The Weill Cornell American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Medical Student Chapter hosted its annual Resident Match Night this past Monday, bringing together successfully matched graduating medical students and aspiring neurosurgeons for an evening of mentorship, advice, and inspiration.
This time-honored tradition at Weill Cornell Medicine offers a rare opportunity for chapter members to engage directly with peers who have recently navigated the competitive neurosurgery residency application process—one of the most rigorous pathways in academic medicine. This year’s event highlighted candid conversations about interview strategies, program selection, and the realities of neurosurgical training.
Susan C. Pannullo, M.D. ‘87, Professor of Clinical Neurological Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine, serves as the Faculty Sponsor for the AANS Medical Student Chapter. Dr. Pannullo, an award-winning educator who completed medical school, two residencies (neurology and neurological surgery) and fellowship all under the roof of Cornell University Medical College (now Weill Cornell Medicine), praised the initiative and its student-led format.
“Resident Match Night is a testament to the strength of our neurosurgery community,” said Dr. Pannullo. “By giving students a platform to share their lived experience, we foster transparency, mentorship, and the kind of peer leadership that defines Weill Cornell’s approach to medical education.”
Chapter President Chris Padilla, alongside a dedicated executive board, organized the evening, which emphasized open dialogue and peer-driven guidance. Chris commented, "It's always great to hear from the experiences of upperclassmen. We're glad Abhi, Carlos and Kyle could make it out and were willing to share their stories with us." In keeping with the group’s student-centered values, faculty stepped back to allow for an authentic and supportive space for discussion.
The event continues to serve as a bridge between graduating students and those at earlier stages in their training, reinforcing Weill Cornell Medicine’s commitment to cultivating future leaders in neurosurgery.
To learn more about the AANS Medical Student Chapter and neurosurgical opportunities at Weill Cornell, visit https://neurosurgery.weill.cornell.edu/education/medical-student-programs-neurological-surgery.
