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International Observership Awards (IOP) provide surgeons from around the world a deeply rewarding opportunity to observe and be mentored at an American academic institution for an extended period. If possible, the awardee will also attend the CNS Annual Meeting as a guest. As a leader in their home institution, the awardee is expected to return to their home and share their knowledge, thereby strengthening neurosurgical practices in all corners of the world.
Image: Ashish Shah, Alexis Morell, Ricardo Komotar and Christopher Sarkiss
2019 IOP, Miami: Franco Rubino, MD
Franco Rubino, MD, of Tucuman, Argentina, hosted by Ricardo Komotar, MD, of the University of Miami, March 1 - May 31, 2020.

"The opportunity to study in United States is a bridge between [Argentina] and here," he said. "I would like to thank the CNS Foundation donors for making my dreams come true."
His focus is on high-grade malignant tumors. “People ask me why my interest is here and I say, we are in the basement of learning about these. There is so much to learn that it is exciting," Rubino said.
Franco Rubino, MD.
National University of Tucuman, Tucuman, Argentina.
2019 International Observership Program Awardee
Brain Tumor Program - University of Miami
2018 IOP, Miami: Alexis Morell, MD
Alexis Morell, MD, of Rosario, of Argentina was hosted by Ricardo Komotar, MD, of the University of Miami, from September 1 – December 1, 2018.

"My name is Alexis Morell, from Argentina. I had a fantastic opportunity participating in the Brain Tumor Program of the University of Miami, directed by Ricardo Komotar, MD, FAACS, FACS, and Michael Ivan, MD, MBS. The experience was highly productive, not only in the number of cases that I observed, but also I participated in many academic and research activities with excellent neurosurgeons and scientists. Throughout this program, I learned not only about neurosurgery but also about teamwork, commitment, professionalism, and leadership. I think that transmitting those values is a critical part of education and mentorship in Neurosurgery."
Alexis A. Morell, MD.
National University of Rosario, Argentina.
2018 International Observership Program Awardee
Brain Tumor Program - University of Miami