Neurosurgery Research &
Education Foundation
Neurosurgeons
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In the Honor of Dr. Michael Groff and Family
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the entire neurosurgical community mourn the untimely passing of Michael W. Groff, MD, FAANS, a distinguished spine neurosurgeon, beloved colleague and dedicated leader. Dr. Groff passed away tragically in a plane crash on April 12, 2025, leaving behind a profound legacy of clinical excellence, academic contribution, and selfless service to the field of neurosurgery. Even more tragically, Dr. Groff’s family members — including his wife Dr. Joy Saini, son Jared and oldest daughter Karenna, and Jared’s and Karenna’s girlfriend and boyfriend, respectively — were also victims of the tragic accident.
News & Updates
As the philanthropic arm of a medical association committed to advancing the health, safety, and well-being of individuals around the world, we wish to express our profound solidarity with citizens and our neurosurgeon colleagues around the world seeking, with international assistance, to defend their liberty, security and ancient, sacred cultural values. Furthermore, we wish to unequivocally express our condemnation of violence as a means of advancing individual or national self-interests, wherever and whenever such tyrannical disregard for human life, dignity and freedom takes place.
Please consider supporting relief efforts for the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine.
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Exciting news from NREF-supported research: Jonathon J. Parker, MD PhD (@Dr_JP_Parker) and researches at @MayoClinic have identified measurable brain responses within minutes of deep brain stimulation in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Dr. Parker received the 2023-24 NREF
19:00.679 for Team NeuROW in today’s Head Of The Charles Regatta. As the crew recovers from a great race, a few snapshots from the day #teamnref #neurowsurgeryoarbust #headofthecharles #neuROW
Team NREF NeuROW has taken to the Head Of The Charles Regatta with surgical precision! #neuROWsurgeryOARbust #headofthecharles
@taraedalton1@MJClarkeMD@ddonoho@AboschAviva
Tune in to watch NREF Team NeuROW as they take on the Directors’ Challenge Mixed Eight during today’s Head of the Charles Regatta. Heat begins at 4:19 pm, ET streaming on the Head of the Charles’ YouTube channel:
Show your support for Team NeuROW with a donation:
A few snapshots from today’s practice session with Dr. Boulis and the ladies. Thanks to Dr. Proctor for joining for the launch! Team NREF #NeuRow is grateful to Dr. Proctor and Community Rowing (CRI) for their generosity in lending the team equipment for the weekend. Next up,
Dr. Rosseau supports Team NREF-NeuROW. You should too!
https://secure.qgiv.com/event/nref-neurow/
The 2026 NREF Endovascular and Vascular Techniques Course for Senior Residents brought together residents and expert faculty at the @MERIofMemphis lab for immersive training in aneurysm treatment, cerebral angiography, bypass surgery and more.
A special thank you to our course
The 9 neurosurgeons who make up Team NREF-NeuROW have done some heavy lifting to prepare for this weekend. Now, they’re asking you to come along for the ride as they conquer the 2026 Head of the Charles Regatta. https://secure.qgiv.com/event/nref-neurow/
Did you know you can give to the NREF with a donor-advised fund (DAF)?
A DAF is a charitable giving account that allows contributors to add assets, get an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants over time. The NREF is excited to be part of this year’s giving day, and we
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The NREF is dedicated to providing education to neurosurgeons at all stages of their careers, as well as funding research into new and existing neurosurgical treatments, in order to identify links between best practices and improved outcomes in patient care.
On October 18, 2026, NREF-NeuROW will take on the 4,702-meter Head of the Charles Regatta course in Boston to support brain tumor research through the Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation. This team of nine neurosurgeons is rowing in memory of Dr. Andy Foy, honoring his legacy through continued investment in research and discovery. Join us through our “Money for Meters” campaign and help turn every meter rowed into meaningful momentum for brain tumor research and the future of neurosurgery.