It gives me great pleasure to invite you to attend the Pre-Meeting course in Palm Cove, Northern Queensland, to be held on Thursday and Friday, the 6th and 7th of September, 2012. The subject of the course is Surgical Approaches to the Brainstem. The subject was chosen for its relevance to the pediatric neurosurgeon and the growing literature on the surgical management of lesions within or outside the brainstem such as cavernous hemangiomas, focal gliomas and CP angle tumors. The explosion of technical aids available for safer surgery in this most eloquent structure should be discussed and critically evaluated before defining best standard practice. Does one need physiological monitoring and if so, which tracts and cranial nerves? How valuable is DTI? Does intra-operative imaging influence the degree of resection, and if so, what impact does this have on survival? What are the safe zones and no-go zones? What is the value of endoscopy?

To answer these questions we have gathered some of the best neurosurgeons in the world with extensive experience in the management of brainstem tumors and vascular malformations. Furthermore, we have chosen one of the most unique and stunning locations that Australia, indeed the world, has to offer. Palm Cove gives the visitor rapid access to magnificent beaches, dense rainforest, game fishing, snorkelling and diving or you may wish to simply relax around the resort’s famous lagoon pool.

I believe this course will be enlightening, inspirational, enjoyable and memorable. We have scheduled the course to allow registrants plenty of time to get back to Sydney for the 40th Anniversary Meeting of the ISPN. See you in paradise!