Experiential Learning Areas

Experiential Learning Areas (ELAs) are short, engaging talks and presentations designed to help you advance intellectually, personally, and professionally. Explore six areas that will spark your imagination and help you learn in fresh ways. From conversation corners to talks with physicians and AAN staff, you'll find plenty of opportunities to engage with speakers. Learn more about each area and see complete talk lineups at AAN.com/ELA.

ACADEMIC NEUROLOGY is… Timely. Engaging. Personalized.

This is a brand-new ELA exclusively focused on academic neurology. If you are in any position in an academic neurology department, this is a one-stop shop to explore and learn about everything related to academic neurology.

Highlighted talks in this area include:

Academic Neurology: What Is the AAN Doing to Help Academic Neurology Saturday, April 17, 9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. ET

Ralph L. Sacco, MD, MS, FAHA, FAAN Come hear what the AAN is doing for academic neurology and let us know what else we can do to help you.

Different Pathways to Becoming a Chair Saturday, April 17, 4:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. ET

Frances E. Jensen, MD, FAAN; Cathy A. Sila, MD, FAAN; and Robin L. Brey, MD, FAAN This panel will discuss essential responsibilities and traits individuals need to address while considering a future as a chair.

Turning ”Diversity Tax” into Currency in Neurology Sunday, April 18, 9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. ET

Roy H. Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAN In this talk, we recognize the burden that the diversity tax places on certain populations of practicing neurologists and trainees; discuss strategies for finding the right balance between promoting diversity-related activities and dedicating oneself to traditional career goals; and present practical strategies for translating diversity-related efforts into activities that are considered meritorious for career development in neurology.

Sharing of Best Practices for Division Chiefs in an Academic Neurology Department Wednesday, April 21, 9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. ET

Brenda Banwell, MD, FAAN This program is for new and current Neurology Division Chiefs to learn best practices in an approach where the speakers talk about things that went great and things we would not do again.

ADVANCING LEADERSHIP IN NEUROLOGY is… Transformative. Career Growth. Awareness-building.

This brand-new ELA is the primary place at the Annual Meeting to learn about core leadership concepts that you can use to advance your career presented alongside timely issues relating to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-racism, and Social Justice. If you are curious to learn more about leadership concepts and want to increase your self-awareness and knowledge, this is the ELA for you. Also, be sure to stop by to take self-administered bias tests to learn where you currently stand, and what you can learn more about. This area will also include opportunities throughout the week to engage directly with Leadership Program alumni on a variety of exciting topics.

Highlighted talks in this area include:

Blind Spots: The Impact of Conscious and Unconscious Biases Sunday, April 18, 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. ET

Charles C. Flippen, II, MD, FAAN; Jeffrey C. McClean, II, MD, FAAN; Laraine Kaminsky; and Janis Miyasaki, MD, FAAN This live panel discussion features a presentation by expert consultant Laraine Kaminsky, who specializes in developing inclusive leaders. Following the panel discussion, join us for interactive breakout sessions and an open panel discussion with Academy Board Members Dr. Flippen, Dr. Miyasaki, and AAN Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Joint Coordinating Council Chair Dr. McClean.

Health Care Disparities in Populations Tuesday, April 20, 6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. ET

Alejandro Vargas, MD, and Sharon Lewis, MD Come participate in an open forum for discussion on tackling health care disparities and constructive ways to promote awareness.

Additionally, this area will host a series of three talks on crucial leadership concepts, led by professional leadership consultants:

Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Saturday, April 17, 2:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. ET

Joanne Smikle, PhD Find out why emotional intelligence is the factor that can make or break your career as a leader.

Negotiation Techniques and Tools Monday, April 19, 6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. ET

Selena Rezvani Negotiation remains a key foundational skill for any leader.

Navigating Conflict in a Virtual World Thursday, April 22, 4:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. ET

Barbara L. Hoese With the change to a virtual model over the last year, how do you handle when conflicts arise?

CAREERS IN NEUROLOGY is… Resourceful. Innovative. Diverse.

This ELA is a great opportunity to explore and navigate your career by taking in the variety of offerings covering topics in research and careers.

Highlighted talks in this area include:

What Should Applicants Look for in a Program? Saturday, April 17, 1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. ET

Peter Hannon, MD, and Adam De Havenon, MD Drawing on years of program director experience in neurology residency and fellowship, the presenters' focus will be on what makes a training program the right fit for an applicant, and not the other way around.

Are You My Mentor?: How to Select a Good Mentor for Your Research Program Sunday, April 18, 9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. ET

Deborah Hall, MD, PhD, FAAN Back by popular demand, come to this talk to learn how to select a good mentor for your research.

A Career in General Neurology: Knowing Everything About Everything Monday, April 19, 9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. ET

Kirk Roberts, MD, FAAN This discussion will focus on the challenges and rewards of general neurology and ask for audience participation on how to succeed in this field and how to maintain trainee interest in general neurology in this era of ever-increasing subspecialization.

K Is for Career Development Tuesday, April 20, 9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. ET

Holly E. Hinson, MD, MCR, FAAN This session will cover the different types of Ks, how a K differs from other Career Development Awards, the sections of the application, and hints to get started. The talk will end with time for attendee questions.

How the Neuroscience of Bias Changed My Career Thursday, April 22, 9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. ET

Jose H. Posas, MD, FAAN In this talk, faculty will delve into how they were able to channel anger and outrage at health care disparities they were seeing around them into actionable items on a rising agenda that has helped them help their patients, their community, and their future colleagues.

HEADTALKS is… Creative. Unique. Compelling.

This popular ELA is back! HeadTalks are an incredibly unique form of education at the AAN. The focus of HeadTalks is on having amazing speakers connect with their audience on a topic that you won’t hear anywhere else. This ELA is less focused on slides and more on interactive and storytelling sessions that serve both to educate us but also to entertain and even inspire us. The beauty of HeadTalks is that you could be a well-seasoned renowned neurologist or a non-neurologist and find incredible value from the session.

”HeadTalks are often what most attendees recall about the meeting. It’s that great!” Joseph Sirven, MD, FAAN

Highlighted talks in this area include:

Beyond the White Coat: Who We are, Where We Live, What We Love Saturday, April 17, 3:00 p.m.–3:35 p.m. ET

Ann H. Tilton, MD, FAAN; Ralph L. Sacco, MD, MS, FAHA, FAAN; Cynthia L. Comella, MD, FAAN; Nina F. Schor, MD, PhD, FAAN; and Joseph F. Drazkowski, MD, FAAN Have you ever wanted to learn more about what your neurology colleagues do in their free time? This interesting new session will feature homes, hobbies, and unique talents of a variety of neurologists.

Neuro-oncology Around the World— Global Perspective on Brain Cancer Patient Care Monday, April 19, 3:00 p.m.–3:35 p.m. ET

Maciej M. Mrugala, MD, PhD, MPH, FAAN; Agnieszka Slowik; Hui K. Gan; Alejandro Zavala Reina; and Kathy Oliver During this panel discussion, speakers will introduce neuro-oncology as a specialty, discuss the field and how it developed over the years, and then end with a question and answer session.

The Neurology of Wine Tasting Tuesday, April 20, 5:00 p.m.–5:35 p.m. ET

Jaime R. Lopez, MD We will review what happens, physiologically and emotionally, when we taste wine. We encourage you to grab a glass or two of wine, if two glasses, then two different wines, and join me and our guest sommelier, Mr. Youbirt Aissa, in an interactive wine tasting.

Neurology Trivia: Localize the Lesion Wednesday, April 21, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. ET

Luis F. Torres, MD This is an interactive game show where peers compete against each other attempting to answer questions related to common and uncommon neurologic conditions.

LIVE WELL is… Awareness-building. Honest. Supportive.

Taking care of your patients begins with taking care of yourself. Since focusing on wellness is vital for everyone, the Live Well ELA will offer resources for everyone with particular focus on the practicing neurologist or resident who is juggling professional commitments with life outside of practice. Those who are currently experiencing stress and looking for solutions that have worked for other like-minded professionals may especially benefit from visiting the Live Well ELA. Stop by for daily yoga sessions and meditation, brain games, take a mini escape with the aquarium cam, and to tap into a wealth of wellness resources throughout the meeting.

Highlighted talks in this area include:

Family Caring and Parenting Sunday, April 18, 9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. ET

Amtul Farheen, MD, FAAN; Nancy Hammond, MD; and Paul G. Mathew, MD, FAAN This panel discussion will address unique challenges neurologists face while being both doctors and caring for children, parents, or family members.

What About Wellness for Residents and Fellows? Tuesday, April 20, 3:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. ET

Aimee Aoi Sato, MD Addressing organizational, systemic, and cultural factors of wellness are crucial, but takes time and are unfortunately often not in the control of residents. We will focus on concrete things that you, as the resident or fellow, can do to increase your well-being.

Exercise and Physical Activity in the Time of COVID-19 Tuesday, April 20, 5:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. ET

Ann Marie Collier, MD This talk will address the impact of isolation during the current COVID-19 pandemic on our health and discuss ways to incorporate healthy habits of moving and exercising to boost one's sense of wellness and overall health.

Your Career Environment Wednesday, April 21, 9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. ET

Cormac A. O'Donovan, MD This talk will approach the work environment within the practice of neurology, and techniques that can be used to increase one’s sense of wellbeing within their workplace–wherever that may be!

PIONEERING PRACTICE, POLICY, AND PERFORMANCE: STAYING AHEAD OF CHANGE is… Innovative. Empowering. Engaging.

Covering topics often left out of traditional courses, this ELA fills the gap for attendees interested in learning how to improve their practice and increase revenue by adopting cutting-edge technology, maximizing the potential of their care team, and incorporating advocacy issues. Attendees from any practice setting curious about navigating the changing landscape of medicine should attend for practice management solutions, paths to advocacy to lesson your burden, or empowerment to adopt technology to improve the lives of providers and patients.

Highlighted talks in this area include:

The Neurology of Video Games Saturday, April 17, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. ET

Daniel Joseph Ackerman, MD; Jose H. Posas, MD, FAAN; Delia Bakeman, MD; Julia Esther Staisch, MD; Priscilla Chee, MD; and Alissa A. Chitlangia, MD This live, interactive talk includes perspectives from several neurologists on how their areas of expertise collide with the gaming world.

Moving the Needle Forward Together: An Opportunity to Dialogue with Physician Leaders from Epic and Cerner Sunday, April 18, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. ET

Allison L. Weathers, MD, FAAN; Jamie Grenier; Jeffrey Wall, MD; Kelly Mundth, RN, MSN-Ed; and Dave Little, MD Join this talk for a moderated panel where you will hear directly from the physician leaders of the two major electronic health record vendors used by most neurologists. Most importantly, participants will be able to voice their ideas for optimizations and improvements.

Meet Your Practice Support Network: Ask Us Anything About Managing Your Practice Sunday, April 18, 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. ET

Michael E. Markowski, DO, FAAN; Gurdesh Bedi, MD, FAAN; and Marcia Dover, MD Learn about the AAN’s resources for solo and small practitioners and be sure to bring questions for the panel.

Neurology Networking & Advocacy Through Social Media Monday, April 19, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. ET

Kara Stavros, MD; Ima M. Ebong, MD; Justine Ker; Jeff Kraakevik, MD; Kathrin LaFaver, MD, FAAN; and Aarti Sarwal, MD, FAAN This will be a panelist-based discussion and Q&A on how social media can be used to foster community and increase visibility for neurologycentered topics, as well as motivate current and inspire future neurologists. This talk is also live and interactive—learn how to advocate for patients and neurology and enhance your social media presence, in real time!

Talks for Trainees: Understanding Patients as Consumers Tuesday, April 20, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. ET

Allison L. Weathers, MD, FAAN; Marsha Smith, MD, FAAN; and Michael Anthony Leander Johnson, MD This talk explores medical care delivery through the perspectives of patients as customers. Through interactive case-based scenarios, we will explore several potential influences on health care consumer perceptions and discuss how providers can prepare for these and avoid pitfalls.

2021 Coding Odyssey Tuesday, April 20, 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. ET

Brian T. Cabaniss, MD, and Meghan Ashley Ward, MD Through interactive case examples, faculty will guide the audience through the nuances of billing based on time and medical decision making (MDM) with this new code set. Each case will be followed by an open discussion period to address any questions members have based on experiences in their own practices.