Keep up with the latest news and events from ANMG!
March 15, 2023: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Ali Baaj, MD
Dr Baaj lectured extensively on Minimally Invasive Surgery outlining its benefits and impact on current spine surgery practice. Dr. Baaj is a spine-fellowship trained, board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive and traditional complex techniques in spine surgery. He is currently Chief of Spine Surgery and Associate Professor of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Baaj earned his medical degree from Boston University, Boston, MA, and completed his residency at University of South Florida, Tampa, FL. He completed a complex spine fellowship at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
Dr Baaj lectured extensively on Minimally Invasive Surgery outlining its benefits and impact on current spine surgery practice. Dr. Baaj is a spine-fellowship trained, board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive and traditional complex techniques in spine surgery. He is currently Chief of Spine Surgery and Associate Professor of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Baaj earned his medical degree from Boston University, Boston, MA, and completed his residency at University of South Florida, Tampa, FL. He completed a complex spine fellowship at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
September 28, 2022: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Khan Siddqui,MD
Dr. Siddiqi lectured on "The Future of Hyperfine Portable MRI". Dr. Siddiqui is a serial entrepreneur, a radiologist and currently the Chief Medical and Chief Strategy Officer of Hyperfine, Inc. that has created the world’s first FDA 510(k) cleared, portable MRI scanner. Dr. Siddiqui took the company public in December 2021 via a SPAC process and listed on NASDAQ (HYPR). In addition, Dr. Siddiqui is founder and executive chairman of HOPPR, a data and deep learning as a service platform, enabling data liquidity to accelerate and scale AI application development. Prior to Hyperfine, Dr. Siddiqui founded higi, Inc. – a consumer health technology company – that was acquired by Babylon Health as part of a $4.2 Billion SPAC transaction recently and listed on NYSE (BBLN). Higi stations are deployed in over 12,000 locations globally with over 60 million patients on the platform and has virtual clinical care network in 50 states. Prior to founding higi, Dr. Siddiqui was a Physician Executive at Microsoft where he was responsible for platform engineering and AI for the health solutions group. His Microsoft legacy includes stimulating computer vision and machine learning research that led to the development of the regression forest algorithms, which became the foundation technology in the Xbox Kinect. Dr. Siddiqui was also responsible for developing Microsoft’s cloud (Azure) based medical imaging products and infrastructure. Prior to Microsoft, Dr. Siddiqui was Director of Center for Biomedical Imaging and Informatics at Johns Hopkins University, Program Director of Imaging Informatics and MRI Fellowship Programs at University of Maryland and the founding chair of American College of Radiology’s Imaging and Informatics Commission. He is a graduate of the Aga Khan University Medical College in Pakistan, completed his training in Medicine at New York University, Radiology training at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, along with his fellowship in the Imaging Informatics at University of Maryland in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Siddiqui has published dozens of peer-reviewed papers and has given hundreds of invited talks. Dr. Siddiqui is member of board of directors as well as advisory boards of various startups around the world and sits on various national committees on health care and medical imaging.
Dr. Siddiqi lectured on "The Future of Hyperfine Portable MRI". Dr. Siddiqui is a serial entrepreneur, a radiologist and currently the Chief Medical and Chief Strategy Officer of Hyperfine, Inc. that has created the world’s first FDA 510(k) cleared, portable MRI scanner. Dr. Siddiqui took the company public in December 2021 via a SPAC process and listed on NASDAQ (HYPR). In addition, Dr. Siddiqui is founder and executive chairman of HOPPR, a data and deep learning as a service platform, enabling data liquidity to accelerate and scale AI application development. Prior to Hyperfine, Dr. Siddiqui founded higi, Inc. – a consumer health technology company – that was acquired by Babylon Health as part of a $4.2 Billion SPAC transaction recently and listed on NYSE (BBLN). Higi stations are deployed in over 12,000 locations globally with over 60 million patients on the platform and has virtual clinical care network in 50 states. Prior to founding higi, Dr. Siddiqui was a Physician Executive at Microsoft where he was responsible for platform engineering and AI for the health solutions group. His Microsoft legacy includes stimulating computer vision and machine learning research that led to the development of the regression forest algorithms, which became the foundation technology in the Xbox Kinect. Dr. Siddiqui was also responsible for developing Microsoft’s cloud (Azure) based medical imaging products and infrastructure. Prior to Microsoft, Dr. Siddiqui was Director of Center for Biomedical Imaging and Informatics at Johns Hopkins University, Program Director of Imaging Informatics and MRI Fellowship Programs at University of Maryland and the founding chair of American College of Radiology’s Imaging and Informatics Commission. He is a graduate of the Aga Khan University Medical College in Pakistan, completed his training in Medicine at New York University, Radiology training at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, along with his fellowship in the Imaging Informatics at University of Maryland in Baltimore, MD. Dr. Siddiqui has published dozens of peer-reviewed papers and has given hundreds of invited talks. Dr. Siddiqui is member of board of directors as well as advisory boards of various startups around the world and sits on various national committees on health care and medical imaging.
August 10, 2022: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: John Adler, MD
Dr. Adler gave a lecture on 'Sometimes an Entrepreneur, Always a Neurosurgeon'. Dr. Adler graduated from Harvard in 1976 and Harvard Medical School in 1980. He completed neurosurgical residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital and a radiosurgery fellowship at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, where he worked with Lars Leksell. He joined the faculty of Stanford University School of Medicine in 1987 as an assistant professor in the department of neurosurgery in 1987, was also, made an assistant professor in radiation oncology in 1992, was made an associate professor in both departments in 1993, and was made a full professor in both departments in 1998. In 2007 he was named the Dorothy and Thye King Chan Professor in neurosurgery. He was eventually appointed an emeritus professor of neurosurgery. Adler took a leave of absence from Stanford in 1999 and took over as CEO of Accuray, serving in that role until 2002, when he stepped back into being CMO. In 2009, Adler founded Curēus.com (originally known as peerEmed.com), a web-based peer-reviewed medical journal that combines attributes of traditional expert review and social networks. In April 2010, Adler was appointed vice president and chief of New Clinical Applications at Varian Medical Systems. Since 2015 he has served as the founder and CEO of Zap Surgical Systems. The company's flagship project was presented in Europe in 2018 at the "Frontiers of Radiosurgery" scientific symposium and adopted for the first time in Europe in 2020. In 2018 Adler was awarded the Cushing Award for Technical Excellence and Innovation in Neurosurgery, presented at the AANS Annual Scientific Meeting.
Dr. Adler gave a lecture on 'Sometimes an Entrepreneur, Always a Neurosurgeon'. Dr. Adler graduated from Harvard in 1976 and Harvard Medical School in 1980. He completed neurosurgical residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital and a radiosurgery fellowship at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, where he worked with Lars Leksell. He joined the faculty of Stanford University School of Medicine in 1987 as an assistant professor in the department of neurosurgery in 1987, was also, made an assistant professor in radiation oncology in 1992, was made an associate professor in both departments in 1993, and was made a full professor in both departments in 1998. In 2007 he was named the Dorothy and Thye King Chan Professor in neurosurgery. He was eventually appointed an emeritus professor of neurosurgery. Adler took a leave of absence from Stanford in 1999 and took over as CEO of Accuray, serving in that role until 2002, when he stepped back into being CMO. In 2009, Adler founded Curēus.com (originally known as peerEmed.com), a web-based peer-reviewed medical journal that combines attributes of traditional expert review and social networks. In April 2010, Adler was appointed vice president and chief of New Clinical Applications at Varian Medical Systems. Since 2015 he has served as the founder and CEO of Zap Surgical Systems. The company's flagship project was presented in Europe in 2018 at the "Frontiers of Radiosurgery" scientific symposium and adopted for the first time in Europe in 2020. In 2018 Adler was awarded the Cushing Award for Technical Excellence and Innovation in Neurosurgery, presented at the AANS Annual Scientific Meeting.
August 3, 2022: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Phillipp Taussky, MD
Dr. Taussky gave a lecture on 'Complication Analysis and Avoidance in Modern Vascular Neurosurgery'. Phil Taussky, MD, FACS serves as the University of Utah's Department of Neurosurgery Section Chief of Neurovascular Surgery and Chief Value Officer. He earned his MD degree at the University of Basel, and he takes great pride at having done his residency at one of the busiest county hospitals at the Kantonsspital Aarau, Switzerland. During this time, he was also one of the team physicians for the Swiss National ice-hockey team. He completed a skull base/cerebrovascular fellowship at the University of Utah and an endovascular fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, focusing on minimally invasive techniques to treat stroke, aneurysms, AVMs, and other vascular diseases. As a result of his dual training, he has a unique perspective, offering his patients both microsurgical and minimally invasive endovascular treatment for vascular disease. His training also included extensive experience in the use of modern flow diverters, such as the Pipeline device, and he has co-authored the most comprehensive text-book on the treatment of intracranial aneurysm using modern flow diverting devices. He is currently involved in multiple trials further expanding the use of minimal invasive endovascular devices to treat intracranial aneurysms and stroke. Dr. Taussky has published over 120 papers and book chapters and has lectured both nationally and internationally. He is proud of having proctored physicians from all over the world in complex flow diversion cases. He provides consultation and management for patients with AVMs, aneurysms, cavernous angiomas, meningiomas, Moya-Moya, stroke, carotid disease, and other cerebral problems.
Dr. Taussky gave a lecture on 'Complication Analysis and Avoidance in Modern Vascular Neurosurgery'. Phil Taussky, MD, FACS serves as the University of Utah's Department of Neurosurgery Section Chief of Neurovascular Surgery and Chief Value Officer. He earned his MD degree at the University of Basel, and he takes great pride at having done his residency at one of the busiest county hospitals at the Kantonsspital Aarau, Switzerland. During this time, he was also one of the team physicians for the Swiss National ice-hockey team. He completed a skull base/cerebrovascular fellowship at the University of Utah and an endovascular fellowship at the Mayo Clinic, focusing on minimally invasive techniques to treat stroke, aneurysms, AVMs, and other vascular diseases. As a result of his dual training, he has a unique perspective, offering his patients both microsurgical and minimally invasive endovascular treatment for vascular disease. His training also included extensive experience in the use of modern flow diverters, such as the Pipeline device, and he has co-authored the most comprehensive text-book on the treatment of intracranial aneurysm using modern flow diverting devices. He is currently involved in multiple trials further expanding the use of minimal invasive endovascular devices to treat intracranial aneurysms and stroke. Dr. Taussky has published over 120 papers and book chapters and has lectured both nationally and internationally. He is proud of having proctored physicians from all over the world in complex flow diversion cases. He provides consultation and management for patients with AVMs, aneurysms, cavernous angiomas, meningiomas, Moya-Moya, stroke, carotid disease, and other cerebral problems.
November 10, 2021: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Larry Armstrong, DO
Dr. Armstong lectured on leadership roles for neurosurgeons. Dr. Armstrong served as the President of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons from 2019-2020, and is currently Chief of Staff at Washington Regional Medical Center. Fayetteville, AK. He also serves on the Executive Committee and Neurosurgery Board of Governors for the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.
Dr. Armstong lectured on leadership roles for neurosurgeons. Dr. Armstrong served as the President of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons from 2019-2020, and is currently Chief of Staff at Washington Regional Medical Center. Fayetteville, AK. He also serves on the Executive Committee and Neurosurgery Board of Governors for the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.
October 13, 2021: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Christopher J.L. Murray, MD, PhD
Dr. Siddiqi conducted a fireside chat with Dr. Murray discussing a range of topics including the challenges in responding to Covid-19 as well as public health and empirical analysis challenges related to its impact on our society and health institutions. Dr. Murray is the Chair of the Department of Health Metrics Sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, as well as the Director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. He currently focuses on development of empirical studies to strengthen health measurement, analysis of performance of public health and medical care systems, and assessment of cost effectiveness of health technologies. He earned his bachelors degree in biology and medical degree from Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, and his doctorate in economics from Oxford, England.
Dr. Siddiqi conducted a fireside chat with Dr. Murray discussing a range of topics including the challenges in responding to Covid-19 as well as public health and empirical analysis challenges related to its impact on our society and health institutions. Dr. Murray is the Chair of the Department of Health Metrics Sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, as well as the Director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. He currently focuses on development of empirical studies to strengthen health measurement, analysis of performance of public health and medical care systems, and assessment of cost effectiveness of health technologies. He earned his bachelors degree in biology and medical degree from Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, and his doctorate in economics from Oxford, England.
September 8, 2021: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Nicholas Kristof, BA, JD.
Dr. Siddiqi conducted a fireside chat with Mr. Kristof touching on an array of topics but especially focused on the impact of Covid-19 in our society, medical institutions, and political theater. Mr. Kristof has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize five times and won twice. He graduated from Harvard University, Cambridge, MA with a degree in government. He went on to obtain his l aw degree at Magdalen College, Oxford, G.B. on a Rhodes Scholar Fellowship. He is a best-selling author and recipient of the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement, as well as the Dayton Literary Peace Prize's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Siddiqi conducted a fireside chat with Mr. Kristof touching on an array of topics but especially focused on the impact of Covid-19 in our society, medical institutions, and political theater. Mr. Kristof has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize five times and won twice. He graduated from Harvard University, Cambridge, MA with a degree in government. He went on to obtain his l aw degree at Magdalen College, Oxford, G.B. on a Rhodes Scholar Fellowship. He is a best-selling author and recipient of the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement, as well as the Dayton Literary Peace Prize's Lifetime Achievement Award.
August 4, 2021: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Adnan Siddiqi, MD, PhD, FAANS, FACS, FAHA.
Dr. Siddiqi presented another lecture on the status of neurointerventional fellowship training, new technologies in NIR treatments, and future directions in NIR care. Dr. Adnan Siddiqui is Vice-Chairman and Professor of Neurosurgery at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He joined UBNS in January 2007. Dr. Siddiqui completed fellowship training in Interventional Neuroradiology, Cerebrovascular Surgery and Neurocritical Care from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He completed his Neurosurgical residency at Upstate Medical University and received his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Rochester and medical degree from Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Dr. Siddiqui has special interest and expertise in the performance of complementary microsurgical, radiosurgical and endovascular techniques for the comprehensive management of cerebrovascular conditions. Dr. Siddiqui serves as Director of Neuroendovascular Research, Kaleida Health Stroke Service as well as the University at Buffalo Canon Stroke and Vascular Research Center. He also serves as the Chief Medical Officer for the Jacobs Institute. He is a reviewer for Stroke, Neurosurgery, Journal of Neurosurgery and Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery as well as many others. He has over 300 peer reviewed publications, more than 50 chapters and has been invited to more than 200 national and international lectureships, contributing to the success of the department, which was ranked 7th in academic impact in North America by the Journal of Neurosurgery. Dr. Siddiqui is currently Chair of the Cerebrovascular Surgery Section of the American Association of Neurological Surgery (AANS) and Secretary for the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS). He has served on Endovascular Task Force of AANS and been on multiple scientific and educational committees on AANS, SNIS and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He is also a member of the Society of Neurological Surgery’s committee for multidisciplinary advanced training and credentialing in neuroendovascular surgery.
Dr. Siddiqi presented another lecture on the status of neurointerventional fellowship training, new technologies in NIR treatments, and future directions in NIR care. Dr. Adnan Siddiqui is Vice-Chairman and Professor of Neurosurgery at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He joined UBNS in January 2007. Dr. Siddiqui completed fellowship training in Interventional Neuroradiology, Cerebrovascular Surgery and Neurocritical Care from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He completed his Neurosurgical residency at Upstate Medical University and received his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Rochester and medical degree from Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Dr. Siddiqui has special interest and expertise in the performance of complementary microsurgical, radiosurgical and endovascular techniques for the comprehensive management of cerebrovascular conditions. Dr. Siddiqui serves as Director of Neuroendovascular Research, Kaleida Health Stroke Service as well as the University at Buffalo Canon Stroke and Vascular Research Center. He also serves as the Chief Medical Officer for the Jacobs Institute. He is a reviewer for Stroke, Neurosurgery, Journal of Neurosurgery and Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery as well as many others. He has over 300 peer reviewed publications, more than 50 chapters and has been invited to more than 200 national and international lectureships, contributing to the success of the department, which was ranked 7th in academic impact in North America by the Journal of Neurosurgery. Dr. Siddiqui is currently Chair of the Cerebrovascular Surgery Section of the American Association of Neurological Surgery (AANS) and Secretary for the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS). He has served on Endovascular Task Force of AANS and been on multiple scientific and educational committees on AANS, SNIS and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He is also a member of the Society of Neurological Surgery’s committee for multidisciplinary advanced training and credentialing in neuroendovascular surgery.
July 21, 2021: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Richard Pan, MD
California State Senator Dr. Richard Pan gave an informative presentation on Leadership Roles for Physicians, discussing both his path to the State House in Sacramento, as well as advice and encouragement for engaging in leadership roles as well as clinical practice. Dr. Richard Pan is a pediatrician, former UC Davis educator, and State Senator proudly representing Sacramento, West Sacramento, Elk Grove and unincorporated areas of Sacramento County. Dr. Pan chairs the Senate Committee on Health. He also serves as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs and the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. He serves on the Senate Committees on Budget and Fiscal Review; Education; Business, Professions and Economic Development; Human Services; and the Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Dr. Pan also serves on the Special Committee on Pandemic Emergency Response. Prior to serving in the legislature, Dr. Pan was a UC Davis faculty member and Director of the Pediatric Residency Program where he created a nationally recognized service learning curriculum, Communities and Health Professionals Together to build partnerships between health professions students and neighborhoods to build healthier communities. Dr. Pan co-founded and served as chair of Healthy Kids Healthy Future, where he helped secure health, dental and vision coverage for over 65,000 children in the Sacramento area. He helped create the Sacramento Health Improvement Project, bringing together doctors, hospitals, clinics and community leaders to ensure that all Sacramento County residents have access to primary health care. Dr. Pan also serves on the United Way California Capitol Region Board and served on the BloodSource board and the Sacramento First Five Commission. For his leadership in education and community development, Dr. Pan has been recognized with the Campus Compact's Thomas Ehrlich Faculty Award for Service-Learning and the Physician Humanitarian Award from the Medical Board of California.
California State Senator Dr. Richard Pan gave an informative presentation on Leadership Roles for Physicians, discussing both his path to the State House in Sacramento, as well as advice and encouragement for engaging in leadership roles as well as clinical practice. Dr. Richard Pan is a pediatrician, former UC Davis educator, and State Senator proudly representing Sacramento, West Sacramento, Elk Grove and unincorporated areas of Sacramento County. Dr. Pan chairs the Senate Committee on Health. He also serves as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs and the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. He serves on the Senate Committees on Budget and Fiscal Review; Education; Business, Professions and Economic Development; Human Services; and the Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Dr. Pan also serves on the Special Committee on Pandemic Emergency Response. Prior to serving in the legislature, Dr. Pan was a UC Davis faculty member and Director of the Pediatric Residency Program where he created a nationally recognized service learning curriculum, Communities and Health Professionals Together to build partnerships between health professions students and neighborhoods to build healthier communities. Dr. Pan co-founded and served as chair of Healthy Kids Healthy Future, where he helped secure health, dental and vision coverage for over 65,000 children in the Sacramento area. He helped create the Sacramento Health Improvement Project, bringing together doctors, hospitals, clinics and community leaders to ensure that all Sacramento County residents have access to primary health care. Dr. Pan also serves on the United Way California Capitol Region Board and served on the BloodSource board and the Sacramento First Five Commission. For his leadership in education and community development, Dr. Pan has been recognized with the Campus Compact's Thomas Ehrlich Faculty Award for Service-Learning and the Physician Humanitarian Award from the Medical Board of California.
June 9, June 16, 2021: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Adnan Siddiqi, MD, PhD, FAANS, FACS, FAHA.
Dr. Siddiqi presented two lectures; the first being an update on the progress and future of neuro-endovascular treatment of aneurysms, while the second was a primer on neuro-endovascular fellowship programs. Dr. Adnan Siddiqui is Vice-Chairman and Professor of Neurosurgery at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He joined UBNS in January 2007. Dr. Siddiqui completed fellowship training in Interventional Neuroradiology, Cerebrovascular Surgery and Neurocritical Care from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He completed his Neurosurgical residency at Upstate Medical University and received his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Rochester and medical degree from Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Dr. Siddiqui has special interest and expertise in the performance of complementary microsurgical, radiosurgical and endovascular techniques for the comprehensive management of cerebrovascular conditions. Dr. Siddiqui serves as Director of Neuroendovascular Research, Kaleida Health Stroke Service as well as the University at Buffalo Canon Stroke and Vascular Research Center. He also serves as the Chief Medical Officer for the Jacobs Institute. He is a reviewer for Stroke, Neurosurgery, Journal of Neurosurgery and Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery as well as many others. He has over 300 peer reviewed publications, more than 50 chapters and has been invited to more than 200 national and international lectureships, contributing to the success of the department, which was ranked 7th in academic impact in North America by the Journal of Neurosurgery. Dr. Siddiqui is currently Chair of the Cerebrovascular Surgery Section of the American Association of Neurological Surgery (AANS) and Secretary for the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS). He has served on Endovascular Task Force of AANS and been on multiple scientific and educational committees on AANS, SNIS and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He is also a member of the Society of Neurological Surgery’s committee for multidisciplinary advanced training and credentialing in neuroendovascular surgery.
Dr. Siddiqi presented two lectures; the first being an update on the progress and future of neuro-endovascular treatment of aneurysms, while the second was a primer on neuro-endovascular fellowship programs. Dr. Adnan Siddiqui is Vice-Chairman and Professor of Neurosurgery at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He joined UBNS in January 2007. Dr. Siddiqui completed fellowship training in Interventional Neuroradiology, Cerebrovascular Surgery and Neurocritical Care from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He completed his Neurosurgical residency at Upstate Medical University and received his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Rochester and medical degree from Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Dr. Siddiqui has special interest and expertise in the performance of complementary microsurgical, radiosurgical and endovascular techniques for the comprehensive management of cerebrovascular conditions. Dr. Siddiqui serves as Director of Neuroendovascular Research, Kaleida Health Stroke Service as well as the University at Buffalo Canon Stroke and Vascular Research Center. He also serves as the Chief Medical Officer for the Jacobs Institute. He is a reviewer for Stroke, Neurosurgery, Journal of Neurosurgery and Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery as well as many others. He has over 300 peer reviewed publications, more than 50 chapters and has been invited to more than 200 national and international lectureships, contributing to the success of the department, which was ranked 7th in academic impact in North America by the Journal of Neurosurgery. Dr. Siddiqui is currently Chair of the Cerebrovascular Surgery Section of the American Association of Neurological Surgery (AANS) and Secretary for the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS). He has served on Endovascular Task Force of AANS and been on multiple scientific and educational committees on AANS, SNIS and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He is also a member of the Society of Neurological Surgery’s committee for multidisciplinary advanced training and credentialing in neuroendovascular surgery.
May 19, 2021: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Amer F. Samdani, MD FAANS
Dr. Samdani presented a lecture on pediatric spinal deformity and its surgical correction. Dr. Samdani is Chief of Surgery and Director of the Spine Service at Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia, PA. He is also Clinical Professor of Neurological/Orthopedic Surgery at Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, as well as Clinical Associate Professor (Adjunct) of Neurosurgery/Orthopedic Surgery at Lewis Katz school of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. He is also on staff at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. He has made numerous contributions to pediatric neurosurgery and is an expert in pediatric deformity correction.
Dr. Samdani presented a lecture on pediatric spinal deformity and its surgical correction. Dr. Samdani is Chief of Surgery and Director of the Spine Service at Shriners Hospitals for Children, Philadelphia, PA. He is also Clinical Professor of Neurological/Orthopedic Surgery at Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, as well as Clinical Associate Professor (Adjunct) of Neurosurgery/Orthopedic Surgery at Lewis Katz school of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. He is also on staff at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. He has made numerous contributions to pediatric neurosurgery and is an expert in pediatric deformity correction.
May 5, 2021: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Mark Krieger, MD FAANS FACS
Dr. Krieger presented a lecture on pediatric tumors as well as advances in pediatric neurosurgical imaging. Dr. Krieger is Surgeon-in-Chief and Senior Vice President, as well as Bill and Audrey Wilder Chair of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA), Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Krieger's awards and accolades are extensive and beyond the scope of space allotted on our website. He is a leader in pediatric neurosurgery having held numerous administrative positions within the Pediatric Surgery Section of AANS/CNS, CHLA, and the Make A Wish Foundation. He is also Professor of Neurosurgery at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
Dr. Krieger presented a lecture on pediatric tumors as well as advances in pediatric neurosurgical imaging. Dr. Krieger is Surgeon-in-Chief and Senior Vice President, as well as Bill and Audrey Wilder Chair of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA), Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Krieger's awards and accolades are extensive and beyond the scope of space allotted on our website. He is a leader in pediatric neurosurgery having held numerous administrative positions within the Pediatric Surgery Section of AANS/CNS, CHLA, and the Make A Wish Foundation. He is also Professor of Neurosurgery at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
March 31, 2021: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: John Ratliff, MD FAANS, FACS
Dr. Ratliff presented a lecture on the fundamentals of spinal deformity and spinal mechanics. Dr. Ratliff is Professor of Neurosurgery,
Professor of Orthopedic Surgery (Courtesy), Vice Chair of Operations and Development, Department of Neurosurgery, Associate Program Director, Department Quality Officer, Co-Director, Division of Spine and Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Director, Stanford Joint Neurosurgery/Orthopedic Spine Surgery, and Spine Fellowship Program, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California. He is chair of the AANS/CNS Washington Committee, tasked with legislative advocacy, regulatory relationships, AMA and other organization representation, and stakeholder integration and communication. In addition to his advocacy in the neurosurgery community, he is involved with several research projects at Stanford, is a member of numerous medical societies, and recipient of numerous awards for both his clinical and professional service.
Dr. Ratliff presented a lecture on the fundamentals of spinal deformity and spinal mechanics. Dr. Ratliff is Professor of Neurosurgery,
Professor of Orthopedic Surgery (Courtesy), Vice Chair of Operations and Development, Department of Neurosurgery, Associate Program Director, Department Quality Officer, Co-Director, Division of Spine and Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Director, Stanford Joint Neurosurgery/Orthopedic Spine Surgery, and Spine Fellowship Program, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California. He is chair of the AANS/CNS Washington Committee, tasked with legislative advocacy, regulatory relationships, AMA and other organization representation, and stakeholder integration and communication. In addition to his advocacy in the neurosurgery community, he is involved with several research projects at Stanford, is a member of numerous medical societies, and recipient of numerous awards for both his clinical and professional service.
March 17, 2021: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Langston T. Holly, MD FAANS
Dr. Holly presented a lecture on intramedullary spinal cord tumor surgery as well as a fascinating presentation on building an academic career in neurosurgery. Professor and Co-Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for the Department of Neurosurgery, Dr. Holly is a member of the UCLA Spine Center located in Santa Monica. Dr. Holly's focus is on minimally-invasive and image-guided techniques in the surgical management of degenerative, traumatic and neoplastic spinal disorders. He obtained his medical degree from UCLA School of Medicine in 1995, and then went on to train in neurosurgery at UCLA as well, completing in 2001. He then went on to a Complex Spine Surgery Fellowship at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, TN from 2001-2002. He then rejoined the faculty at UCLA. He is a leader in spine research and is considered one of the leaders in innovative spine surgery in Southern California.
Dr. Holly presented a lecture on intramedullary spinal cord tumor surgery as well as a fascinating presentation on building an academic career in neurosurgery. Professor and Co-Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for the Department of Neurosurgery, Dr. Holly is a member of the UCLA Spine Center located in Santa Monica. Dr. Holly's focus is on minimally-invasive and image-guided techniques in the surgical management of degenerative, traumatic and neoplastic spinal disorders. He obtained his medical degree from UCLA School of Medicine in 1995, and then went on to train in neurosurgery at UCLA as well, completing in 2001. He then went on to a Complex Spine Surgery Fellowship at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, TN from 2001-2002. He then rejoined the faculty at UCLA. He is a leader in spine research and is considered one of the leaders in innovative spine surgery in Southern California.
December 4, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOU LECTURE: Gary K. Steinberg, MD FAANS
Dr. Siddiqi interviewed Dr. Steinberg providing insight into his vision and process into his development of the Stanford Stroke Center, as well as future directions of stroke care. Dr. Gary Steinberg is the Chair of Neurosurgery, Director of the Stanford Moyamoya Center, and the founder and Co-Director of the Stanford Stroke Center. As a cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgeon, he specializes in treating brain aneurysms, moyamoya disease, brain and spinal AVMs and other vascular malformations, carotid artery disease, meningiomas, skull base tumors, stroke, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
Dr. Steinberg has practiced neurosurgery at Stanford for more than 31 years. He has pioneered microsurgical techniques to repair intracranial vascular malformations and certain aneurysms that were previously considered untreatable. He has also refined revascularization techniques for patients with cerebrovascular arterial occlusions, as well as moyamoya disease. He is leading novel clinical trials of stem cell therapy for stroke and spinal cord injury.
Dr. Siddiqi interviewed Dr. Steinberg providing insight into his vision and process into his development of the Stanford Stroke Center, as well as future directions of stroke care. Dr. Gary Steinberg is the Chair of Neurosurgery, Director of the Stanford Moyamoya Center, and the founder and Co-Director of the Stanford Stroke Center. As a cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgeon, he specializes in treating brain aneurysms, moyamoya disease, brain and spinal AVMs and other vascular malformations, carotid artery disease, meningiomas, skull base tumors, stroke, and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
Dr. Steinberg has practiced neurosurgery at Stanford for more than 31 years. He has pioneered microsurgical techniques to repair intracranial vascular malformations and certain aneurysms that were previously considered untreatable. He has also refined revascularization techniques for patients with cerebrovascular arterial occlusions, as well as moyamoya disease. He is leading novel clinical trials of stem cell therapy for stroke and spinal cord injury.
November 25, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOU LECTURE: Robert Spinner, MD FAANS
Dr. Spinner persented a lectire on "Peripheral Nerve Surgery: Location, Location, Location." Robert J. Spinner, M.D., is a peripheral nerve surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is chair of the Department of Neurologic Surgery and is the Burton M. Onofrio, M.D. Professor of Neurosurgery as well as a professor of orthopedics and anatomy. He completed full residency programs in orthopedics and neurosurgery and a one-year peripheral nerve fellowship. He is board certified in both neurosurgery and orthopedics. He has served as the president of the American Society for Peripheral Nerve and the Sunderland Society (an international peripheral nerve study group). In addition to his clinical activities, Dr. Spinner is active in clinical and basic science (nerve regeneration). He mentors clinical and research fellows. He publishes in high-impact journals and presents frequently both nationally and internationally on topics related to peripheral nerve disorders. Dr. Spinner chairs the Academic Appointments and Promotions Committee at Mayo.
Dr. Spinner persented a lectire on "Peripheral Nerve Surgery: Location, Location, Location." Robert J. Spinner, M.D., is a peripheral nerve surgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is chair of the Department of Neurologic Surgery and is the Burton M. Onofrio, M.D. Professor of Neurosurgery as well as a professor of orthopedics and anatomy. He completed full residency programs in orthopedics and neurosurgery and a one-year peripheral nerve fellowship. He is board certified in both neurosurgery and orthopedics. He has served as the president of the American Society for Peripheral Nerve and the Sunderland Society (an international peripheral nerve study group). In addition to his clinical activities, Dr. Spinner is active in clinical and basic science (nerve regeneration). He mentors clinical and research fellows. He publishes in high-impact journals and presents frequently both nationally and internationally on topics related to peripheral nerve disorders. Dr. Spinner chairs the Academic Appointments and Promotions Committee at Mayo.
November 18, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Aclan Dogan, MD FAANS
Dr. Dogan lectured on 'Multidisciplinary Approach to Complex Intracranial Aneurysms. Dr. Dogan is Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery, Division of Skull Base and Cerebrovascular, School of Medicine at Oregon Health and Science Center in Portland, OR. Dr. Dogan is a neurosurgeon with expertise in cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgery. He specializes in the treatment of problems and abnormalities of blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord, including aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), cavernous malformations (CMs), carotid stenosis, and complex brain tumors. He is active in the residency training program at OHSC and is a member of numerous neurosurgical organizations.
Dr. Dogan lectured on 'Multidisciplinary Approach to Complex Intracranial Aneurysms. Dr. Dogan is Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery, Division of Skull Base and Cerebrovascular, School of Medicine at Oregon Health and Science Center in Portland, OR. Dr. Dogan is a neurosurgeon with expertise in cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgery. He specializes in the treatment of problems and abnormalities of blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord, including aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), cavernous malformations (CMs), carotid stenosis, and complex brain tumors. He is active in the residency training program at OHSC and is a member of numerous neurosurgical organizations.
October 21, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Marco Lee, MD, PhD, FRCS
Dr. Lee lectured on 'Minimal Surgery: Confidence in Being Conservative in Neurosurgery'. Dr. Lee is Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford University and Past Chief of Neurosurgery at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. He completed his Neurosurgery residency at the University of Oxford and Edinburgh, UK. He completed further advanced training in Skull Base-Cerebrovascular surgery and Radiosurgery through fellowships at Stanford University. Dr. Lee is board certified in Neurosurgery by the Royal College of Surgeons. His clinical interests include cerebrovascular conditions (aneurysms, AVMs, cavernomas), skull base tumors (pituitary tumors, meningiomas), neurotrauma (traumatic brain and spine injuries) and degenerative spine conditions. He has held multiple research grants internationally and nationally in the study of these conditions and has published widely on these topics. Dr. Lee is also passionate about training the next generation of doctors and neurosurgeons and is heavily involved in educational programs at Stanford University and various international and national courses.
Dr. Lee lectured on 'Minimal Surgery: Confidence in Being Conservative in Neurosurgery'. Dr. Lee is Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford University and Past Chief of Neurosurgery at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. He completed his Neurosurgery residency at the University of Oxford and Edinburgh, UK. He completed further advanced training in Skull Base-Cerebrovascular surgery and Radiosurgery through fellowships at Stanford University. Dr. Lee is board certified in Neurosurgery by the Royal College of Surgeons. His clinical interests include cerebrovascular conditions (aneurysms, AVMs, cavernomas), skull base tumors (pituitary tumors, meningiomas), neurotrauma (traumatic brain and spine injuries) and degenerative spine conditions. He has held multiple research grants internationally and nationally in the study of these conditions and has published widely on these topics. Dr. Lee is also passionate about training the next generation of doctors and neurosurgeons and is heavily involved in educational programs at Stanford University and various international and national courses.
October 7, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Rachel Rose, JD
Ms. Rose gave us part two on the history of the development of our current medical privacy, conflict of interest, and anti-kickback statues. In the first of a two part series, she brought us up to speed on the latest interpretations of HIPAA, Stark, and other statues pertaining to the practice of medicine and the interactions with industry and other entities. Ms. Rose has a unique background having worked in many different facets of healthcare, securities, cybersecurity, international and business law. Her practice focuses on a variety of cybersecurity, healthcare, and securities law issues related to industry compliance and transactional work, as well as representing plaintiffs in Dodd-Frank/False Claims Act whistleblower claims. She has an MBA with minors in healthcare and entrepreneurship from Vanderbilt University and earned her law degree from Stetson University College of Law, graduating with various honors, including the National Scribes Award, and The William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award. Currently, she is Chair of the Federal Bar Association's Government Relations Committee, as well as board member of the Federal Bar Association's Qui Tan Section. She has written several books and papers as well as serves as an Editor for American Health Lawyers Association. She has been consecutively named to the Texas Bar College, National Women Trial Lawyers Association Top 25, and Top Lawyers for Healthcare. and National Trial Lawyers Association Top 100. She is an affiliated member of Baylor College of Medicine's Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, where she teaches bioethics.
Ms. Rose gave us part two on the history of the development of our current medical privacy, conflict of interest, and anti-kickback statues. In the first of a two part series, she brought us up to speed on the latest interpretations of HIPAA, Stark, and other statues pertaining to the practice of medicine and the interactions with industry and other entities. Ms. Rose has a unique background having worked in many different facets of healthcare, securities, cybersecurity, international and business law. Her practice focuses on a variety of cybersecurity, healthcare, and securities law issues related to industry compliance and transactional work, as well as representing plaintiffs in Dodd-Frank/False Claims Act whistleblower claims. She has an MBA with minors in healthcare and entrepreneurship from Vanderbilt University and earned her law degree from Stetson University College of Law, graduating with various honors, including the National Scribes Award, and The William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award. Currently, she is Chair of the Federal Bar Association's Government Relations Committee, as well as board member of the Federal Bar Association's Qui Tan Section. She has written several books and papers as well as serves as an Editor for American Health Lawyers Association. She has been consecutively named to the Texas Bar College, National Women Trial Lawyers Association Top 25, and Top Lawyers for Healthcare. and National Trial Lawyers Association Top 100. She is an affiliated member of Baylor College of Medicine's Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, where she teaches bioethics.
September 16, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Laligam N, Sekhar, MD, FAANS
Dr. Siddiqi interviewed the esteemed Dr. Sekhar who gave us a detailed account of his path into neurosurgery, his insights into the future of neurosurgery, as well as fascinating moments in time that shaped his experiences and events that helped shape his amazing career. Dr. Sekhar is known around the world for his expertise in treating complex neurosurgical problems, particularly skull base tumors, such as acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, chordomas and complex brain tumors. He is also an expert in the treatment of brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformation, and the performance of brain bypasses.
Based at Harborview Medical Center, he is a UW professor and Vice-Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery. In addition, he is a past president of the World Federation of Skull Base Societies and a past president of the Washington State Association of Neurological Surgeons. He completed his medical education in India at Madras Medical College, then went on to internship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL. He completed his neurosurgical training at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He completed fellowships at Hospital Foch, Suresnes, France, Nordstadt Hospital, Hanover, Germany, and University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.
Dr. Siddiqi interviewed the esteemed Dr. Sekhar who gave us a detailed account of his path into neurosurgery, his insights into the future of neurosurgery, as well as fascinating moments in time that shaped his experiences and events that helped shape his amazing career. Dr. Sekhar is known around the world for his expertise in treating complex neurosurgical problems, particularly skull base tumors, such as acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, chordomas and complex brain tumors. He is also an expert in the treatment of brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformation, and the performance of brain bypasses.
Based at Harborview Medical Center, he is a UW professor and Vice-Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery. In addition, he is a past president of the World Federation of Skull Base Societies and a past president of the Washington State Association of Neurological Surgeons. He completed his medical education in India at Madras Medical College, then went on to internship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL. He completed his neurosurgical training at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He completed fellowships at Hospital Foch, Suresnes, France, Nordstadt Hospital, Hanover, Germany, and University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.
September 8, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Ajay Ananda, MD, FAANS
Dr. Ananda presented on the history as well as the future directions of functional neurosurgery. He earned his medical degree from the University of California San Diego, and his neurosurgical residency and fellowship from University of Alabama, Birmingham. He is director of functional neurosurgery in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Hospital System.
Dr. Ananda presented on the history as well as the future directions of functional neurosurgery. He earned his medical degree from the University of California San Diego, and his neurosurgical residency and fellowship from University of Alabama, Birmingham. He is director of functional neurosurgery in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Hospital System.
September 2, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Alfredo Quinones-Hinjosa, MD, FAANS
Dr. Quinones-Hinjosa presented on the current state of research and future directions on brain tumor molecular biology as well as clinical advancement in brain mapping. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, M.D. serves as chair of the Department of Neurologic Surgery at Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida, and he is recognized with the distinction of a named professorship, the William J. and Charles H. Mayo Professorship. His clinical focus includes surgical treatment of primary and metastatic brain tumors with emphasis in motor and speech mapping during surgery, pituitary tumors and skull base tumors using trans-sphenoidal endonasal and minimally invasive approaches, and providing personalized medicine to improve patient outcomes. In addition to his clinical activities, Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa leads NIH-funded research to find a cure for brain cancer. His cutting-edge research focuses on brain tumors and cell migration, health care disparities and clinical outcomes for neurosurgical patients in which the operating room is used as an extension for his research scenario. He has authored numerous high-impact scientific journal articles, chapters, abstracts and books. Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa also continues to provide mentorship to residents, graduate students and fellows. Dr. Quinones-Hinjosa completed his postdoctoral fellowship and his neurosurgical training at University of California, San Francisco.
Dr. Quinones-Hinjosa presented on the current state of research and future directions on brain tumor molecular biology as well as clinical advancement in brain mapping. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, M.D. serves as chair of the Department of Neurologic Surgery at Mayo Clinic's campus in Florida, and he is recognized with the distinction of a named professorship, the William J. and Charles H. Mayo Professorship. His clinical focus includes surgical treatment of primary and metastatic brain tumors with emphasis in motor and speech mapping during surgery, pituitary tumors and skull base tumors using trans-sphenoidal endonasal and minimally invasive approaches, and providing personalized medicine to improve patient outcomes. In addition to his clinical activities, Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa leads NIH-funded research to find a cure for brain cancer. His cutting-edge research focuses on brain tumors and cell migration, health care disparities and clinical outcomes for neurosurgical patients in which the operating room is used as an extension for his research scenario. He has authored numerous high-impact scientific journal articles, chapters, abstracts and books. Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa also continues to provide mentorship to residents, graduate students and fellows. Dr. Quinones-Hinjosa completed his postdoctoral fellowship and his neurosurgical training at University of California, San Francisco.
August 26, 2020: VIRUTAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Robert Spetzler, MD FAANS
Dr. Siddiqi interviewed the distinguished Dr. Spetzler giving us insight into his life, ambitions, and how he chose a career in neurosurgery. We also followed his journey to become one of the most accomplished vascular neurosurgeons in the world as well as what motivated his career and how to maintain balance between professional and personal life. Robert Spetzler, MD, is a world-renowned neurosurgeon who specializes in cerebrovascular disease and skull base tumors. He has been involved in pioneering the technique of hypothermia and cardiac arrest for the treatment of difficult brain lesions. He has been honored many times by professional societies, including the American College of Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. In 1994, Dr. Spetzler was chosen to be the Honored Guest of Congress of Neurological Surgeons. At age 49, he was the youngest recipient of this prestigious honor. Dr. Spetzler was born in Stierhoefstetten, Germany, and moved to the United States at the age of 11. He received his B.S. from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and his doctorate of medicine from Northwestern Medical School in Chicago. His postgraduate training was completed at Wesley Memorial Hospital–Northwestern in Chicago. He completed a residency in neurosurgery at the University of California – San Francisco. He received board certification in September 1979 from the American Board of Neurological Surgery. In 1983 Dr. Spetzler left his position as associate professor of neurosurgery at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland to assume a position as chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Barrow Neurological Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. He served as president and CEO of Barrow from 1986 to 2017. He is also emeritus chair of neurosurgery at the Phoenix campus of The University of Arizona College of Medicine.Dr. Spetzler has published more than 300 articles and 180 book chapters in the neuroscience literature. He has co-edited a number of neurosurgical textbooks, including the Color Atlas of Microneurosurgery.
Dr. Siddiqi interviewed the distinguished Dr. Spetzler giving us insight into his life, ambitions, and how he chose a career in neurosurgery. We also followed his journey to become one of the most accomplished vascular neurosurgeons in the world as well as what motivated his career and how to maintain balance between professional and personal life. Robert Spetzler, MD, is a world-renowned neurosurgeon who specializes in cerebrovascular disease and skull base tumors. He has been involved in pioneering the technique of hypothermia and cardiac arrest for the treatment of difficult brain lesions. He has been honored many times by professional societies, including the American College of Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. In 1994, Dr. Spetzler was chosen to be the Honored Guest of Congress of Neurological Surgeons. At age 49, he was the youngest recipient of this prestigious honor. Dr. Spetzler was born in Stierhoefstetten, Germany, and moved to the United States at the age of 11. He received his B.S. from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and his doctorate of medicine from Northwestern Medical School in Chicago. His postgraduate training was completed at Wesley Memorial Hospital–Northwestern in Chicago. He completed a residency in neurosurgery at the University of California – San Francisco. He received board certification in September 1979 from the American Board of Neurological Surgery. In 1983 Dr. Spetzler left his position as associate professor of neurosurgery at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland to assume a position as chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Barrow Neurological Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. He served as president and CEO of Barrow from 1986 to 2017. He is also emeritus chair of neurosurgery at the Phoenix campus of The University of Arizona College of Medicine.Dr. Spetzler has published more than 300 articles and 180 book chapters in the neuroscience literature. He has co-edited a number of neurosurgical textbooks, including the Color Atlas of Microneurosurgery.
August 19, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Moustapha Abou-Samra, MD
Dr. Abou-Samra presented a lecture and personal experience in dealing with an unethical colleague. The lessons learned both in vetting potential colleagues/partners/staff as well as how to conduct our own selves in our professions was practical, timely, and stimulating. Dr Abou-Samra has been practicing neurosurgery for 48 years in Ventura County, CA prior to his recent retirement. He is a 1972 graduate of University of Damascus Faculty of Medicine and completed his surgery transitional year at New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry Medical Center, Newark, New Jersey. He completed his neurological surgery residency at University of Texas, Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, TX. He is an active member of numerous medical societies including California Medical Association (CMA) , California Association of Neurological Surgeons (CANS), Western Neurosurgical Society, Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), and American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).
Dr. Abou-Samra presented a lecture and personal experience in dealing with an unethical colleague. The lessons learned both in vetting potential colleagues/partners/staff as well as how to conduct our own selves in our professions was practical, timely, and stimulating. Dr Abou-Samra has been practicing neurosurgery for 48 years in Ventura County, CA prior to his recent retirement. He is a 1972 graduate of University of Damascus Faculty of Medicine and completed his surgery transitional year at New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry Medical Center, Newark, New Jersey. He completed his neurological surgery residency at University of Texas, Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, TX. He is an active member of numerous medical societies including California Medical Association (CMA) , California Association of Neurological Surgeons (CANS), Western Neurosurgical Society, Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), and American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).
August 12, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Esther Kim, MD
Dr. Kim presented a thorough lecture on "Approaches to the Lumbar Spine" and gave us a wonderful review of anatomy as well as clinical pearls on surgical access to this region. She is currently the Assistant Residency Program Director for Neurosurgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center. She earned her medical degree from University of Maryland and trained in neurosurgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center. She completed a spine fellowship at Swedish Neurological Institute in Seattle, WA. She then returned to Loma Linda where she has focused on trauma neurosurgery, spine surgery, and minimally-invasive spinal surgery. She is a member of both the California Medical Association (CMA) , California Association of Neurological Surgeons (CANS), Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), Women in Neurosurgery, American Medical Association (AMA), North American Spine Society (NASS), and Korean American Spine Society.
Dr. Kim presented a thorough lecture on "Approaches to the Lumbar Spine" and gave us a wonderful review of anatomy as well as clinical pearls on surgical access to this region. She is currently the Assistant Residency Program Director for Neurosurgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center. She earned her medical degree from University of Maryland and trained in neurosurgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center. She completed a spine fellowship at Swedish Neurological Institute in Seattle, WA. She then returned to Loma Linda where she has focused on trauma neurosurgery, spine surgery, and minimally-invasive spinal surgery. She is a member of both the California Medical Association (CMA) , California Association of Neurological Surgeons (CANS), Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), Women in Neurosurgery, American Medical Association (AMA), North American Spine Society (NASS), and Korean American Spine Society.
August 5, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Rachel Rose, JD
Ms. Rose educated our residents and staff on the history of the development of our current medical privacy, conflict of interest, and anti-kickback statues. In the first of a two part series, she brought us up to speed on the latest interpretations of HIPAA, Stark, and other statues pertaining to the practice of medicine and the interactions with industry and other entities. Ms. Rose has a unique background having worked in many different facets of healthcare, securities, cybersecurity, international and business law. Her practice focuses on a variety of cybersecurity, healthcare, and securities law issues related to industry compliance and transactional work, as well as representing plaintiffs in Dodd-Frank/False Claims Act whistleblower claims. She has an MBA with minors in healthcare and entrepreneurship from Vanderbilt University and earned her law degree from Stetson University College of Law, graduating with various honors, including the National Scribes Award, and The William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award. Currently, she is Chair of the Federal Bar Association's Government Relations Committee, as well as board member of the Federal Bar Association's Qui Tan Section. She has written several books and papers as well as serves as an Editor for American Health Lawyers Association. She has been consecutively named to the Texas Bar College, National Women Trial Lawyers Association Top 25, and Top Lawyers for Healthcare. and National Trial Lawyers Association Top 100. She is an affiliated member of Baylor College of Medicine's Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, where she teaches bioethics.
Ms. Rose educated our residents and staff on the history of the development of our current medical privacy, conflict of interest, and anti-kickback statues. In the first of a two part series, she brought us up to speed on the latest interpretations of HIPAA, Stark, and other statues pertaining to the practice of medicine and the interactions with industry and other entities. Ms. Rose has a unique background having worked in many different facets of healthcare, securities, cybersecurity, international and business law. Her practice focuses on a variety of cybersecurity, healthcare, and securities law issues related to industry compliance and transactional work, as well as representing plaintiffs in Dodd-Frank/False Claims Act whistleblower claims. She has an MBA with minors in healthcare and entrepreneurship from Vanderbilt University and earned her law degree from Stetson University College of Law, graduating with various honors, including the National Scribes Award, and The William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award. Currently, she is Chair of the Federal Bar Association's Government Relations Committee, as well as board member of the Federal Bar Association's Qui Tan Section. She has written several books and papers as well as serves as an Editor for American Health Lawyers Association. She has been consecutively named to the Texas Bar College, National Women Trial Lawyers Association Top 25, and Top Lawyers for Healthcare. and National Trial Lawyers Association Top 100. She is an affiliated member of Baylor College of Medicine's Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, where she teaches bioethics.
July 29, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Gary Goplen, MD FRCSC
Dr Goplen presented "Neurosurgical Performance-Lessons Learned from Sport". This fascinating presentation was enjoyed by everyone and highlighted the commonalities between athletic preparation and mindset with neurosurgical practice. Dr. Goplen maintains a busy group practice in Kelowna, Saskatchewan, CA and has been both a Royal College Neurosurgery Examiner as well as Chief of Surgery at Kelowna General Hospital. He is a medical and neurosurgical residency graduate of University of Saskatchewan and fellowship trained from the University of Western Ontario. In addition to his impressive neurosurgical career, he was a competitive Olympic speed skater.
Dr Goplen presented "Neurosurgical Performance-Lessons Learned from Sport". This fascinating presentation was enjoyed by everyone and highlighted the commonalities between athletic preparation and mindset with neurosurgical practice. Dr. Goplen maintains a busy group practice in Kelowna, Saskatchewan, CA and has been both a Royal College Neurosurgery Examiner as well as Chief of Surgery at Kelowna General Hospital. He is a medical and neurosurgical residency graduate of University of Saskatchewan and fellowship trained from the University of Western Ontario. In addition to his impressive neurosurgical career, he was a competitive Olympic speed skater.
July 10, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Mitchel Berger, MD FAANS
Dr. Siddiqi interviewed the distinguished Dr. Berger giving us insight into his life, ambitions, and how he chose a career in neurosurgery. We also followed his journey to become one of the most accomplished neurosurgeons in the world as well as what motivates him to continue to practice. Dr. Mitchel S. Berger, chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery, is a nationally recognized expert in treating brain and spinal cord tumors as well as tumor-related epilepsy in adults and children. He also is a specialist in brain mapping techniques – used to identify and preserve areas of motor, sensory and language function during surgery – and an expert in using the Gamma Knife, a precise, noninvasive tool that applies radiation beams for tumor treatment. He is co-director of the Adult Brain Tumor Surgery Program, director of the Brain Tumor Research Center and director of the Center for Neurological Injury and Repair. Berger earned his bachelor's degree from Harvard College in 1975 and his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1979. He completed an internship and a residency at UCSF, and was awarded a clinical fellowship in neuro-oncology by the American Cancer Society and a research fellowship by the Brain Tumor Research Center. He completed further fellowship training in neuro-oncology at UCSF and in pediatric neurosurgery at the Hospital for Sick Children, an affiliate of the University of Toronto.
Berger was elected to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons' board of directors and appointed to the American Board of Neurological Surgery.
Dr. Siddiqi interviewed the distinguished Dr. Berger giving us insight into his life, ambitions, and how he chose a career in neurosurgery. We also followed his journey to become one of the most accomplished neurosurgeons in the world as well as what motivates him to continue to practice. Dr. Mitchel S. Berger, chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery, is a nationally recognized expert in treating brain and spinal cord tumors as well as tumor-related epilepsy in adults and children. He also is a specialist in brain mapping techniques – used to identify and preserve areas of motor, sensory and language function during surgery – and an expert in using the Gamma Knife, a precise, noninvasive tool that applies radiation beams for tumor treatment. He is co-director of the Adult Brain Tumor Surgery Program, director of the Brain Tumor Research Center and director of the Center for Neurological Injury and Repair. Berger earned his bachelor's degree from Harvard College in 1975 and his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1979. He completed an internship and a residency at UCSF, and was awarded a clinical fellowship in neuro-oncology by the American Cancer Society and a research fellowship by the Brain Tumor Research Center. He completed further fellowship training in neuro-oncology at UCSF and in pediatric neurosurgery at the Hospital for Sick Children, an affiliate of the University of Toronto.
Berger was elected to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons' board of directors and appointed to the American Board of Neurological Surgery.
July 8, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Brian Gantwerker, MD
Dr. Gantwerker gave us a challenging review of critical decision-making and action focused approaches to neurosurgical emergencies of both the brain and spine, with special emphasis on answering questions posed to young neurosurgeons in board examination process. A Chicago native, Dr. Gantwerker earned a degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He went on to receive his medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago, where he focused on peripheral nerve regeneration research. After completing his neurosurgical residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland, Dr. Gantwerker studied spinal cord regeneration with stem cells at Case Western School of Medicine. He then continued his training at the world-renowned Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, where he finished a complex spine fellowship in 2009.Dr. Gantwerker is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key honor societies. He maintains active membership in numerous professional organizations, including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, and the North American Spine Society. He’s also a member of the California Association of Neurological Surgeons. Board-certified neurosurgeon Brian Gantwerker, MD, specializes in the treatment of brain tumors, as well as degenerative diseases and injuries of the spinal cord. At his practice, The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles, in Santa Monica and Encino, California, patients benefit from his extensive experience treating complex brain and spine problems with minimally invasive techniques, and traditional surgery.
Dr. Gantwerker gave us a challenging review of critical decision-making and action focused approaches to neurosurgical emergencies of both the brain and spine, with special emphasis on answering questions posed to young neurosurgeons in board examination process. A Chicago native, Dr. Gantwerker earned a degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He went on to receive his medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago, where he focused on peripheral nerve regeneration research. After completing his neurosurgical residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland, Dr. Gantwerker studied spinal cord regeneration with stem cells at Case Western School of Medicine. He then continued his training at the world-renowned Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, where he finished a complex spine fellowship in 2009.Dr. Gantwerker is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key honor societies. He maintains active membership in numerous professional organizations, including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, and the North American Spine Society. He’s also a member of the California Association of Neurological Surgeons. Board-certified neurosurgeon Brian Gantwerker, MD, specializes in the treatment of brain tumors, as well as degenerative diseases and injuries of the spinal cord. At his practice, The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles, in Santa Monica and Encino, California, patients benefit from his extensive experience treating complex brain and spine problems with minimally invasive techniques, and traditional surgery.
July 1, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Praveen Mummaneni, MD
Dr. Mummaneni engaged the residents and faculty with a presentation on complex spine including his research, outcomes-based data, and decision-making pearls. Dr. Mummaneni earned his medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine and completed a residency in neurological surgery at UCSF. His additional training includes a complex spine fellowship at Emory University. He is internationally recognized for his work on cervical kyphosis and minimally invasive approaches to spinal deformity surgery and spinal tumors. He has been a guest lecturer at international meetings on six continents and has published more than 300 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. He is editor of several textbooks, including Spinal Deformity: A Guide to Surgical Planning and Management, Handbook of Minimally Invasive and Percutaneous Spine Surgery, Handbook of Spine Surgery, Cervical Spine Surgery: Current Trends and Challenges and Minimally Invasive Spinal Deformity Surgery: An Evolution of Modern Techniques. He is the Joan O'Reilly Endowed Professor in Spinal Surgery at UCSF.
Dr. Mummaneni engaged the residents and faculty with a presentation on complex spine including his research, outcomes-based data, and decision-making pearls. Dr. Mummaneni earned his medical degree at Boston University School of Medicine and completed a residency in neurological surgery at UCSF. His additional training includes a complex spine fellowship at Emory University. He is internationally recognized for his work on cervical kyphosis and minimally invasive approaches to spinal deformity surgery and spinal tumors. He has been a guest lecturer at international meetings on six continents and has published more than 300 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. He is editor of several textbooks, including Spinal Deformity: A Guide to Surgical Planning and Management, Handbook of Minimally Invasive and Percutaneous Spine Surgery, Handbook of Spine Surgery, Cervical Spine Surgery: Current Trends and Challenges and Minimally Invasive Spinal Deformity Surgery: An Evolution of Modern Techniques. He is the Joan O'Reilly Endowed Professor in Spinal Surgery at UCSF.
June 25, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Omid Hariri, DO, MSc
Dr. Hariri gave an engaging lecture and video presentation on the management of painful metastatic tumors with insights into complex surgical management, outcomes, and impact on patient quality of life and appropriate decision-making with regard to this problem. Dr. Hariri grew up in Orange County, CA and attended UCLA where he received a bachelor's degree in neuroscience and a master's degree in neurobiology. He then went on to attend Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona for medical school. He completed neurosurgical residency at Riverside University Health System and then completed a complex spine fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine Department of Neurosurgery. He practices neurosurgery and complex spinal surgery at Kaiser Permanente-Orange County.
Dr. Hariri gave an engaging lecture and video presentation on the management of painful metastatic tumors with insights into complex surgical management, outcomes, and impact on patient quality of life and appropriate decision-making with regard to this problem. Dr. Hariri grew up in Orange County, CA and attended UCLA where he received a bachelor's degree in neuroscience and a master's degree in neurobiology. He then went on to attend Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona for medical school. He completed neurosurgical residency at Riverside University Health System and then completed a complex spine fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine Department of Neurosurgery. He practices neurosurgery and complex spinal surgery at Kaiser Permanente-Orange County.
June 17, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Vivian S. Lee, MD, PhD, MBA
Dr. Siddiqi interviewed Dr. Lee regarding her new book and also gave us her perspectives of the role of women in medicine today.
Dr. Lee is President of Health Platforms, Verily Life Sciences, an Alphabet company whose mission is to apply digital solutions that enable people to enjoy healthier lives. A radiologist and healthcare executive, Lee also serves as a senior lecturer at Harvard Medical School, a senior fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and is authoring a book about improving the American healthcare system. For six years, Lee led the University of Utah Health as Dean, SVP and CEO of the $3.5B integrated health system, academic campus, and health plan. The system was recognized for its health care innovations that enabled higher quality at lower costs (JAMA & editorial, NYT) and with higher patient satisfaction (NYT, HBR, NEJM), and in 2016, was ranked first among university hospitals in quality and safety (Vizient). Elected to the National Academy of Medicine with ~200 peer-reviewed publications, Lee’s NIH-funded laboratory has developed novel methods for measuring kidney function and vascular disease with MRI. A healthcare leader, Lee serves on the Defense Health Board of the Department of Defense, the Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Fund, and is also a director on the board of Zions Bancorporation, a publicly traded company. Dr. Lee is a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard, received a D.Phil in medical engineering from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, earned her M.D. with honors from Harvard Medical School, and received her MBA program from NYU.
Dr. Siddiqi interviewed Dr. Lee regarding her new book and also gave us her perspectives of the role of women in medicine today.
Dr. Lee is President of Health Platforms, Verily Life Sciences, an Alphabet company whose mission is to apply digital solutions that enable people to enjoy healthier lives. A radiologist and healthcare executive, Lee also serves as a senior lecturer at Harvard Medical School, a senior fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and is authoring a book about improving the American healthcare system. For six years, Lee led the University of Utah Health as Dean, SVP and CEO of the $3.5B integrated health system, academic campus, and health plan. The system was recognized for its health care innovations that enabled higher quality at lower costs (JAMA & editorial, NYT) and with higher patient satisfaction (NYT, HBR, NEJM), and in 2016, was ranked first among university hospitals in quality and safety (Vizient). Elected to the National Academy of Medicine with ~200 peer-reviewed publications, Lee’s NIH-funded laboratory has developed novel methods for measuring kidney function and vascular disease with MRI. A healthcare leader, Lee serves on the Defense Health Board of the Department of Defense, the Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Fund, and is also a director on the board of Zions Bancorporation, a publicly traded company. Dr. Lee is a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard, received a D.Phil in medical engineering from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, earned her M.D. with honors from Harvard Medical School, and received her MBA program from NYU.
June 10, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Harminder Singh, MD
Dr Singh graciously presented a lecture detailing the latest advances in skull base neurosurgery, especially focusing on the emergence of endoscopy and endoscopic approaches as crucial to the future of the field. Dr. Harminder Singh is Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. He serves as Chief of Neurosurgery at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, California, and is the Director of Neurotrauma. He is also Director of the Stanford Neuroanatomy and Simulation laboratory. Dr. Singh is board certified in neurosurgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
He received advanced training in minimally invasive cranial surgery from Cornell University with Dr. Theodore Schwartz, and completed a complex cerebrovascular and skull base fellowship at the University of Washington With Dr. Laligam Sekhar.
During residency, Dr. Singh received extensive training in all aspects of spinal surgery: traumatic, degenerative and oncologic. He also trained with international orthopedic experts on spinal surgery, including Dr. Alex Vaccaro and Todd Albert, among others.
Dr. Singh is passionate about resident education, having organized numerous cadaveric workshops and symposiums for residents over the last several years.
He is editor of two books on pediatric endoscopic surgery, and has published over 75 research papers and book chapters.
His clinical and research interests lie in applying the principles of minimally invasive surgery to tumors and vascular lesions of brain and spine. Dr. Singh is interested in developing new endoscopic technology and instrumentation to facilitate minimally invasive surgery of the central nervous system.
Dr Singh graciously presented a lecture detailing the latest advances in skull base neurosurgery, especially focusing on the emergence of endoscopy and endoscopic approaches as crucial to the future of the field. Dr. Harminder Singh is Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford University School of Medicine. He serves as Chief of Neurosurgery at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, California, and is the Director of Neurotrauma. He is also Director of the Stanford Neuroanatomy and Simulation laboratory. Dr. Singh is board certified in neurosurgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
He received advanced training in minimally invasive cranial surgery from Cornell University with Dr. Theodore Schwartz, and completed a complex cerebrovascular and skull base fellowship at the University of Washington With Dr. Laligam Sekhar.
During residency, Dr. Singh received extensive training in all aspects of spinal surgery: traumatic, degenerative and oncologic. He also trained with international orthopedic experts on spinal surgery, including Dr. Alex Vaccaro and Todd Albert, among others.
Dr. Singh is passionate about resident education, having organized numerous cadaveric workshops and symposiums for residents over the last several years.
He is editor of two books on pediatric endoscopic surgery, and has published over 75 research papers and book chapters.
His clinical and research interests lie in applying the principles of minimally invasive surgery to tumors and vascular lesions of brain and spine. Dr. Singh is interested in developing new endoscopic technology and instrumentation to facilitate minimally invasive surgery of the central nervous system.
June 1, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: Nestor Gonzalez, MD
The esteemed Dr. Gonzalez presented an outstanding lecture on "Vascular Malformations of the Spine" to our ANMG Staff and both the RUHS and DRMC residents. Nestor Gonzalez, MD, accomplished a unique training with two completed residencies in neurosurgery and radiology, fellowship training in interventional neuroradiology (neuroendovascular surgery) and a masters of science in clinical research. This allowed him to become one of the leaders in the country in the development of clinical and translational research in the cerebrovascular field. Dr. Gonzalez is the principal investigator on several NIH and American Heart Association grants, including three science innovation awards of the AHA. He is currently the principal investigator of the EDAS Surgical Revascularization for Symptomatic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis (ERSIAS) trial, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the NIH. Dr. Gonzalez’s original research has received several awards including the Oppenheimer Research Award and the Ruth and Raymond Stotter Chair Endowment by the UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Gonzalez conducted the studies that have led to the use of EDAS revascularization as an alternative treatment for adult patients with cerebral arterial steno-occlusive disorders, including moyamoya and ICAS and has been an investigator of the trials that have defined the modern management of acute ischemic stroke, including the MERCI and SWIFT Trials.
The esteemed Dr. Gonzalez presented an outstanding lecture on "Vascular Malformations of the Spine" to our ANMG Staff and both the RUHS and DRMC residents. Nestor Gonzalez, MD, accomplished a unique training with two completed residencies in neurosurgery and radiology, fellowship training in interventional neuroradiology (neuroendovascular surgery) and a masters of science in clinical research. This allowed him to become one of the leaders in the country in the development of clinical and translational research in the cerebrovascular field. Dr. Gonzalez is the principal investigator on several NIH and American Heart Association grants, including three science innovation awards of the AHA. He is currently the principal investigator of the EDAS Surgical Revascularization for Symptomatic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis (ERSIAS) trial, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the NIH. Dr. Gonzalez’s original research has received several awards including the Oppenheimer Research Award and the Ruth and Raymond Stotter Chair Endowment by the UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Gonzalez conducted the studies that have led to the use of EDAS revascularization as an alternative treatment for adult patients with cerebral arterial steno-occlusive disorders, including moyamoya and ICAS and has been an investigator of the trials that have defined the modern management of acute ischemic stroke, including the MERCI and SWIFT Trials.
May 29, 2020: First WEB Aneurysm Embolization Device successfully used to treat a large wide-necked brain aneurysm at DRMC.
Dr. Anthony Alastra is the first neurosurgeon/endovascular specialist to use the WEB embolization device to successfully treat a large intracranial aneurysm at DRMC. This new device should improve aneurysm occlusion rates and continue to shift treatment away from open surgical clipping of aneurysms to endovascular treatment with less down time for the patient. This patient went home the following day!
Dr. Anthony Alastra is the first neurosurgeon/endovascular specialist to use the WEB embolization device to successfully treat a large intracranial aneurysm at DRMC. This new device should improve aneurysm occlusion rates and continue to shift treatment away from open surgical clipping of aneurysms to endovascular treatment with less down time for the patient. This patient went home the following day!
May 8, 2020: VIRTUAL VISITING PROFESSOR LECTURE: John D. Cantando, DO
Dr. Cantando presented an informative lecture on the "History of Vascular/Endovascular Neurosurgery" to our ANMG Staff and DRMC residents this afternoon. He is a member of Palm Beach Neurosurgery, Wellington, FL. He is a 2006 graduate of our Arrowhead/Riverside Neurosurgery Residency Progam.
Dr. Cantando presented an informative lecture on the "History of Vascular/Endovascular Neurosurgery" to our ANMG Staff and DRMC residents this afternoon. He is a member of Palm Beach Neurosurgery, Wellington, FL. He is a 2006 graduate of our Arrowhead/Riverside Neurosurgery Residency Progam.
April 30, 2020: Intake, telemedicine consent, HIPAA consent and notice, Covid-19 screening forms are all available online! Download them at your convenience, complete them, sign and date them, and send them back to our office in Palm Springs via regular or e-mail!
April 17, 2020: Our Palm Springs office is ready for telemedicine visits!