Discover what & how we prioritize our global efforts

We’re a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to expanding access to neurosurgical care worldwide. Through innovative training programs, research groups, and global partnerships, we aim to address the critical shortage of neurosurgeons in underserved regions.

Mission:brain on a mission trip in Mexico City
Photo taken from efforts in Mexico City
Treat. Empower. Educate

The three pillars of our mission:
Treat. Educate. Empower

Our goal is to build a global network that connects surgeons and caregivers with hospitals and patients who lack the resources or training to treat complex neurosurgical conditions. We aim to work together to address and treat challenging neurosurgical diseases.

Doctor Q and the mission:brain team treating a patient

Treat.

We are dedicated to bridging the gap in neurosurgical care by leveraging the expertise of our volunteer team. In partnership with local providers, we treat patients free of charge and supply the necessary resources, addressing the lack of access to essential neurosurgical treatments in underserved regions.

Educate.

We focus on maximizing impact through education and training. By partnering to exchange knowledge and collaborate on research, we create sustainable, long-term progress that benefits both sides, fostering mutual learning and inspiration.

mission:brain educating and teaching a group on neuroscience
The mission:brain India chapter group

Empower.

We are a community and a movement, empowering patients to live lives full of possibilities. Together with our colleagues, partners, students, and volunteers, we aspire to improve care, inspire better practices, and shape brighter futures.

2030
10 Year Goals

Take a deep dive into our goals

Learn about the key milestones we’re aiming to reach over the next decade. Our goals focus on expanding access to essential neurosurgical care, empowering local healthcare providers, and advancing sustainable practices worldwide.

Building strong foundations for lasting neurosurgical capacity.

Our goal is to establish sustainable frameworks that enable global neurosurgical care. By partnering with local institutions, we help build the infrastructure needed to improve access to neurosurgery, ensuring that care systems remain effective long after our direct involvement.

Inspiring the next wave of innovators and caregivers

We focus on training the next generation of neurosurgeons and healthcare professionals. Through hands-on mentorship and knowledge-sharing, we aim to equip students and young professionals with the skills and confidence to provide high-quality care in their own communities.

Pushing the boundaries of what's possible with new technologies

Artificial intelligence is transforming neurosurgery, and we’re at the forefront of this revolution. Our mission is to integrate cutting-edge AI tools to enhance diagnosis, surgical precision, and post-operative care, making neurosurgery more effective and accessible in underserved areas.

Revolutionizing education with immersive, virtual learning tools

We believe in the potential of augmented reality (AR) and the metaverse to revolutionize medical training and patient care. By utilizing these technologies, we aim to offer immersive surgical training experiences and extend medical education to regions with limited access to traditional resources.

Long-term impact with sustainable care and technology

We ensure lasting impact by training local caregivers to deliver post-operative support. By equipping them with sustainable practices and technologies, we create healthcare systems that thrive long after our teams have left. Our approach focuses on fostering self-sufficiency and minimizing environmental impact through energy-efficient tools and sustainable medical resources.

Empowering

Our Journey: Making Neurosurgery Accessible Worldwide

Mission Brain is dedicated to introducing neurosurgery to underdeveloped and underserved countries. Through our chapters and a variety of activities, we aim to provide access to life-saving neurosurgical care to those in need. Our mission is to empower communities, improve healthcare infrastructure, and save lives.

2010

Our Beginnings

Mission Brain was founded with the goal of bringing neurosurgery to underserved regions. Our team of dedicated volunteers and medical professionals have since worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality.

2015

Expanding Our Reach

Over the years, Mission Brain has expanded its operations to multiple countries, establishing chapters and collaborating with local healthcare providers. Together, we strive to make neurosurgical care accessible to all. We placed the first neurosurgeon in South Sudan.

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Future Goals

Looking ahead, Mission Brain aims to continue expanding its reach, establishing more chapters and partnerships to provide neurosurgical care to even more underserved communities. Our long-term goal is to create sustainable healthcare systems that prioritize neurosurgery.

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Impact So Far

Since our inception, Mission Brain has performed over 1,000 neurosurgical procedures, transforming the lives of patients and their families. We continue to make a lasting impact in the communities we serve. We placed the first neurosurgeon in South Sudan, and we've got plenty more to tell you about. Check out our leaning center.

The faces behind the effort; meet the team

An organization only goes as far as its people choose to take it.

Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa
President
Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa
Michael Lawton
Vice President
Michael Lawton
April Sabangan
CEO
April Sabangan
William ​Aarsheim
Treasurer
William ​Aarsheim
Paola Suarez-Meade
Executive Secretary
Paola Suarez-Meade
Juan Pablo Navarro
Global Outreach Coordinator
Juan Pablo Navarro
Adrian Safa
Director of Global Education
Adrian Safa
Aparna Nair-Kanneganti
Director of Global Empowerment
Aparna Nair-Kanneganti
Emiliano Sanchez
Director of Global Communications
Emiliano Sanchez
Nyanzi Timothy Joseph
Africa Regional Director
Nyanzi Timothy Joseph
Ali Azan Ahmed
Asia Regional Director
Ali Azan Ahmed
Ludovico Orbecchi
Europe Regional Director
Ludovico Orbecchi
Juan Carlos Gutierrez
LATAM Regional director
Juan Carlos Gutierrez
Taimur Hassan
U.S. Regional Director
Taimur Hassan

Joins us on the mission

We’re always looking to partner with others trying to make a positive impact.

We appreciate you

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