Learn About the New Global Advocacy Leadership Program
June 28, 2024
Applications are now open for the Global Advocacy Leadership Program, a unique new opportunity from the AAN and the World Federation of Neurology (WFN).
“Neurologists from all over the world are facing similar challenges as they work to provide the highest quality care for their patients,” said AAN President Carlayne E. Jackson, MD, FAAN. “This new program aims to empower them to become successful, effective leaders and advocates—and we’ll do that through virtual programming, assistance from experienced coaches, and two very exciting in-person events.”
Participants in the all-expenses-paid program will start by attending training and programming before the 2025 AAN Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. Then, for the next several months, they will attend web-based interactive sessions on international advocacy infrastructure and advancing their own advocacy projects. Finally, the participants will travel to Seoul, South Korea, for training and graduation at the WFN’s 2025 World Congress of Neurology.
Participants will have the opportunity to develop key communication skills and learn how to facilitate change, develop policy, and address unmet or emerging health care needs.
To be eligible, applicants must be AAN member neurologists who live and practice in a low- or lower-middle-income country as defined by the World Bank. They also must be available to attend all of the program’s training events and able to travel to the United States and South Korea. If selected, they must also be a member of the AAN in 2025—discounted memberships are available in the eligible countries.
“Science and knowledge are not enough, and we need to promote awareness and skills for both advocacy and leadership in neurologists,” said WFN President Wolfgang Grisold, MD, FAAN. “I believe this is important for global neurology—to raise the level of awareness and lower the barriers to advocacy.”
How to Apply for the Global Advocacy Leadership Program
Applications for the AAN-WFN Global Advocacy Leadership Program are due August 14. Up to 20 members will be selected for the 2025 program, and a selection committee will review applications for factors like interest in advocacy and leadership, passion for the profession and patients, and strategic thinking and planning skills.
Applicants will answer a few short essay questions, submit a short video about themselves, and provide a curriculum vitae. Full requirements are listed on the program’s webpage, along with a link to apply.