What a Meeting! Reflections on Puerto Rico & Looking Ahead to Lima

On the flight home, Michelle looked over at me and said, “This is the only meeting you leave smiling.” That really struck me. I do attend my fair share of meetings, after all. But the more I thought about it, the more it made perfect sense.

Most people think of neurosurgery as individual physicians delivering care, one patient at a time. But the older I get, the more I realize—neurosurgery is a community. A community of phenomenal surgeons, brilliant scientists, team-builders, and difference-makers—with wonderful families beside them. And no organization represents that spirit better than the Society of University Neurosurgeons (SUNS). I could not be more proud to be part of the very best that neurosurgery has to offer.

Wow! What a meeting we had in Puerto Rico! The location was stunning, the scientific program was outstanding, the weather was perfect—and the company was even better.

A special thanks is in order for Rich, who served as our President this past year. He’s truly a leader among leaders and set such a high bar for both the presidency and the annual meeting. I also want to thank his wife, Wanda, for all she did to help create such a memorable trip. Our local host, Ivan, was the ultimate host—and his talk on a life “above the clouds” was unforgettable.  As always, Stacy and Roberto provided their steady guidance to make everything run smoothly. We are fortunate beyond words to have them in this organization. And Marjorie—the Smith’s truly embody everything SUNS represents!

Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be yet another “greatest meeting ever!” Victor Benllochpiquer—whom many of you met in San Juan—will be our local host. Lima is the perfect destination: a world-class city known for its beaches, history, culture, and—of course—its’ phenomenal cuisine. We’ll be staying at the JW Marriott Hotel Lima in Miraflores, perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The dates are June 28th to July 3rd—please mark your calendars! We’ll enjoy the company of our Peruvian colleagues, engage in stimulating scientific discussions, and savor a culinary scene that ranks among the best in the world—all while soaking in the beauty and history of Lima.

One final note—this may be Marjorie’s last SUNS meeting. I encourage everyone to send her a personal note at smithmrs@sbcglobal.net. She has meant so much to this organization, and I know she would deeply appreciate hearing from you.

Once again, Michelle and I had such a wonderful time with all of you in Puerto Rico! We can’t wait to see everyone again next summer in one of South America’s premier destinations – Lima, Peru!

Sincerely,

WELCOME TO LIMA, PERÚ – SUN 2026

I deeply appreciate the opportunity to host the 2026 SUN meeting in Lima, Perú, the capital of our great nation. Perú is home of many wondrous sites, including the city of Cusco, known as the “navel of the world” and capital of the great Empire of the Incas. In our territory, many cultures evolved and developed for several thousand years, constituting one of the greatest civilizations of humanity. The diversity of Peru’s geography and climate range from near polar conditions in the peaks of the Andes Mountains to the scorching sands along its coast, with countless beaches and an oceanic sea rich in marine species. Perú is home to the largest river in the world, the Amazon, and the most elevated lake, Titicaca. From an agricultural perspective, Perú provides thousands of varieties of potatoes that feed the world. Its native species auquenidos, alpaca and vicuña, lend their wool to the World’s textile industry.

The first university on the American continent was founded in Lima. More than 1600 years before the Incas, the Paracas culture (700 B.C. - 200 B.C.) flourished, known for its cranial trepanations that include cases with evidence of healing! Lima majestically preserves its colonial past in the historic center with architectural jewels such as the Plaza Mayor, cathedrals, convents, and the catacombs of San Francisco. The museums of Lima (such as Museo de Arte de Lima, Museo Larco, and Sitio Pachacamac) contain immense cultural wealth, showcasing wonders of craft, metalwork, textiles, human remains, and artwork, especially Pre-Columbian. In addition to these historic works, there is also a place for those who prefer modern or bohemian art with the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Magic Water Circuit and locations such as the district of Miraflores and Barranco. In addition to these historic sites, Lima has become a tourist destination for its renowned gastronomy, crafted from the exquisite fusion of our phenomenal native foods with successive culinary cultures that immigrated to our lands. One cannot visit Lima without sampling such dishes as “ceviche”, “lomo saltado”, “pollo a la brasa”, and “causa rellena”.

The meeting in Lima will take place in a 25-story glass tower, the J.W. Marriot Hotel Lima, located in the Miraflores district, with first class accommodations, an outstanding restaurant, and the opportunity to try its flagship drink - “Pisco” (spirit of the grape). From the hotel one will have a view of the ocean and Costa Verde and the opportunity to visit the city center and perhaps squeeze in shopping. While in Perú, we hope you take the opportunity to visit Cusco, a unique city that combines the wonders of the Incas with colonial times, a kind of “mestizaje”. The city is surrounded by a series of historical monuments, among which is the Sacsayhuamán fortress. Although Cusco is home to many other historical landmarks, Machu Picchu is by far the most renowned. Just 74 km from Cusco, the Inca citadel is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

We could not be prouder of our neurosurgical heritage and look forward with immense pride, the opportunity to demonstrate the craft of Peruvian Neurosurgery. See you all in Lima, Perú June/July 2026!

Victor Benllochpiquer, MD

Neurosurgeon - PERÚ

Current SUN Officers