Medicosnext
As Nepal advances in neurological care, platforms like NEUROCON play a crucial role in fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration among medical professionals from around the world. NEUROCON-II is a biennial conference dedicated to the advancement of neuroscience. Organised by the Upendra Devkota Foundation, NEUROCON-II brings together global leading experts to discuss the latest advancements in neurology, neurosurgery, neurointervention, and allied specialties. Upendra Devkota Foundation (UDF)is a non-profit organisation committed to preserving and continuing the legacy of the late Prof. Upendra Devkota. His unwavering dedication to neuroscience in Nepal continues to inspire this initiative. The conference is organised in collaboration with the Upendra Devkota Memorial National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences (UDM NINAS), popularly known as Neuro Hospital, Nepalese Societyof Neurosurgeons (NESON), Multiple Sclerosis Society of Nepal (MSSN), and the Society of Otolaryngologists (SOL).
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Prof. Dr. MadhuDixit Devkota, Founder of Upendra Devkota Foundation, to gain insights into the vision, objectives, and impact of this year’s conference.We explore how NEUROCON- II builds upon the success of its predecessor, the evolving role of interdisciplinary collaboration in neurological care, and the future of neuroscience in Nepal.
Could you please share the vision behind organising NEUROCON II?
The inaugural NEUROCON in 2023 held on the fifth anniversary of Prof. Devkota’s passing, was a resounding success. Themed “Inception and Evolution of Neuroscience in Nepal”, the event was a tribute to him, the Father of Modern Neurosurgery in Nepal. It brought together around 400 participants and featured invited papers from 65 national and international speakers.
Building on this momentum, NEUROCON-II is designed to further unite neuroscientists and professionals from allied specialties. This year’s conference is even more ambitious, with a broader scope and a distinguished lineup of over 60 international speakers. The event serves as a platform for experts to share cutting-edge research, foster innovation, and promote meaningful interdisciplinary collaboration.
How does this conference build upon the achievements of the first Neurocon?
NEUROCON-II builds upon the achievements of the first NEUROCON. Its scope has expanded both in participation as well as a broadened range of topics included. While the inaugural conference established a foundation for knowledge-sharing, NEUROCON-II enhances this by deepening multidisciplinary engagement of neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiologists, physiotherapists, nurses, and other allied specialists.
The first conference highlighted the evolution of neuroscience in Nepal, while the second, emphasises on the cutting edge innovations, global advancements and their applications in Nepalese context. The success of NEUROCON 2023 solidified the plan to hold the conference biennially, this year’s event will further establish it as a platform for dialogue and regular knowledge exchange in the region.
What are the primary objectives and focus areas for this year’s conference?
The primary objective of NEUROCON-II is to update the Nepalese neuro and allied specialists to the latest global advancements in neuroscience and modern medical practices. Medicine has evolved significantly from the era when a single senior consultant was the sole decision- maker. Today’s medical practice is participatory, multidisciplinary, and collaborative—especially in neuro-specialties, where conditions are often complex and impact multiple body systems.
For instance, the management of stroke requires an integrated approach:
• A radiologist and neurologist for diagnosis
• An endovascular surgeon for clot removal
• A neurosurgeon for life saving critical intervention if other treatments fail
• A rehabilitation team, including physiotherapists, psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and dietitians for recovery.
Similarly, conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis demand a multidisciplinary approach that blends medication, surgery, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Neurospecialties cannot operate in isolation—collaboration across the disciplines is essential for comprehensive and effective patient care.
By facilitating discussions, introducing new techniques, and sharing diverse perspectives, NEUROCON-II ensures that participants remain informed and engaged in this ever-evolving field of neuroscience.
Conference Details
Who are some of the notable speakers or experts participating in this year’s conference?
This year, we are honoured to host over 60 international and 60 national speakers, all of whom have made significant contributions to the field of neuroscience on a global scale. It would be impossible to highlight just a few without overlooking the immense expertise each speaker brings. So, I look forward to celebrating them all whose contribution and invaluable insights would make NEUROCON-II a truly world-class event.
This year’s conference theme is Evolving Trends in Neuroscience.
What specific topics or advancements in neurology will be highlighted?
Just as humans have evolved from Neanderthals to modern Homo sapiens, neuroscience has continuously transformed—from its primitive beginnings to the highly sophisticated field it is today. Many older techniques have become obsolete, while new, cutting-edge approaches are reshaping the way we understand and treat neurological disorders.
This conference will spotlight the evolution of treatments for diseases of the nervous system, both medical and surgical. Key topics include:
• Advancements in medical treatment protocols for neurological disorders
• The role of artificial intelligence and software in brain mapping and diagnostics
• Innovations in epilepsy and functional neurosurgery
• Next-generation endovascular techniques
• Evolving strategies for brain tumour management, including expanded use of endoscopes
• New targets for movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease
By highlighting these transformative advancements, NEUROCON-II ensures that medical professionals in Nepal stay informed, prepared, and equipped to offer cutting-edge patient care.
Local and Regional Impact
How do you see this conference benefiting neurological care in Nepal specifically?
NEUROCON-II envisions to bridge the gap between global advancements and local needs. The discussions on advanced neurosurgical and endovascular techniques, AI in diagnostics, neurorehabilitation breakthroughs, and minimally invasive procedures are game-changers for the field. Learning how these advancements and international best practices can be adapted and applied in Nepal and other developing regions makes the conference even more impactful.
How will the conference facilitate knowledge exchange between Nepalese neurologists and international experts?
A two days pre-conference hands on workshop is organised that is expert led, interactive, insightful, refine existing skills and prepare the participants for the main conference.
Topical areas in Neurosurgery comprises endoscopy in spine, functional surgery, and brain topographic anatomy. Similarly, advances in endovascular management of complex aneurysm in neuro-intervention, use of Botox neurological diseases and basic and advanced life support in nursing are included in the pre-conference workshops.
Thorough expert-led panel discussions, presentations, case discussions and interactions during the conference allows young clinicians, researchers, and students to engage with global experts, ensuring future generations of Nepalese medical professionals are well informed and prepared.
Neuro Hospital’s Role
What role does Neuro Hospital play in organising and hosting this conference?
As a pioneer in neurosurgical and neurological care in Nepal, Neuro Hospital takes pride in its commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements. NEUROCON-II strengthens this by:
Facilitating global knowledge exchange
Reinforcing team-based, interdisciplinary approaches Supporting continuous medical education and professional development
How does NEUROCON-II align with Neuro Hospital’s broader mission?
NEUROCON-II embodies Neuro Hospital’s core philosophy— “Patient First.”
By bringing together leading minds in neuroscience, this event ensures that every advancement in neurological science ultimately serves one goal:
Enhancing patient well-being, safety, and access to quality care.
Neuro Hospital is dedicated to staying at the forefront of neurosurgical and neurological care. The knowledge exchange between our team and international experts is expected to ensure that the hospital remains updated on cutting-edge techniques, technologies, and treatment options.
How does this conference align with Neuro Hospital’s broader mission and goals?
NEUROCON-II aligns closely with Neuro Hospital’s broader mission and goals by fostering advancements in neuroscience, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing patient care. NEUROCON-II strengthens Neuro Hospital’s mission to provide international- standard care in Nepal, ensuring patients receive world-class treatment within their own country. By bringing together brilliant minds in neuroscience, it reinforces Neuro Hospital’s “Patient First” philosophy—ensuring that every advancement in neurological science is ultimately aimed at enhancing patient well-being, safety, and access to quality care.
Personal Perspective
What aspects of the conference are you personally most excited about?
Meeting old colleagues and friends of my late husband, Prof. Upendra Devkota, and interacting with the next generation of neuroscientists will be particularly meaningful for me.
What developments in neurology do you believe have the greatest potential to improve patient outcomes in Nepal?
– Precision medicine and technological advancements
– Team-based, multidisciplinary care approach
– Hands-on training for young doctors and researchers
– Continuous professional development
Ensuring that Nepalese medical professionals remain at the forefront of global neuroscience trends is key to shaping the future.
Seeing neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, rehabilitation specialists, nurses and researchers come together to tackle complex neurological challenges is truly inspiring for me. The use of modern technologies for better precision and AI applications, and the focus on team-based approaches in patient care that aligns with modern medical practices, will be instrumental in ensuring better treatment outcomes. Equipping young doctors, researchers, and medical students with knowledge from the latest studies, case discussions, and hands-on workshops and ensuring that future generations of Nepalese medical professionals stay at the forefront of global neuroscience trends is what has the potential for the future.
Participation and Access
Who is the target audience, and how can they register?
Neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, neuro- interventionists, otolaryngologists, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, researchers, medical students, and allied professionals are the audience for the conference.
Registration details are available through the official NEUROCON website www.neuroconnepal.com
Will there be virtual attendance or post-conference material access?
Yes! We aim to make sessions available for wider accessibility, ensuring those unable to attend in person can still benefit.
Looking Forward
What outcomes or impacts do you hope to see from this Neurocon?
NEUROCON-II is more than just a conference—it’s a catalyst for progress in neuroscience and patient care. The success of this conference will be measured by the lasting impact it has on the broader neuroscience community, impacting on medical practice and patient care. We hope that the conference not only inspires innovation but also fosters a commitment to continuous learning and excellence in neurological care.
What is your vision for NEUROCON’s future?
With each iteration, NEUROCON will evolve into a larger, more influential, and globally connected platform, ensuring that Nepal remains abreast with the advancements of neuroscience.
The ultimate vision is to inspire innovation, improve medical practices, and, most importantly, enhance patient care on a national and international scale.
