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3rd Annual University of Chicago Neurotrauma Symposium: Penetrating Brain Injury – Exploring Practice Changes, Persistent Gaps, and Advancing Research Collaborations
Chicago, IL US
September 26, 2025 to September 27, 2025
Join us for an exciting journey through the latest updates in penetrating brain injury care!
Don't miss this symposium, where cutting-edge science meets practical application to change the management of penetrating brain injuries (PBI). This dynamic event will immerse you in the latest clinical guidelines, spotlight urgent knowledge gaps, and tackle practice challenges head-on. Gain actionable insights to elevate patient care, shape research priorities, and drive impactful, patient-centered improvements. Through engaging discussions on clinical priorities, groundbreaking research methodologies, and the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, this symposium will empower you to be at the forefront of trauma management innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and lead the way in transforming outcomes for patients with firearm-inflicted brain injuries.
Click the "Get Started!" tab to register today!
Click the "Get Started!" tab to register today!
Target Audience
This activity is designed for clinicians, clinical research methodologists, agency representatives, and community members dedicated to advancing the management of firearm-inflicted brain injuries.
Learning Objectives
After this activity, participants will be able to:
- Recall the most recent guidelines for the management of PBI;
- Identify key knowledge gaps in FIBI and avenues for further research;
- Outline a multidisciplinary approach to acute resuscitation and management of FIBI, integrating insights from diverse medical specialties;
- Describe how collaboration can be used to improve research into PBI and FIBI treatment;
- Appraise acute neurosurgical and neurocritical care interventions to optimize outcomes for FIBI patients, incorporating evidence-based practices;
- Evaluate various research methodologies for investigating FIBI, addressing the unique challenges of this injury type.
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| Friday, September 26 | ||||
| Time | Session | Talk Title | Moderator | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Registration & Breakfast | |||
| 8:00 AM | Introduction to the Symposium and Housekeeping | Introduction to the Symposium | Susan Rowell, Ali Mansour, Fernando Goldenberg, Paramita Das | |
| 8:15 AM | Welcome | Chairman's Welcome | Shyam Prabhakaran | |
| 8:30 AM | Panel: Updates in PBI Injury Guidelines | Ali Mansour | Bradley Dengler, Randy Bell, Greg Hawryluk | |
| 9:30 AM | Keynote Speaker | Clinical Biomarker Imaging and Modifiers | Ali Mansour | Geoff Manley |
| 9:45 AM | Coffee Break | |||
| 10:00 AM | Session 2: Blast and Wartime Injuries - Talk 1 | Firearm- and Blast-Induced Penetrating Head Injury: A Clinically Focused Model for Early Risk Readouts | Fernando Goldenberg | Ibolja Cernak |
| 10:15 AM | Session 2: Blast and Wartime Injuries - Talk 2 | TBI in Modern War | Fernando Goldenberg | Geoffrey Ling |
| 10:30 AM | Session 2: Blast & Wartime Injuries - Panel | Session 2 Panel | Fernando Goldenberg | Ibolja Cernak, Geoffrey Ling, Bradley Dengler |
| 11:00 AM | Session 3: Electrophysiology in PBI - Talk 1 | Electrophysiology in PBI | Paramita Das | Elizabeth Carroll |
| 11:15 AM | Session 3:Electrophysiology in PBI - Talk 2 | Spreading Depolarizations in TBI | Paramita Das | Laura Ngwenya |
| 11:30 AM | Session 3: Electrophysiology in PBI - Panel | Session 3 Panel Discussion | Paramita Das | Elizabeth Carroll, Laura Ngwenya |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch | |||
| 1:00 PM | Patient Panel | Susan Rowell | ||
| 1:30 PM | Session 4: Ethical Issues in Penetrating Brain Injury - Talk 1 | Equity and Access for TBI Patients | Susan Rowell | Tanya Zakirson |
| 1:45 PM | Session 4: Ethical Issues in Penetrating Brain Injury - Talk 2 | Neurosurgery in the Gaza Strip | Susan Rowell | Basit Khan |
| 2:00 PM | Session 4: Ethical Issues in Penetrating Brain Injury - Panel | Session 4 Panel | Susan Rowell | Tanya Zakrison, Basit Khan, Nicole Meredyth |
| 2:30 PM | Coffee Break | |||
| 2:45 PM | Keynote Speaker | PBI Throughout History | Paramita Das | Bizhan Aarabi |
| 3:15 PM | Session 5: Penetrating Spinal Injuries | Non-Penetrating Spinal Injuries and SCI | Paramita Das | Michael Fehlings |
| 3:30 PM | Session 5: Penetrating Spinal Injuries | Duraplasty | Paramita Das | Paul Arnold |
| 3:45 PM | Session 5: Penetrating Spinal Injuries - Panel | Session 5 Panel | Paramita Das | Paul Arnold, Michael Fehlings |
| 4:20 PM | Reception | |||
| Saturday, September 27 | ||||
| Time | Session | Talk Title | Moderator | Speaker(s) |
| 8:00 AM | Registration & Breakfast | |||
| 8:15 AM | Welcome | Chairman's Welcome | Mohamad Bydon | |
| 8:30 AM | Session 6: Future of PBI Research and Technology - Talk 1 | From Breakdown to Repair: Innovative Cell and Blood Therapies for the Blood–Brain Barrier Compromise in TBI | Susan Rowell | Shibani Pati |
| 8:45 AM | Session 6: Future of PBI Research and Technology - Talk 2 | Challenges in TBI Trials | Susan Rowell | Martin Schreiber |
| 9:00 AM | Session 6: Future of PBI Research and Technology - Talk 3 | Patient/Stakeholder Engagement in Translational Research | Susan Rowell | Janet Betger |
| 9:15 AM | Session 6: Future of PBI Research and Technology - Talk 4 | Comparative Approaches | Susan Rowell | Stephen Wisniewski |
| 9:30 AM | Coffee Break | |||
| 9:45 AM | Session 6: Future of PBI Research and Technology - Talk 5 | Fluid-Based Biomarkers | Susan Rowell | Kevin Wang |
| 10:00 AM | Session 6: Future of PBI Research and Technology - Talk 6 | Current State of TBI Technology | Susan Rowell | Bradley Dengler |
| 10:15 AM | Session 6: Future of PBI Research and Technology - Panel | Session 6 Panel | Susan Rowell | Shibani Pati, Martin Schreiber, Janet Betger, Stephen Wisniewski, Kevin Wang, Bradley Dengler |
| 10:45 AM | Announcement: Penetrating Brain Injury Consortium | Penetrating Brain Injury Consortium | Susan Rowell, Ali Mansour, Fernando Goldenberg, Paramita Das | |
| 11:15 AM | Next Steps & Closing | Next Steps & Closing | Susan Rowell, Ali Mansour, Fernando Goldenberg, Paramita Das | |
*The agenda is subject to change.
David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago
1201 E 60th St
Chicago, IL
60637
United States
HYBRID ACTIVITY
Learners can attend this activity in person or virtually. For questions about the program, contact Neurotrauma Symposium Support via e-mail.
THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO DAVID RUBENSTEIN FORUM
The David Rubenstein Forum combines a variety of spaces, both formal and informal, large and small, calm and animated, focused and diffuse, scheduled and spontaneous. The Rubenstein Forum’s ten-story tower features vibrant and distinct “neighborhoods.” The Rubenstein Forum’s unique position on the Midway allows for expansive views toward the campus and surrounding communities as well as downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan. The City View Room on the 10th floor offers a strong visual connection between the university and the city, and it is an exquisite setting for hosting spectacular special events.
Lodging & Parking
During the symposium, you can stay at various area hotels. Below you will find some of the options available to you. For information on where to park at the David Rubenstein Forum, please visit their website.
The Study at the University of Chicago 1227 E 60th Street | Chicago, IL 60637 | Hyatt Place Chicago-South/University Medical Center 5225 S. Harper Avenue | Chicago, IL 60615 |
SOPHY® Hyde Park 1411 East 53rd Street | Chicago, IL 60615 | Best Western Plus Hyde Park Chicago Hotel 4900 S Lakeshore Drive | Chicago, IL 60615 |
Visiting Chicago
Discover why Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Chicago the Best Big City in the U.S. for a historic eighth year in a row. To help plan your stay in Chicago, visit choosechicago.com.
ACCESSIBILITY The University of Chicago is committed to providing equal access appropriate to need and circumstances and complies fully with legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are in need of special accommodation, please contact Neurotrauma Symposium Support via email at [email protected].
The University of Chicago reserves the right to cancel or postpone this conference due to unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event this activity must be cancelled or postponed, the registration fee will be refunded; however, The University of Chicago is not responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses to participants, including fees assessed by airline/travel/lodging agencies.
THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO COURSE DIRECTORS
Fernando Goldenberg, MDProfessor of Neurology and Neurological Surgery
Director of Neuroscience Critical Care
Co-Director, Comprehensive Stroke Center
Ali Mansour, MD, MSAssistant Professor of Neurology and Neurological Surgery
Director, Neurocritical Care Fellowship Program
Susan Rowell, MD, MBA, MCRProfessor of Surgery, Trauma, and Acute Care Surgery
Director, Surgical Critical Care Fellowship Program
Co-Director, Adult Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Disclosure Declarations
As a provider accredited by the ACCME, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine asks everyone in a position to control the content of an educational activity to disclose all financial relationships with any ineligible companies. This includes any entity whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Financial relationships are relevant if a financial relationship, in any amount, exists between the person in control of content and an ineligible company during the past 24 months, and the content of the education is related to the products of an ineligible company with whom the person has a financial relationship. Mechanisms are in place to identify and mitigate any relevant financial relationships before the start of the activity.
Additionally, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine requires Authors to identify investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration at first mention and where appropriate in the content.
As a provider accredited by the ACCME, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine asks everyone in a position to control the content of an educational activity to disclose all financial relationships with any ineligible companies. This includes any entity whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. Financial relationships are relevant if a financial relationship, in any amount, exists between the person in control of content and an ineligible company during the past 24 months, and the content of the education is related to the products of an ineligible company with whom the person has a financial relationship. Mechanisms are in place to identify and mitigate any relevant financial relationships before the start of the activity.
Additionally, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine requires Authors to identify investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration at first mention and where appropriate in the content.
Physician Credit
The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 8.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist Credit
The University of Chicago Medical Center is a licensed continuing education provider with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for Physical Therapy, license # 216-000030. All participants will be provided with a certificate of attendance. This course is approved for 8.75 continuing education hours for licensed therapists (PT, PTA, OT, or COTA) in Illinois. The University of Chicago Medical Center has not applied to any other state for therapist CE credit. Participants will need to do this individually through their jurisdiction outside of Illinois.
The University of Chicago Medical Center is a licensed continuing education provider with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for Physical Therapy, license # 216-000030. All participants will be provided with a certificate of attendance. This course is approved for 8.75 continuing education hours for licensed therapists (PT, PTA, OT, or COTA) in Illinois. The University of Chicago Medical Center has not applied to any other state for therapist CE credit. Participants will need to do this individually through their jurisdiction outside of Illinois.
Other Participant Credit
Other participants will receive a Certificate of Participation. For information on the applicability and acceptance of Certificates of Participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME, please consult your professional licensing board.
Other participants will receive a Certificate of Participation. For information on the applicability and acceptance of Certificates of Participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME, please consult your professional licensing board.
Please note: The credit claiming process will close three months after the activity ends. Requests to claim credit after three months may incur additional fees.
EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! Show Your Commitment to Innovation in Neurotrauma Care
Join leading clinicians, researchers, and decision-makers at the forefront of penetrating brain injury (PBI) care. This high-impact symposium explores the latest science, urgent knowledge gaps, and groundbreaking approaches to managing firearm-inflicted brain injuries (FIBI).
As an exhibitor, you'll gain direct access to a multidisciplinary audience, including neurosurgeons, trauma specialists, critical care providers, and research leaders, who are actively shaping clinical practice and research priorities in neurotrauma. Whether engaging with participants during strategic networking breaks or gaining visibility through program recognition, exhibiting at this event offers a powerful platform to:
- Showcase your products, services, and solutions that support innovative trauma care
- Build relationships with key influencers in the PBI and FIBI care community
- Align your brand with cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to demonstrate your organization’s leadership in advancing care for patients with firearm-related brain injuries. Download the 
prospectus or contact Neurotrauma Symposium Support via email or phone at 773-702-5817. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
prospectus or contact Neurotrauma Symposium Support via email or phone at 773-702-5817. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
HOW TO REGISTER
Please log in or create an account to register. Once logged in, select the registration type that best suits you. To access early-bird pricing, enter the applicable discount code during registration. For additional assistance with registration, view our guide.
guide.Early registration pricing ends September 1, 2025.
| Profession Type | Early Registration Fee (In Person or Virtual) | Discount Code | Regular Fee (In Person or Virtual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician | $250 | EXPIRED | $400 |
| Other Healthcare Professionals | $100 | EXPIRED | $250 |
| Resident/Fellow | $100 | EXPIRED | $250 |
| Administrative Professional | $165 | EXPIRED | $295 |
| Industry | - | - | $695 |
| CANCELLATION POLICY If you cancel your participation in this conference, your registration fee less a $75 administrative fee will be refunded when written notification is received by September 1, 2025. No refunds will be made after September 1, 2025. | |||
CLAIMING CREDIT
At the end of the course, the credit-claiming process will unlock. Return to this page and click on "Complete Activity" to proceed.
Please Note: The credit claiming process will close three months after the activity ends. Requests to claim credit after three months will be subject to additional fees.
Please Note: The credit claiming process will close three months after the activity ends. Requests to claim credit after three months will be subject to additional fees.
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