Charter, Rules & Regulations

CAST Structure

The Committee on Advanced Subspecialty Training (CAST) is responsible for the development and refinement of training requirements for advanced subspecialty fellowship programs that can apply for program accreditation. Until September 1, 2019, CAST was also responsible for individual advanced subspecialty trainees (certification) beyond those of the core neurosurgery residency.

CAST is comprised of a Chair, Chair Elect, and seven additional members, plus an administrator. Adhoc members are added as needed. A CAST committee member may serve up to two terms, with each term lasting 2 years. CAST EC committee consists of the Chair, Chair Elect, NESAC Chair, NCTAC Chair, and CAST Administrator.

The SNS Executive Council appoints CAST officers and may appoint them for extended terms. CAST members are appointed from active SNS members. The Chairs of NESAC (Neuroendovascular Surgery Advisory Committee) and NCTAC (Neurocritical Care Trauma Advisory Committee) are also a member of the CAST Committee.

The SNS Executive Council looks for current or past members of the RC for Neurological Surgery and/or current or past directors of the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) as good candidates for appoint to CAST. This is due to the familiarity these people have with the principles of the accreditation and certification processes. The CAST Chair attends the SNS Council meetings for the purpose of continuity between the work of CAST and that of the Council.

CAST is in close communication with the AANS/CNS Sections in the establishment of fellowship-level subspecialty training program requirements and updates as needed. Fellowship Review Committees (FRC), appointed in conjunction with Section leadership, assist CAST in reviewing accreditation applications and establishing practice standards. Considerations for FRC participation include, but are not limited to, active membership in the SNS, past or present Section leadership activities, and experience as a director of an existing fellowship.

As of September 1, 2019, The ABNS is responsible for managing subspecialty certification now referred to as Recognition of Focused Practice (RFP). There are currently three ABMS approved RFPs: 1) Pediatric Neurological Surgery, 2) Neurocritical Care and 3) CNS Endovascular Surgery.