The CSRS Emerging Leaders Course is an immersive, three-day educational experience designed to equip the next generation of cervical spine surgeons with advanced clinical knowledge, technical skills, and leadership insights. Hosted by leading experts in spine surgery, the program combines interactive lectures, case-based debates, hands-on cadaver labs, and mentorship opportunities to help early-career surgeons elevate both their surgical expertise and professional development.
This course caters to North American board-eligible or board-certified orthopedic or neurosurgical attending physicians no more than five years into their practice and neurosurgical physicians in training (PGY‑6/7 or neurosurgical fellowship).
Attending surgeons must have completed an ACGME or CAST accredited program or a fellowship with a senior or active member.
Neurosurgeon residents/fellows must be either from an ACGME or CAST accredited program or have a fellowship secured with a CSRS active member.
Please note for orthopedic surgeons in training that the Hands-on Surgical Techniques Course in July targets both orthopedic as well as neurosurgical physicians in training. Please see that web page for further information on that course.
The CSRS Emerging Leaders Course is an immersive, three-day educational experience designed to equip the next generation of cervical spine surgeons with advanced clinical knowledge, technical skills, and leadership insights. Hosted by leading experts in spine surgery, the program combines interactive lectures, case-based debates, hands-on cadaver labs, and mentorship opportunities to help early-career surgeons elevate both their surgical expertise and professional development.
Participants engage in dynamic discussions covering the latest techniques and controversies in cervical spine surgery, including anterior and posterior approaches, cervical disc replacement, deformity correction, navigation and robotics, complication management, and advanced fixation strategies. The course also features practical sessions focused on practice management, research and publications, leadership development, and career decision-making.
A hallmark of the program is its extensive hands-on laboratory experience, where attendees rotate through specialized stations covering complex cervical procedures such as multilevel corpectomy, vertebral artery management, laminoplasty, occipital fixation, pedicle subtraction osteotomy, and navigation-assisted surgery.
Beyond technical education, the Emerging Leaders Course fosters meaningful connections between rising surgeons and internationally recognized faculty through networking events, faculty-led discussions, and mentorship opportunities. Attendees leave with practical surgical pearls, valuable professional relationships, and a deeper understanding of how to grow as leaders within the spine community.
Hear from past attendees:
"Thank you all so much for the best course I have ever attended. Truly!"
"Overall fantastic course and done very well. Incredibly impressed and honored to have been a part of it. … Loved the whole thing."
This course features an exceptional faculty of nationally and internationally recognized spine surgeons from leading academic institutions and specialty centers. Speakers are board-certified experts in orthopedic spine surgery and neurosurgery, many of whom serve as department chairs, fellowship directors, and leaders of major spine societies, including CSRS. With extensive experience in cervical spine surgery, cutting-edge research, and surgical education, this distinguished group offers trainees direct access to some of the foremost authorities in the field.
April 22-24, 2027
Indiana Spine Group, Medical Academic Center, Carmel, IN
Applicants must submit:
Accepted practicing surgeons are only responsible for a $500 registration fee. CSRS will cover the hotel, airfare/travel, and most food expenses. A limited number of spots are available for neurosurgeon residents, and CSRS will cover the complete registration fee as well as hotel, airfare/travel and most of the food expenses.
Open Lab Station & Navigation Station Sponsorships
$30,000
Showcase your products in a hands-on environment by sponsoring an open lab station and/or a navigation station during the course. Sponsors will provide implants and power tools for participant use, creating a valuable opportunity for direct engagement with attendees.
One station is available for a sponsor who wishes to feature a navigation system in addition to an open station. Attendees will rotate through this station during designated lab sessions, maximizing exposure and interaction.
This sponsorship includes:
This is a unique opportunity to connect with emerging leaders in spine surgery and demonstrate your technology in a practical, high-impact setting.
Industry Presentation Sponsorship
$16,000
Present your company’s expertise in a focused, high-visibility setting by sponsoring a 10-minute presentation during a scheduled breakfast, lunch, or reception.
Sponsors are required to submit their proposed topic and speaker in advance for review by the course chairs to ensure the content is relevant and valuable to attendees. Companies may also invite a member of the confirmed course faculty to deliver the presentation.
This sponsorship includes:
This opportunity allows your company to engage directly with attendees and highlight your innovations in a concise, impactful format.
Hosted Dinner Sponsorship
Host an exclusive dinner for course attendees and faculty, designed to foster meaningful connections in a relaxed, social setting.
CSRS will coordinate scheduling to ensure the dinner is integrated into the official program and will encourage attendee participation. Sponsors may include a brief presentation (up to 10 minutes) during the evening. Sponsors are required to submit their proposed topic and speaker in advance for review by the course chairs to ensure the content is relevant and valuable to attendees.
This sponsorship includes:
Sponsors are responsible for the cost of the dinner and attendee transportation to the venue.
This is a unique opportunity to build relationships and engage with emerging leaders in spine surgery outside of the formal program.
Custom Product Integration Opportunity
Have a specific product you’d like to showcase during lab sessions? We welcome the opportunity to collaborate.
Interested companies are encouraged to reach out with details of their product, and the course team will work with meeting chairs to explore how it can be thoughtfully integrated into the program.
This flexible opportunity allows you to align your technology with the educational experience and engage directly with attendees in a meaningful, hands-on setting.
