The Association of Academic Leaders of Neurology (AALN) traces its roots to 1967, when it was founded as the Association of University Professors of Neurology (AUPN). At a time when academic neurology was still establishing its presence in medicine, AUPN served as a trusted forum for department chairs to exchange ideas, navigate challenges, and shape the discipline’s future.
Over the years, the organization evolved, expanding its reach beyond chairs to include program directors, clerkship directors, VA chiefs, and emerging faculty leaders. It became more than a professional association. It became a home.
In 2025, AUPN formally became AALN. The new name reflects its true identity: a community of leaders, for leaders, grounded in community, scholarship, and a shared commitment to excellence in academic neurology and clinical neuroscience.
Today, AALN nurtures leaders through focused education, coaching, and peer support. It fosters a collaborative community of practice, where members learn from one another and solve real-world challenges together. It advances scholarship through academic integrity and innovative thinking that strengthens education and raises the standard of neurological care.
Our voice is thoughtful, grounded, and forward-looking. It reflects both our legacy and our bold vision for the future.
We are not the largest organization in the field. But we are the one that understands what it means to lead in academic neurology.
“The AUPN: Past, Present, and Future,”
To learn more about the rich history and evolution of our organization, we invite you to read “The AUPN: Past, Present, and Future,” a reflective piece authored by former President L. John Greenfield. Published in the 2022 issue of the Annals of Neurology, the article offers a thoughtful look at the milestones, challenges, and enduring values that have shaped our journey.
Historical Timeline
1967 - 1968
AUPN is Born
APN was founded to foster unity and collaboration among academic neurology leaders, with Maynard Cohen elected as its inaugural president.
1969 - 1970
National Recognition
AUPN joins the AAMC's Council of Academic Societies, gaining a national platform.
1970 - 1977
Advocacy in Action
AUPN helps reinstate the internal medicine internship for neurology board eligibility.
1979 - 1988
Residency Innovation
AUPN launches the early match and transitions the self-assessment exam to AAN (now RITE).
1994 - 1997
Defining Residency Quality
AUPN sets standards for program quality, board scores, and advancement.
1995 - 2002
Growing the Community
Membership expands to Program Directors; AUPN defends NIH K-awards and supports research careers.
2010 - 2014
Leadership Development
Chair symposia and mentoring bootcamps launch.
2015 - 2016
Governance Modernization
Elected councilors and committees are introduced; The Neuro Transmitter newsletter debuts.
2020 - 2024
Adapting & Reconnecting
AUPN adapts to virtual programming during COVID; The Leadership Minute and Leading Edge Podcast were born; AUPN holds its 1st Annual Meeting.
2025 - Present
AUPN Becomes AALN
AUPN formally becomes the Association for Academic Leaders in Neurology (AALN), reflecting its identity as a community of leaders committed to excellence in academic neurology and clinical neuroscience.