WFN-AAN Global Advocacy Leadership Program

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and WFN are co-leading an innovative new global advocacy training program for neurologists from low- and lower-middle-income countries.

This program includes:

• Two-day training before the 2025 AAN Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA
• Training to improve your advocacy and communication skills
• Lectures regarding global health neurology needs
• Training and graduation before the 2025 World Congress of Neurology in Seoul, South Korea
• Completion of an advocacy action plan to improve the lives of patients and providers across the world
  
  

Applications for the Global Advocacy Leadership Program are now closed [Deadline August 14, 2024].

Program Overview

The Global Advocacy Leadership Program is an all-expenses-paid leadership development opportunity for international neurologists. It includes unique virtual programming and in-person events at two of the world’s most significant neurology meetings.

• Part 1: In-person training and programming April 3-4, 2025, before the AAN Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA
• Part 2: Virtual programming held monthly from May through September 2025
• Part 3: In-person training and graduation October 10-11, 2025, before the WFN World Congress of Neurology in Seoul, South Korea

Selected  participants are required to attend all three parts.

Eligibility Requirements

• Neurologists - formally trained in an academic program or healthcare professional specializing in neurology
• Must live and practice in a low or lower-middle income country as currently defined by the World Bank for 2024 (view list of countries ⧉)
• If accepted, participants must be a member of the AAN in 2025
• AAN Membership for low-income countries costs $55 per year.
• AAN Membership for lower-middle-income countries costs $200 per year.
• Must be available to attend all training events.
• Ability to travel to the United States and South Korea. 

** If you do not meet these requirements or are otherwise unable to apply this year but are interested in learning more about AAN and WFN advocacy opportunities, please contact advocacy@aan.com. 
 

Application Requirements

The AAN and WFN seek members with a clear passion, strong leadership interest, and willingness to serve as a global advocacy contact. Up to 20 members will be selected for the 2025 program. Applications are evaluated by a selection committee that looks for: 

• Strong interest in advocacy and leadership
• Passion for the profession and patients
• Desire to make organizational change
• Strategic thinking and planning skills
• Effective Communication
• Ability to motivate others and collaborate/network

Short Essay Questions

• What issue affecting neurology or neurology patients motivated you to apply? Specifically, what is it you want to change?
  • Should include discussion of challenges or unmet needs in your country or region.
• What are the important messages you want to communicate to the public and policymakers regarding your advocacy?
• Provide an example of your leadership experience, including any obstacles you may have had to overcome. 

Video Submission

• Submit a 2–3 minute video to tell us about yourself, where you practice, your interests in neurology, etc. 

Additional Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae

The program teaches international neurologists the following skills:

• Advocacy and Leadership: Facilitate change, develop policy, and address unmet or emerging health care needs
• Communication: Learn how to promote change through media relations and grassroots advocacy

Program graduates will act as global ambassadors for the AAN and the WFN.

Experienced advocate coaches and staff will assist you in preparing your action plan for optimum success, and you will network with AAN and WFN leadership and other committed colleagues.

The AAN and WFN will cover all expenses for participants. Be advised that the Global Advocacy Leadership Program may be funded in whole or in part from a transfer of value made from industry.