Dr. Gail Rosseau Delivers the Charles L. Plante Lecture on Global Neurosurgical Advocacy

At #AANS2025, Dr. Gail Rosseau delivers the 2025 Charles L. Plante Lecture, honoring the enduring spirit of neurosurgical advocacy and the legacy of Charlie Plante, neurosurgery’s first professional advocate in Washington, DC.

In this compelling address, Dr. Rosseau highlights the power of advocacy, the role of neurosurgeons as global leaders, and the need to expand access to neurosurgical care worldwide. She introduces the Boston Declaration, a landmark global initiative mobilizing neurosurgeons, institutions, and partners to improve access to safe, timely, and affordable neurosurgical care.

From her work in global health to advancing initiatives like folic acid fortification, traumatic brain injury reporting, and workforce development, Dr. Rosseau makes the case that global neurosurgery is the next frontier — a collective moonshot for our profession.