rigorous needs of WALN, Dr. Charbel requested that WALN officers communicate every four to six weeks in order to maintain momentum and achieve progress.

The 3rd WALN homecoming meeting was then discussed. Based on the multitude of neurosurgical meetings in Beirut this year it was felt by some that postponing the WALN meeting may enhance attendance. Dr. Charbel, though, emphasized the importance of holding the meeting in the summer of 2001. The members present discussed the possibilities of holding a WALN meeting outside of Lebanon. The consensus, though, was that Lebanon is central to WALN’s existence and mission and that the current preference is to hold the meeting in Beirut. Dr. Morcos and Dr. Charbel suggested that :complication avoidance and management” be emphasized as a motif during the WALN meeting. This idea was endorsed by many of the members who were present. Dr. Bendok proposed the idea of having a special event with Lebanese resident during the meeting. Dr. Awad suggested that this could be done in the form of a dinner (“sahra”) with the residents.

Dr. Charbel emphasized the importance of WALN and its role as a representative of all Lebanese neurosurgeons worldwide. Dr. Charbel also emphasized his commitment to see WALN grow in number and strength through unity and independence of character.

Several members then commented on the wonderful feeling of belonging and sharing which is maintained by WALN meetings and activities.

Finally the group toasted Dr. Issam Awad’s new position as Chairman of Neurosurgery at the University of Colorado.

Dr. Fady Charbel then thanked all present for their enthusiastic participation and adjourned the meeting.

Minutes of the WALN meeting in Toronto, Canada, April 2001

The traditional WALN dinner was held at Jerusalem Restaurant in Toronto, CA on Monday April 23rd, 2001, in conjunction with the AANS meeting. Following the dinner the business meeting was held.

In attendance were: Dr. and Mrs. Antoine Salloum, Dr. Jaafar Jaafar, Dr. Jacques Morcos, Dr. Fady Charbel, Dr. Ghassan Skaff, Dr. Christian Raftopoulos (from the French Neurosurgical Society), Dr. Shoki Yamada and Dr. Ghassan Bejjani.

Dr. Charbel, the President of WALN, called the meeting to order. He reported on the challenges to the organization: the breakdown of communication among officers and members, the lack of enthusiasm, and the absence of the newsletter. Dr. Morcos asked to stepdown as newsletter editor because of his busy schedule. Dr Charbel proposed Dr. Bendok as interim newsletter editor until one could be elected. Dr Morcos and Dr. Bejjani supported the decision.

Dr. Charbel discussed the upcoming summer WALN reunion in Lebanon. The proposed dates were 7/11 through 7/15/2001. The theme would be a discussion of some of the neurosurgical complications, their avoidance and management. A blue ribbon panel was also suggested for certified education. The location would be Deir-El-Kalaa in Beit-Meri.

Dr. Charbel also discussed a letter to be sent shortly following the meeting in lieu of the Newsletter to inform the members of the upcoming meeting and the latest developments. He also will follow-up on the not for profit status procedures and the Condition of the Treasury.

On these notes, the meeting was adjourned by Dr. Charbel.


Member News

We apologize for missing any of your news. We rely on word of mouth and member feedback so please share your news with us for the next issue.

Dr. Issam Awad was appointed the Ogsbury-Kindt Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Dr. Fady Charbel was appointed acting chairman of Neurosurgery at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Dr. Michel Mawad was appointed chairman of Radiology at Baylor.

Dr. Charbel, Dr. Morcos, Dr Mokbel Chedid and other WALN members attended and represented WALN at the Francophone, and Pan Arab meetings in Beirut (see picture on next page).

Drs. Omed Sebba and Nilton Latuf from Brazil, organized a very successful neurovascular symposium in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro Aug 9-11. Drs. Charbel and Jafar were in attendance.

Several WALN members including Dr. Issam Awad, Dr. Benny Iskandar, Dr. Michel Mawad, Dr. Bernard Bendok, among others attended and lectured at the Middle East Medical Assembly in Beirut.

Dr. Fady Charbel, Dr. Nabil Okais, Dr. Fuad Haddad, Dr. George Haddad among others attended the Congrès de la Société de Neurochirurgie de Langue Française in Beirut.


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