The Problem
Nepal has a growing number of trained neurosurgeons, but not many have opportunity to work in public hospitals. More than 90% of trained neurosurgeons in Nepal work at private hospitals, individual clinics, or individual nursing homes. Other trained Nepali neurosurgeons often practice as neurologists or neuropsychiatrists as they lack equipment to properly practice neurosurgery. This has led to a situation where neurosurgery is financially out of reach for many in Nepal, a reality we are working to transform.
Support to Bir Hospital
Bir Hospital is Nepal's pioneer center of neurosurgery, and consistently runs a waitlist for patients. VTCNN looks to act as a force multiplier for the hospital, sustaining existing programming in Nepal, scaling up trainings and providing additional specialized equipment and resources. Trainings will consist of didactic subject-specific seminars hosted at Bir Hospital in Kathmandu, typically co-sponsored by the Nepalese Society of Neurosurgeons (NESON). These are paired with hands-on demonstrations using supplies donated by program sponsors, including complex spine and functional neurosurgery workshops.
Accessible Medical Care
VTCNN is founded upon the principle of doing right by patients without question. We strive to provide as much free and reduced cost care as possible in Nepal, helping Nepal's neurosurgical ecosystem cope with its considerable needs. Finances are an issue for many patients, and we strive to help sponsor as many patients as possible who may otherwise have been turned away. We also fundraise to provide critical specialized neurosurgery equipment that the hospital is unable to afford on its own.
The Everest Conference
In April 2027, VTCNN will host the inaugural Everest Conference, providing networking opportunities for the international neurosurgery community, sharing current research in neurosurgery, highlighting the Nepali neurosurgery ecosystem, and showcasing local culture and the resilience of the Nepali people. The conference will focus beyond functional neurosurgery, looking into a variety of sub-specialties, and provide the opportunity for neurosurgeons from across the globe to share their research and best practices. The first of its kind in Nepal, the conference offers a platform for sharing innovations from those practicing in both high and low resource environments, as well as the challenges neurosurgeons are seeing across the field. The setting will provide the opportunity for neurosurgeons to visit Nepal, see Mt. Everest, and experience local Sherpa culture. Most importantly, The Everest Conference will introduce Nepali neurosurgery to the world.
Neurosurgery Fellowship Program
12-month fellowship program, bringing Nepali faculty to the United States to train with Virginia Tech faculty, empowering participants with cutting-edge training, creating leaders in the field, and strengthening the overall capacity of the Nepali neurosurgical community. With time, expand the fellowship into a reciprocal program, giving American neurosurgeons the opportunity to hone their craft at Bir Hospital under tutelage from Nepali doctors, cementing partnership between the American and Nepali neurosurgical communities.