Meet the 2026 WINS Scholars
Meet the 2026 WINS Scholars
Meet Dr. Madona Akhobadze and Dr. Zamzam Aberuka, two women advancing neurosurgery in Georgia and Africa as 2026 WINS Scholars.
We’re improving neurosurgery around
the globe
With 137 chapters across 32 countries, we’re uniting medical professionals, researchers, and students to advance equitable neurosurgical care worldwide. Every effort begins and ends with the people we serve.
Nepal Medical College Kathmandu University
Nepal Medical College Kathmandu University
Members
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Texas Tech University of Health Sciences School of Medicine Lubbock
Texas Tech University of Health Sciences School of Medicine Lubbock
Members
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Members
UAB's chapter partners globally and locally to promote healthcare equity, build research capacity, and inspire future scientists while improving care transitions for spina bifida patients.
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Florida State University College Of Medicine
Florida State University College Of Medicine
Members
FSU COM’s chapter reflects a shared commitment to education and global neurosurgery, working to train and empower future professionals.
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University of Arizona
University of Arizona
Members
University of Arizona’s chapter emphasizes cutting-edge education and outreach to promote global health and develop future neurosurgeons.
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University of Washington School of Medicine
University of Washington School of Medicine
Members
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Institute of Medicine Tribhuvan University
Institute of Medicine Tribhuvan University
Members
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India West Zone
India West Zone
Members
India's West Zone chapter improves community health through impactful health camps and outreach programs, addressing healthcare gaps with essential medical support.
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Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Medical College
Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Medical College
Members
PDUMC's chapter combines medical expertise with outreach programs, improving healthcare access and positively impacting patients in regions with limited resources.
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University of Sierra Leone
University of Sierra Leone
Members
University of Sierra Leone's chapter builds a neuroscience and neurosurgery community, aiming to develop local professionals in a country with limited resources.
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University of Gambia
University of Gambia
Members
The Banjul chapter in Gambia exposes medical students to neurosurgery and neuroscience, working with the country’s only neurosurgeon to build interest in these fields.
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University of Ibadan
University of Ibadan
Members
Ibadan's chapter strengthens community healthcare by providing access to neurosurgical education, improving awareness of neurological conditions.
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University of Ilorin
University of Ilorin
Members
Ilorin's chapter is committed to raising awareness about neurological disorders, focusing on prevention and treatment while challenging spiritual misconceptions within the community.
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M P Shash
M P Shash
Members
M P Shah’s chapter is dedicated to enhancing neurosurgical care through community outreach, education, and raising awareness about neurological disorders.
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Pakistan
Pakistan
Members
Pakistan's chapter caters to neurosurgical education, building a network for knowledge transfer, research, and technology integration across all educational levels.
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Patan Academy of Health Sciences
Patan Academy of Health Sciences
Members
Patan Academy of Health Sciences’ chapter conducts health screenings and sanitation programs, addressing urgent healthcare needs and empowering underserved populations.
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KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital
KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital
Members
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Kathmandu University of Medical Sciences
Kathmandu University of Medical Sciences
Members
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS) chapter provides medical outreach and health education, improving healthcare access for underserved populations.
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Universidad Ricardo Palma
Universidad Ricardo Palma
Members
Universidad Ricardo Palma’s chapter transforms neuroscience knowledge into action by committing to research and patient care, emphasizing the well-being of patients.
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AlFaisal University
AlFaisal University
5
Members
Established in 2019, with a goal of increasing awareness around sustainability in West Gambia.
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Humanitas University
Humanitas University
Members
Humanitas University's chapter focuses on advancing global neurosurgery through student-led education, research, and outreach to underserved communities.
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Universidad de Buenos Aires
Universidad de Buenos Aires
Members
UBA's chapter provides both hands-on and theoretical learning in neurology and neurosurgery, offering workshops, mentorship, and research activities.
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Universidad Militar Nueva Granada
Universidad Militar Nueva Granada
Members
Universidad Militar Nueva Granada’s chapter in Colombia has been active for a year, promoting neuroscience education and community outreach through its dedicated members.
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Universidad Católica Boliviana
Universidad Católica Boliviana
Members
Universidad Católica Boliviana Tarija's chapter is committed to improving neurological health and healthcare access in underserved communities through medical outreach.
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Universidad Iberoamericana
Universidad Iberoamericana
Members
UNIBE's chapter is dedicated to advancing neuroscience education and providing community support through innovative research and outreach.
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Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana
Members
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana’s chapter promotes neurological education through research, fostering collaboration and community-driven initiatives.
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Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Members
UNAM’s chapter enhances neuroscience education and research through partnerships and community-driven outreach activities.
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Universidad Anáhuac
Universidad Anáhuac
Members
Anahuac Norte’s chapter focuses on fostering student participation and engagement in advancing neurosurgical education and outreach.
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Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara
Members
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara’s chapter fosters a neuroscience learning community, with members committed to treating, educating, and empowering their peers.
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Universidad de Guadalajara
Universidad de Guadalajara
Members
Universidad de Guadalajara’s chapter bridges gaps in healthcare by promoting neurosurgical education and outreach in local and underserved communities.
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Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla
Members
Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla’s chapter promotes neuroscience research and education through partnerships with academic institutions and outreach efforts.
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Anahuac Mayab
Anahuac Mayab
Members
Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas’ chapter excels in organizing high-impact events, promoting neurosurgical education through symposia, workshops, and research.
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Universidad de Monterrey
Universidad de Monterrey
Members
Universidad de Monterrey's chapter, composed of 12 members, engages in innovative fundraising activities for neurosurgical care and neuroscience education.
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Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas
Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas
Members
Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas’ chapter excels in organizing high-impact events, promoting neurosurgical education through symposia, workshops, and research.
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Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México
Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México
Members
UAEMéx’s chapter supports the advancement of neuroscience education through local outreach, recruitment, and academic dissemination.
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Mission Panama
Mission Panama
Members
Panamá's chapter raises awareness about neurological diseases and promotes knowledge on their recognition and prevention while advancing neurosurgical care.
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Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego
Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego
Members
UPAO's chapter in Peru focuses on advancing neurological education, offering practical lessons and scientific knowledge for future healthcare professionals.
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Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
Members
Cayetano Heredia’s chapter promotes healthcare access and education, providing opportunities for students and underserved communities through medical outreach.
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Boston School of Medicine
Boston School of Medicine
Members
Boston University School of Medicine’s chapter leverages its experience treating underserved populations to apply its skills in global neurosurgery.
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Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
Members
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University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Members
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University of Louisville School of Medicine
University of Louisville School of Medicine
Members
The University of Louisville chapter collaborates with academic health systems to promote health equity, focusing on personalized opportunities for members in neurosurgical education.
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Texas A&M University College of Medicine
Texas A&M University College of Medicine
Members
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The University of Texas Medical Branch
The University of Texas Medical Branch
Members
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- The network
Chapters across the Americas
Medical students and residents organizing for equitable neurosurgical care, campus by campus.
- Global impact
Sierra Leone’s first neurosurgeries
Made possible through local collaboration, followed by the country’s first locally performed brain tumor surgery.
- Hackathon
From idea to impact in Pakistan
Hackathon winners are bringing the Second Chance Card into clinical settings in Pakistan.
- Scholarship
Opening doors in Mexico
The Beca Juan Beckmann Vidal Scholarship supports Mexican students pursuing neurosurgery.
- Your turn
Find your chapter
137 chapters in 27 countries. Search your school to see where you fit in.
Explore the Organization
Learn, explore, and get inolved with the mission:BRAIN organization.
Programs
Annual programs and events put on by the mission:BRAIN organization.
News
News from around the organization, and what our chapters have been accomplishing
Chapters
The engine of our organization. Learn how they work, and get involved!
Donations
How donations are used to strengthen global neurosurgical capacity across the globe.
Active events, programs, and more
Events, scholarships, impacts, and ways to get involved with the organization! Let's spread hope!
Hackathon
Teams are formed from around the world, and some of the greatest minds in neurosurgery come together to judge, and pitch solutions.
Juan Beckmann Scholarship
Applications are open for 2026. This Scholarship exists for Mexican students persuing neurosurgery.
RPMP Applications Open
Join us as a mentor, mentee, or faculty advisor and unlock amazing research opportunities.
Recent Podcast (ep. 9)
We sit down with neurosurgeon Sophie d’Herbémont, who shares her journey from France to Mexico!
Announcement
Recipients selected
Beca Juan Beckmann Vidal Scholarship awardees
Congratulations to our 2026 recipients, Dr. Patricia M. Ibáñez Palazuelos and Dr. Bernardo Ramos Fraga.
Dr. Patricia M. Ibáñez Palazuelos
https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/66fd8ea7ace5289893ede23a/6af3916f22965f42cb6a9a6c_6ab42550c4a12ecc0bedb0d0_416b678e-21df-484c-9eb4-518d313a59ff-image0.jpeg
Dr. Bernardo Ramos Fraga
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https://www.missionbrain.org/scholarships-folder/beckmann-scholarship
Highlight
M:B Strope
Every minute counts.
Tu cerebro no espera.
Stroke + prevention across Latin America.
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https://mcusercontent.com/84ff708472dff9120ae0b6d91/files/600ea7e3-6abf-07c5-70e7-fb371ff187c2/Newsletter_June_compressed.pdf
Event
Upcoming summit
Asia Summit
500+ members. 7 countries. One mission.
27–29
November 2026
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Bottom
500+ members | 14 chapters | 7 countries
https://www.missionbrain.org/programs/asia-summit
Story
Global impact
Sierra Leone's first neurosurgeries, made possible through local collaboration
A historic step forward through local leadership and global collaboration.
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Left
https://www.missionbrain.org/learning-center-post/sierra-leone-a-day-by-day-reflection-on-partnership-progress-and-patient-impact
Feature (cream)
Coming soon
2006 – 2026
20
Years of mission:BRAIN
https://www.missionbrain.org/about
People
Scholarship
Our 2026
WINS Scholars
Dr. Madona Akhobadze
Head of Neurosurgery · Georgia
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Dr. Zamzam Aberuka
Neurosurgery Resident · Uganda / Egypt
https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/66fd8ea7ace5289893ede23a/6af2238ed9d63f4970be4f56_599d4cbd-b80e-4ca2-81e7-26ef802c5335.png
https://www.missionbrain.org/learning-center-post/meet-the-2026-wins-scholars
Number 2
CNS 2026 · Washington, DC
43
Accepted works from 24 mission:BRAIN members
https://www.missionbrain.org/learning-center-post/cns-2026-presenting-authors
Number 1 (flags)
Our network
137
Chapters across the globe
https://www.missionbrain.org/chapters
Hero
About mission:BRAIN
Get to know
the organization
Learn more about mission:BRAIN's global work, chapters, and the people advancing neurosurgical care through education and community impact.
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Center
https://www.missionbrain.org/about
Recipients Selected
Congratulations to the Beca Juan Beckmann Vidal Scholarship Awardees
We are thrilled to annouce Dr. Patricia M. Ibáñez Palazuelos & Dr. Patricia M. Ibáñez Palazuelos as the 2026 Juan Beckmann Scholarship recipients.
Up to $36k
6-12 Months
US Based Rotations
Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-hinojosa
@
DoctorQMd
@DrMiguelAristi @MayoClinic @MayoClinicNeuro @DoctorQMDLab @mayoflnsgyres @MayoMrfa Thank you @DrMiguelAristi for inspiring me/us to build a better future for all. @MayoClinicNeuro @MayoClinic @missionbrainorg @DoctorQMDLab
March 29, 2025
Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-hinojosa
@
DoctorQMd
Proud of @BeraudDawn @aimbe Executive Director. I met her during her PhD in Neuroscience @woodshole and @HopkinsNsurg ; she came to the #OR She is making eloquent points about why we need to be engaged in science beyond the borders of our lab @MayoClinic @missionbrainorg
March 29, 2025
Stay Connected
News from around the organization
Stay informed on recent activities, announcements, and milestones across our global network. This section helps you keep track of the progress, partnerships, and programs happening throughout the organization.
2035
10 Year Goals
Giving with confidence is easy, when you know the goals you're supporting
Grassroots advocacy & literacy in neuroscience
Empowering underrepresented communities through education and advocacy in brain health.
Harnessing the Metaverse
Connecting communities via the Mission Metaverse University (MBMU) to provide innovative neurosurgical education.
AI for Data Collection
Leveraging AI to address complex neurosurgical challenges with precision and innovation.
Provide framework and model for inter-sectoral neurosurgical capacity-building
Creating a systematic approach to enhance global neurosurgical capacity through collaboration.
Empowering the next generation of neurosurgeons
Building a sustainable support network to nurture future leaders in neurosurgery and neuroscience.
mission:brain
Currently impacting
137
CHAPTERS
28
COUNTRIES
55,000+
LIVES IMPACTED
Stay up to date, and informed about what we're doing!
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