Peter Black named President-Elect of World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies

Peter Black, MD, PhD, Franc D. Ingraham Professor of Neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School and founding chair of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Department of Neurosurgery has been elected President-Elect of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), a professional and scientific nongovernmental organization composed of five continental associations, 89 national neurosurgical societies and six affiliate societies representing approximately 25,000 neurosurgeons worldwide.

After serving two years as President-Elect, Black, Director of the Brain Tumor Research Laboratory at the BWH, will serve as President for four years, and then past-President for two additional years.

With Ferenc Jolesz, Peter Black helped develop the world’s first
intraoperative MRI at BWH, and has used this device to improve brain
tumor treatment. Working with Steven Haley, founder of the Brain
Science Foundation, Black created the Meningioma Center of Excellence at
BWH. Black is a trustee of and medical advisor to the Brain Science Foundation.  His special surgical interests include brain tumor surgery; image-guided minimally invasive neurosurgery; skull base surgery; and brain mapping. 

As President-Elect of the Federation, Peter Black will help to lead the Federation’s efforts to advance all aspects of neurological surgery. These efforts include the education and training of neurosurgeons in developing countries as well as supplying instruments and equipment. Additionally, the Federation facilitates relationships among neurological surgeons and increases the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and discussions on neurosurgical issues through education courses worldwide. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity to serve neurosurgeons around the world,” said Dr. Black.