UAB Department of Neurosurgery Professor Kristen Riley, M.D., (pictured left) delivered the presidential address at the 74th Southern Neurosurgical Society Annual Meeting on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Department of Neurosurgery Associate Professor Nicole Bentley, M.D., (pictured right) was invited to deliver the introduction to the presidential address.

“It was an honor to have the opportunity to introduce Dr. Riley before her presidential address,” said Bentley. “She is a wonderful friend, colleague and mentor to many.”

During her address, Riley discussed how to build and define a lasting legacy in neurosurgery using the accomplishments of former University of Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban as a discussion framework.

Riley outlined three focus areas to consider when thinking about building a legacy: standards, process and people.

According to Riley, to reach excellence, you must set high standards for yourself and those around you, take accountability for your actions and always put your patients first. You must have and trust the process to achieve the best patient outcomes, and be willing to learn, reflect and adapt along the way. Riley also mentioned the importance of surrounding yourself with a strong group of people, including your patients, team and family.

“Legacy can be defined by what you do and how you do it, over time,” said Riley.

Riley concluded by challenging the audience to consider what they want their legacy to be and ask themselves, “Why am I doing what I do? What do I want to be known and remembered for? How am I creating consistent, measurable ways to achieve this?”

Riley has been a member of the SNS executive council since 2019, when she was elected as secretary and became only the second female to serve on the council.

“My involvement in the Southern Neurosurgical Society has been one of the most enjoyable rewards of my career. The Southern provides a platform for discussion of neurosurgical techniques, advances and scientific discovery. But more importantly, I have met neurosurgeons through the Southern that will be lifelong friends,” said Riley.

“Serving as president of this organization was an honor and I look forward to many more years of service and camaraderie with this group.”