Advertise on podcast: Optimal neuro|spine

How do we push the ball forward for the research and treatment of traumatic brain injury and other neurological diseases? To answer that question, my guest Dr. Dalton Dietrich will dive into everything he and his team are doing at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Join us as we discuss his work with inflammasomes, secrets for research success, and the most exciting advances in the field of TBI. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Dr. Dietrich discusses his research, how he got involved in neurotrauma and some of his career highlights [3:20]Diving into the logistics of Dr. Dietrich’s world-renowned neurotrauma research center [5:50]Dr. Dietrich's advice to up-and-coming neuroscience institutes [12:11]Advancing scientific care through fundraising [13:45]The secret of scientific innovation and success [16:40]The most exciting recent advances in traumatic brain injury treatments or research [18:53]Inflammasomes and their role in traumatic brain injury [25:51]The impact COVID has on people living with TBI [32:32]TBI and the development of Alzheimer's [35:48]Dr. Dietrich looks 30 years back and 30 years forward [38:16]The magic wand question [42:17] Connect with Dr. Dalton Dietrich W. Dalton Dietrich, Ph.D. - The Miami Project Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcast Like on FacebookFollow on TwitterFollow on LinkedInDrMaxBoakye (at) Gmail.com

How does greater access to specialized care optimize the treatment of spinal cord injuries? On this episode, Dr. Steven Kirshblum dives into the differences between general and specialized rehabilitation for SCI patients, why specialized care is critical for better patient outcomes, and the challenges of integrating specialized care for spinal cord injuries into the medical system. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Advancements and challenges in the treatment of spinal cord injury [3:14]Are rehabilitation centers certified to treat spinal cord injuries? [6:04]Why do specialist rehabs get better results? [8:45]Examining racial and ethnic disparities in spinal cord injury care [12:30]The integration of spinal cord injury care into the medical system [14:24]Exploring trends in spinal cord injury care [16:55]Dr. Kirshblum’s take on polypharmacy in SCI care [19:17]Discussing natural recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury [21:40]Causes of mortality in SCI patients [27:10]Why steroid treatments have failed to translate to human trials [31:39]Developing resilience in SCI patients [34:18]Managing bladder issues in SCI care [36:41]Neuromodulation as an FDA approved treatment for spinal cord injury [39:00]Dr. Kirshblum answers the magic wand question [43:27]Resources & People Mentioned Characterizing Natural Recovery after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (Paper) Connect with Dr. Steven Kirshblum Dr. Steven Kirshblum Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcast Like on FacebookFollow on TwitterFollow on LinkedInDrMaxBoakye (at) Gmail.com

Has the future of spinal cord injury treatment arrived? On this episode, I sit down with Drs. Gregoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch to discuss their recently published and highly publicized paper on restoring motor function after paralysis. They briefly dive into their protocol, their approach to Epi-Stim, and their answer to the magic wand question. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... A brief overview of the recent paper published by Drs. Courtine and Bloch [2:43]How Drs. Courtine and Bloch designed their protocol to strengthen residual pathways [5:31] What Dr. Courtine wished he knew 20 years ago [7:46]Dr. Bloch’s training and evolution as a neurosurgeon [8:48]Dr. Courtine breaks down his approach to Epi-Stim [10:36]Drs. Courtine and Bloch answer the magic wand question [12:27]Resources & People Mentioned Activity-dependent spinal cord neuromodulation rapidly restores trunk and leg motor functions after complete paralysis (Paper)Explaining STIMO (Christopher Reeve Foundation interview) Connect with Drs. Gregoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch ONWARD (Website) Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcast Like on FacebookFollow on TwitterFollow on LinkedInDrMaxBoakye (at) Gmail.com

How do we optimize spinal surgery outcomes? Dr. Steven Glassman believes better data is the answer! On this episode, we discuss the American Spine Registry, what it is, what it's currently being used for, and its potential to provide better evidence for spine surgery, improve patient outcomes, and establish universal best practices. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Getting to know Dr. Glassman, his clinical practice, and why he chose spine research [0:59]Exploring the nature and necessity of registries [3:56]What is the American Spine Registry, what areas of spine surgery are represented by it, and how long has it been in place? [6:27]What areas of spine surgery are represented by the ASR? [13:24]The most surprising findings from studies based off of the Quality Outcomes Database [18:08] Predicting the future evolution of the ASR [21:35]Examining ASR logistics and how hospitals can join the registry [25:10]How the ASR can bring better clarity to spine surgery outcomes [28:28]Using the ASR to develop predictive models and the role imaging plays with the registry [30:50]Exciting future studies and the magic wand question [35:15]Resources & People Mentioned American Spine Registry Connect with Dr. Steven Glassman Follow Dr. Glassman on LinkedIn Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcast Like on FacebookFollow on TwitterFollow on LinkedInDrMaxBoakye (at) Gmail.com

Have you ever misplaced your keys or forgotten a random fact and worried that you had a neurodegenerative disease? What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and simply getting old? On this episode, I sit down with memory and aging expert, Dr. Robert Friedland, to discuss his research, how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, and habits you can start right now to help protect your brain and keep it healthy. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Dr. Friedland’s current clinical practice and research focus [3:25]The logistics of Dr. Friedland’s research [9:16]Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and the current status of treatment options [11:02] Aging versus Alzheimer’s and the four factors that impact how you age [18:57]Why Dr. Friedland chose memory as his medical focus [30:47]Dr. Friedland’s most surprising discoveries and the magic wand question [34:26]Connect with Dr. Robert Friedland Follow Dr. Friedland on LinkedIn Pre-order Dr. Friedland’s book: Unaging: The Four Factors that Impact How You Age Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcast Like on FacebookFollow on TwitterFollow on LinkedInDrMaxBoakye (at) Gmail.com

Training to become a neurosurgeon is both incredibly rewarding and incredibly difficult. But is it more difficult than it needs to be and how can we make the experience better? On this episode, I’m pleased to speak with University of Louisville chief resident Dr. Aurora Cruz about neurosurgical training, residency, leadership, burnout, and her advice for prospective neurosurgery residents.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... A day in the life of a modern neurosurgery resident [3:56]How COVID has affected the neurosurgery training experience [5:24]The unexpected challenges of neurosurgery residency [7:18]Dr. Cruz’s advice for residents with spouses and children [9:22]Advice for those considering studying neurosurgery [12:18]Pursuing professional goals in the field of neurosurgery [13:57]Fighting burnout and improving resident wellness [21:02]The biggest impediments to learning neurosurgery and the acquisition of appropriate psychomotor skills [26:38]Mentorship in neurosurgery residency [29:27]Describing the modern neurosurgery residency experience [32:48]Training neurosurgery residents to become better leaders [39:52]Book recommendations from Dr. Cruz [42:48]Advice for struggling residents [44:10]Dr. Cruz answers the magic wand question [46:32]Resources & People Mentioned How to Win Friends & Influence People (Book)Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (Book)Connect with Dr. Aurora Cruz Follow Dr. Cruz on LinkedIn Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcast Like on FacebookFollow on TwitterFollow on LinkedInDrMaxBoakye (at) Gmail.com

Few people have as long or as distinguished a career as Dr. Haring Nauta. On this episode, we discuss his observations about neurosurgical residency, neurosurgical training, and how to improve the quality of that experience. We also dive into his exciting work using the punctate myelotomy procedure to treat pain and current research topics. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Diving into the current practice of Dr. Nauta [3:02]What is a punctate midline myelotomy and how does it help neurosurgical pain? [10:03]The logistics of a punctate myelotomy [26:00]Dr. Nauta’s thoughts on the evolution of neurosurgical training [32:11]Defining leadership and the qualities that make a good chief resident [38:48]Fighting the resident burnout epidemic and the role of emotional intelligence [41:42]Looking back at Dr. Nauta’s incredible career [46:05]Dr. Nauta’s advice for young neurosurgeons striving for excellence [49:39] Dr. Nauta answers the magic wand question [55:30]Connect with Dr. Haring Nauta Haring Nauta, MD, PhD, FACS, FAANSConnect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcast Like on FacebookFollow on TwitterFollow on LinkedInDrMaxBoakye (at) Gmail.com

One of oncology’s greatest challenges in treating cancer is when it spreads to a different part of the body. When cancer spreads to the spine, it presents unique challenges for doctors creating a successful treatment plan. On this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing the chief of Oncology at Sloan Kettering, and one of my mentors, Dr. Mark Bilsky. We’ll discuss the logistics of his practice, surgical and non-surgical treatment strategies, as well as recent advances in the field of spinal oncology. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Getting to know Dr. Mark Bilsky and his practice [0:56]Why Dr. Bilsky decided to focus on spinal oncology [4:18]The epidemiology of spinal cancer, the role surgery plays in treatment, and how surgical techniques and equipment have changed over time [6:45]How Dr. Bilsky evaluates spinal metastases at his center and the logistics of his practice [18:03]Examining advances in radiosurgery and the systems Dr. Bilsky uses at Sloan Kettering [23:51]Treating instability in spinal cancer patients [25:48]Rapid-fire updates on modeling management for various types of tumors [28:42]The magic wand question [33:19]Connect with Dr. Mark Bilsky Mark H. Bilsky | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcastLike on FacebookFollow on TwitterFollow on LinkedInDrMaxBoakye (at) Gmail.com

Happy New Year! We’re kicking off 2022 by shedding light on an area of research that isn’t talked about enough: pediatric spinal cord injury. Most spinal cord injury conversations revolve around adults, but children also suffer from injury and face unique challenges in both treatment and research. Thankfully, my guest, Dr. Andrea Behrman is leading the way for both! We discuss her work, her breakthroughs, the current state of pediatric spinal cord injury treatment, and what the future looks like for this vitally important field.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Getting to know Dr. Andrea Behrman and her work [1:01] Why Dr. Behrman’s work is so important [7:36]The epidemiology of pediatric spinal cord injury [11:46]The quality of life for kids with spinal cord injury [13:30]Taking a closer look at initial care for pediatric spinal cord injury [21:43]Dr. Behrman looks back at her accomplishments over three decades [25:19]The challenges of pediatric spinal cord injury treatment and research [32:48]Looking at the future of pediatric spinal cord injury treatment [38:13] A message of hope for parents and physicians of kids with spinal cord injury [40:38]Training the next generation and the magic wand question [43:42] Resources & People Mentioned Noninvasive spinal stimulation safely enables upright posture in children with spinal cord injury | Nature Communications (Paper)  Connect with Dr. Andrea Behrman Andrea Behrman, Ph.D., PT, FAPTA  Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcastLike on FacebookFollow on TwitterFollow on LinkedInDrMaxBoakye (at) Gmail.com Follow Optimal Neuro|Spine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

If you’ve never heard the term digital neurosurgery before, you’re not alone. While it sounds like something out of a space opera, digital neurosurgery is likely the future of medical neuroscience. On this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Thomas Picht, the first professor of digital neurosurgery in the world. We take a deep dive into everything that digital neurosurgery entails, exciting technological advancements in the field, and the future ramifications of the digitalization of medicine.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... What is digital neurosurgery? [3:04] The Adaptive Digital Twin in digital neurosurgery [9:14]The challenges brain tumor neurosurgeons face and how Dr. Picht is trying to solve them [12:38] Exciting technological advancements Dr. Picht is using in the field [13:57]Dr. Picht’s research at the Berlin Simulation and Training Center [15:59]How simulation training impacts education in the medical field [18:21] How the advent of electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) improves patient outcomes [29:29]The reason Dr. Picht chose digital neurosurgery [32:41]Dr. Pichts advice for young digital neurosurgeons [35:32] Resources & People Mentioned Berlin Training and Simulation Center  Connect with Dr. Thomas Picht Dr. Thomas Picht  Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcast Like on FacebookFollow on TwitterFollow on LinkedInDrMaxBoakye (at) Gmail.com Follow Optimal Neuro|Spine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

We constantly talk about quality improvement on this podcast, but what does it actually take? Is one method better than another? Where should hospitals start in terms of improving quality? On this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jordan Peck of Southern Maine Healthcare and the Harvard School of Public Health for a multifaceted conversation about quality improvement in the medical field. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Defining quality improvement in healthcare [2:24]How do we assess the quality of a healthcare institution? [6:47] Dr. Peck’s take on the best way to improve the quality of care [10:05]Comparing different methods for quality improvement [13:17]The relationship between patient safety and quality improvement [18:15]The role of physicians in quality improvement [20:14]Which problems should hospitals tackle first to improve quality? [22:42]Looking back at the quality improvement and patient safety movements [25:45]Examining the benefits and limitations of checklists [31:48]Areas Dr. Peck thinks are overdue for a quality improvement [35:38]The future of quality improvement and the “magic wand question” [38:32] Resources & People Mentioned The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization (Book)  Connect with Dr. Jordan Peck Jordan S. Peck, PhD  Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcast Like on FacebookFollow on TwitterFollow on LinkedInDrMaxBoakye (at) Gmail.com Follow Optimal Neuro|Spine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

It’s not every day that you get to talk to someone with 40 years of research experience in your field. Let alone, someone as distinguished as my guest for this episode. Join me as I sit down with Dr. Scott Whittemore to discuss a myriad of topics from his four-decade career as a spinal cord injury research scientist including stem cell research, proteostasis in spinal cord injured patients, and the reversible silencing of lumbar interneurons. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... The secret sauce that makes scientific collaborations work [3:24] Taking a deep dive into Dr. Whittemore’s research [10:06]Dr. Whittemore’s take on the current potential of stem cells [18:40]What is proteostasis? [21:22] Pharmaceutical solutions for proteostasis [27:18]The silencing of the lumbar interneurons [29:19] What Dr. Whittemore wish he knew 40 years ago [35:02]Becoming a good scientist and training the next generation [37:14] Resources & People Mentioned The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and The Buoniconti FundKentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center Reversible silencing of lumbar spinal interneurons unmasks a task-specific network for securing hindlimb alternation (Paper)  Connect with Dr. Scott Whittemore Scott R. Whittemore, Ph.D  Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcast Like on FacebookFollow on TwitterFollow on LinkedInDrMaxBoakye (at) Gmail.com Follow Optimal Neuro|Spine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts