From Argentina to Chicago: How the AAN helped one neurology resident build global connections
August 10, 2026
For early career neurologists and neurology trainees outside the United States, the AAN Annual Meeting offers an unmatched opportunity to share research, build global connections, and learn alongside leading minds in neurology.
With abstract submissions opening August 27, those ready to turn the 2027 Annual Meeting into a catalyst for collaboration, career growth, and better neurological care worldwide are encouraged to submit their work. Ana Paula Sieben Samek, MD, a neurology resident in Argentina, did just that as part of her application for the Global Scholars and Future Ambassadors Scholarship program—and the experience proved transformative.
A doorway to global collaboration
When Samek first heard about the Global Scholars program from a colleague, she recognized an opportunity to connect with an international community she had admired throughout her training. The prestigious award provided Samek free Annual Meeting registration, airfare, and hotel support to attend and share her research at the 2026 AAN Annual Meeting in Chicago. As a new benefit this year, the award also offered customized programming to help selected scholars connect and collaborate with the international AAN community.
“I have long regarded the AAN as one of the world’s leading neurological communities,” Samek said, adding that the scholarship offered “a remarkable opportunity to learn from leaders in the field, gain a broader view of global neurological practice, and connect with professionals from around the world.”
That sense of connection came to life in Chicago. Samek said what stayed with her most was “the passion evident throughout the meeting,” from scientific sessions to conversations with physicians across career stages and countries. The experience reinforced ideas that she carried home.
Excellence in neurology is built not only on knowledge, but also on curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to learn from others.
Ana Paula Sieben Samek, MD, Global Scholars and Future Ambassadors Scholarship recipient
Since returning to Argentina, she said she has felt “renewed energy” to bring that same purpose and enthusiasm to her daily practice and neuroimmunology research.
Advancing research and career development
At the Annual Meeting, Samek presented research on tumefactive lesions at the clinical onset of multiple sclerosis—an atypical presentation that can be difficult to recognize quickly, especially when access to specialized evaluation is limited.
“A better understanding of these cases may help reduce diagnostic delays, avoid unnecessary invasive procedures, and ultimately improve patient care,” she said.
The experience also gave Samek a clearer view of how early-career investigators can strengthen their work through mentorship, collaboration, and effective scientific communication. Sessions on manuscript writing and dissemination, including insights from Continuum® editors, gave her practical tools to sharpen and more clearly convey her thoughts, while also opening new directions for future research and prompting reflection on how innovations such as AI can support high-quality work in resource-limited settings.
“I hope to carry these lessons forward as I continue growing as a clinician-researcher and as an AAN Global Scholar and ambassador in Argentina,” Samek said.
Global connections start with AAN membership
Like Samek, thousands of early career neurologists, residents, fellows, students, and researchers outside the United States rely on the AAN to stay current, connect with leading experts, and expand opportunities—and the first step to opening up these career-changing opportunities is applying for AAN membership. Applications are accepted throughout the year with reduced membership dues for students and trainees.
Looking ahead: upcoming AAN dates and deadlines
2027 Annual Meeting call for abstract submissions: August 26–October 13
Submit your research to the AAN Annual Meeting to share your work, build collaborations, and engage with a worldwide community of peers. Submission fees are $125 for AAN members and $225 for nonmembers. The AAN encourages submissions from trainees, and submission fees are minimal for PhD candidates, junior fellows, junior interns, junior postdocs, junior residents, and medical or graduate students.
Award and scholarships applications due October 20
Explore AAN awards and scholarships that may help fund travel to the 2027 AAN Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, including the Global Scholars and Future Ambassadors Scholarship.