2026 Summer Business Meeting Minutes

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Rocky Mountain Neurosurgical Society

2026 Business Meeting

June 23^rd, 2026

Grand Hyatt Deer Valley 

Park City, Utah

The meeting was called to order by RMNS President, Dr. John Clough at 0734. 

Present at the meeting: Dr. John Clough, Dr. Joel MacDonald, Dr. Brad Duhon, Dr. Joe Sramek, Dr. Justin Davis, Dr. Michael Seiff, Dr. Ben Shofty, Dr. William Thoman, Allie Whipple and Jessie Tarnow. 

Dr. Clough expressed gratitude to the board members for planning another great meeting. An open discussion was held among the board members present regarding the viability of the society and  a plan moving forward. The financials of the group were discussed by Dr. MacDonald. Dwindling numbers of society members are a significant concern. There are 3 times as many exhibitors present than members at this year’s meeting. Only 2-3 residents were able to be present in person for this year’s meeting and resident attendance has been on a decline the past few years. 5 years ago, there was roughly a $150,000 buffer in the bank account and this has dwindled to roughly $25,000 prior to this meeting. The meetings have become much more expensive and more difficult to plan given the inability to plan the meetings greater than 1 year out. The in person winter meeting has been suspended for the past two years to try and protect the financial stability of the society. It was felt that the 60^th annual meeting has been successful due to the meeting location (close to residency program and vendor locations, along with easy travel location). If a meeting is pursued next year, consideration into these factors should be made for selection of the venue. Alternative options were proposed, including: shortening the meeting length (Friday to Monday), shift the meeting to earlier in June (multiple conflicts between resident graduation/responsibilities, Father’s day weekend, family travel plans), change the nature of the meeting (travel club with no vendor support, aka the “RMNS Senior Society”) or a trade show with no CME. The possibility of having a gap year to plan and rebuild the group was also proposed. Several positions were not filled for this year’s executive board and repeat members filled in the responsibility of these roles. The burden and stress associated with planning the meeting was also discussed and the challenge of balancing executive board responsibilities with professional and personal life. Dr. MacDonald recommended waiting a few weeks to see how the financials settle after the meeting concludes. He would also like to see what Jenny Alcebo (travel planner) reports back for possible meeting locations as well. It was agreed to allow a few weeks for these things to occur, then reconvene to determine how to proceed for next year. Currently, Dr. Justin Davis is set to be president for the 61^st annual meeting and Dr. MacDonald is able to continue his position as website administrator/historian/treasurer. An overall consensus among the members present was sadness over the possibility that the RMNS has possibly reached its end. Members expressed gratitude for the comradery and friendship that has occurred over the years through the society.