Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is both an honour and a profound responsibility to assume the presidency of the Society for Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (SION) at this critical juncture in our field's evolution. As I begin this one-year term, I am acutely aware of the transformative period we are navigating—one that demands both reflection on how far we've come and clear-eyed focus on the challenges ahead.

The modern surgical suite increasingly relies on neurophysiological insights to guide real-time decisions, improve outcomes, and reduce iatrogenic injury. As the scope of IONM extends across spine, brain, peripheral nerve, vascular, ENT surgeries and anaesthesia management, our responsibility expands proportionally. Yet this growth brings urgent imperatives that we must address collectively.

The demand for skilled IONM personnel far outstrips supply, both in India and internationally. We must establish structured training pathways with clear competency benchmarks, moving beyond ad hoc apprenticeships to systematic education that meets international standards while remaining contextually relevant to our diverse practice environments. Equally pressing is the need for consensus-driven, evidence-based protocols. The variability in our monitoring techniques and interpretation criteria undermines our collective credibility and limits our ability to conduct meaningful outcome research.

Our members generate valuable clinical and technological insights daily, yet these often remain confined to individual practice. This must change. I urge all members to document cases systematically and contribute to the peer-reviewed literature. Publications strengthen our discipline's scientific foundation, enhance recognition within the broader medical community, and provide the evidence base that will define IONM's future role in surgical care.

As we address these challenges, I am thrilled to announce that India will host the International conference on Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring in November 2026. This represents a landmark opportunity to showcase our progress, facilitate knowledge exchange with global leaders in the field, and demonstrate India's growing contributions to IONM science and practice. I invite all members to actively participate in making ISIN 2026 a defining moment for our community.

Beyond clinical excellence, SION must also amplify its voice in healthcare policy. As IONM becomes integral to surgical safety, our Society has a responsibility to shape the regulatory and ethical frameworks that govern our practice, ensuring they protect both professionals and patients while fostering continued innovation.

The challenges we face are significant, but so is our collective determination. This Society thrives on the dedication of professionals who understand that every monitoring case is an opportunity to protect a patient's neurological integrity. Together, we will build the educational, scientific, and organizational infrastructure that our field deserves.

I welcome your ideas, your participation, and your commitment to advancing IONM excellence.

With warm regards,

DR KROTHAPALLI SRINIVASA BABU

President, SION (2025-2026)