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.

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.