I was thrilled when Ahan's abstract submission for a poster presentation at the 2025 AANS Annual Meeting was accepted, and excited to hear about his experience. Here is a snapshot of our conversation.

What is the AANS and why were you keen to attend their annual conference?

The AANS, or American Association of Neurological Surgery, is a scientific and educational society at the forefront of neurosurgery innovation - their mission to propel neurological surgery forward ultimately based in improving patient outcomes through aiding research, providing education, and advocating to Washington. Every year, they host a meeting that brings neurosurgeons, residents, and medical students from around the globe to experience the groundbreaking research and innovations through exhibits and lectures. After completing some of their free virtual courses, I was compelled to submit poster to be presented at the conference and was lucky enough to get an excuse to fly out to America and attend this exciting symposium.

What led you (or motivated you) to produce your own research submission at the age of 15?

I was deeply interested in merging my curiosity regarding the brain and helping people at a very young age: I was always intrigued by the notion that everyone possessed a machine, more complex than the universe, guiding their every autonomous and conscious decision. Following this I read Paul Kalanthi’s When Breath Becomes Air, and decided to follow my passion and delve into the scientific literature, all of which had led me towards neurosurgery. I want to help people preserve their brain as, ultimately, cognition is the nucleus of life. And even though these conferences are usually for experienced academics, doctors, and researchers, I believe that age cannot stop you from following your passion, so I decided to submit my work.

The title of your poster was "Quick Fix or Slow Flow: Long-term Outcomes of Direct vs. Indirect Revascularization in Pediatric Moyamoya Patients - A Systematic Review" Can you explain this to us and share what your research found?

Moyamoya Disease (MMD), a cerebrovascular disease prevalent mostly among pediatric populations resulting in stenosis of the internal carotid artery - one of the main blood sources to the brain - commonly requires neurosurgery to revascularize. Currently, there are two main approaches to this: indirect (IB) and direct revascularization (DB). For example, IB may include placing a muscle over the occluded artery to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, aiding blood flow (EMS) and DB includes a direct anastomosis (suturing between two blood vessels) that immediately restores blood flow to the brain (commonly a STA-MCA bypass, which may also serve as an IB since the artery is placed over the occluded region). My research, done in the form of a systematic review (a review with very strict protocol that systematically identifies, selects, and evaluates relevant studies) compared these two types of procedures in terms of long-term stroke incidence and neurological disability. My research found that DB is associated with significantly lesser long-term risks of stroke and neurological disability relative to IB, mirroring the short-term consensus.

Ahan Post

I noticed you were featured on the AANS Instagram page, can you share any of the reactions from delegates when they saw your poster and realised you were still a High School student?

Overall, everyone I talked to was incredibly supportive of me and genuinely curious about work - their enthusiasm evident through their grace and advice. This conference was much more than a series of educational seminars and exhibits; they were a testament to the deeply committed and compassionate community that defines neurosurgery and healthcare. It wasn’t a competition - it was a collaboration among thousands, united by a shared purpose to improve patient outcomes. I’m beyond grateful to have had this privilege, and the inspiration I gained will stay with me throughout my life. Their instinct to nurture and mentor will stay with me through the challenges of pursuing this field as I hope to eventually pay it forward.

Congratulations to Ahan on this outstanding and unique achievement.

Dr Matthew Hill

Dr Matthew Hill is the Director of The Barker Institute with a focus on professional learning, research, and innovation in the school.  He teaches Physics and the new Science Extension course at the School which introduces students to scientific academic research. Matthew's doctorate reflects his passion for science education focussing on Representational Fluency amongst physics students at school and university. He has published in leadership, education, and science journals and been involved in course development and teaching at The University of Sydney and The University of Western Sydney. He has also completed a Graduate Diploma in Divinity at Ridley College in Melbourne.