Join the California Neurology Society

CNS membership connects neurologists across California in a community dedicated to advancing clinical excellence, education, and advocacy. Members support and participate in the Society’s mission to promote updates and advances in neurological care, strengthen continuing medical education, and champion legislative issues that impact California neurologists and their patients.

General Membership is open to neurologists, neurology trainees, allied health professionals, and industry partners. Paying members gain access to reduced rates at bi-annual, high‑quality CME conferences where they experience and interact with a statewide network committed to improving neurological care and shaping the future of neurology in California. 

How to Get Involved

Become a CNS Voting Member

CNS Voting Members are active neurologists whose voices shape the direction of Neurology in California. Voting membership ensures that the priorities, challenges, and perspectives of practicing neurologists across the state directly inform CNS advocacy, education, and programming. When more members participate, CNS can speak with a stronger, more representative voice on issues that affect patient care, professional practice, and the future of neurology in California.

CNS Voting Membership Benefits:

• Reduced rates at conferences
• Committee participation (after attendance at two CNS conferences)
• Board member participation & leadership succession pathway
• Serve as CNS Ambassador Mentor
• Serve as CNS Ambassador (students, trainees, fellows)

Become a CNS Ambassador Mentor

Time commitment: Approximately 1–2 hours per month, typically through brief communications or a monthly check-in, tailored to the needs and preferences of each trainee–mentor relationship.

CNS Ambassador Mentors are active physician members of the California Neurology Society who volunteer to support medical students, residents, and fellows participating in the CNS Ambassador Program.

The mentor’s role is to offer encouragement, perspective, and professional guidance as trainees explore neurology, neuroscience, advocacy, leadership, and future career pathways. Mentors help Ambassadors better understand the breadth of our field, the value of professional community, and the many ways neurologists may serve patients, science, and society.

CNS Ambassador Mentors may be especially valuable to trainees who wish to learn about career paths beyond traditional academic medicine, including private practice, community neurology, hospital-based neurology, hybrid practice models, research, advocacy, and physician leadership. For trainees considering private practice, mentorship can provide practical insight into clinical independence, patient relationships, practice development, professional communication, payer and administrative realities, and sustaining a meaningful career.

CNS Ambassador Mentors are not expected to provide formal supervision, employment, academic sponsorship, or extensive time commitments. Rather, they serve as accessible professional role models who are willing to share experience, answer questions, and help emerging neurologists begin shaping their professional identity.

Mentors may support Ambassadors by:

• Sharing career experience and practical advice.
• Discussing clinical, academic, private practice, hospital-based, research, advocacy, or leadership pathways.
• Encouraging professional communication and networking skills.
• Helping trainees understand the role of organized medicine and grassroots advocacy.
• Supporting participation in CNS activities, committees, meetings, and conferences.
• Modeling professional service, collegiality, and commitment to the future of neurology.

CNS Ambassador Mentors should maintain active CNS membership in good standing and participate in CNS activities consistent with the expectations of their role.

Ambassadors are the early-career bridge between the California Neurology Society and trainees. They share opportunities, build community, and grow into the next generation of neurology leaders.

CNS Ambassador program goals:

• Strengthen trainee recruitment and engagement
• Encourage mentorship and professional development
• Gather trainee input on conferences and educational programming
• Build pathways toward future committee participation and leadership within CNS

CNS Advocacy Day brings neurologists, trainees, and patient advocates together at the State Capitol to ensure the voice of neurology is represented in California’s policy decisions. Participants meet directly with legislators to share real‑world perspectives on patient care, workforce challenges, access issues, and the policies that shape neurological health across the state.

Beyond legislative meetings, Advocacy Day strengthens professional connections and unites our community around a shared commitment to improving the lives of patients with neurological conditions. It is an opportunity to elevate neurology’s priorities, build relationships with policymakers, and demonstrate the impact of collective, organized advocacy.

Members interested in participating in future Advocacy Days or joining CNS advocacy efforts are encouraged to get involved.