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Optimal neuro|spine

Health & Wellness Podcasts

I am Dr. Max Boakye, Neurosurgeon, and Neuroscientist, currently Professor of Neurosurgery, Chief of Spinal Neurosurgery, Director of Quality Improvement, and Clinical Director of the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Center. I interview leading neuroscientists, health administrators, neurosurgeons, educators, neuro and spine health care experts, and patients in this show. How do we optimize our brain and spine health, prevent aging brain and memory deterioration? What to do when something goes wrong, how best to heal and recover injured brain and back? How do we optimize our inpatient neuro|spine care in hospitals and provide more value-based care- prevent errors, improve quality, and improve patient satisfaction? How do we teach better and better train doctors? Which hospitals offer the best neuro and spine care: why and how? We present the most innovative emerging research that will impact neuro|spine care. Join us as we delve one on one and have insightful conversations with exciting researchers and experts, voices who have something to teach, enlighten and inspire us about Optimal neuro|spine.

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United States

Description:

I am Dr. Max Boakye, Neurosurgeon, and Neuroscientist, currently Professor of Neurosurgery, Chief of Spinal Neurosurgery, Director of Quality Improvement, and Clinical Director of the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Center. I interview leading neuroscientists, health administrators, neurosurgeons, educators, neuro and spine health care experts, and patients in this show. How do we optimize our brain and spine health, prevent aging brain and memory deterioration? What to do when something goes wrong, how best to heal and recover injured brain and back? How do we optimize our inpatient neuro|spine care in hospitals and provide more value-based care- prevent errors, improve quality, and improve patient satisfaction? How do we teach better and better train doctors? Which hospitals offer the best neuro and spine care: why and how? We present the most innovative emerging research that will impact neuro|spine care. Join us as we delve one on one and have insightful conversations with exciting researchers and experts, voices who have something to teach, enlighten and inspire us about Optimal neuro|spine.

Language:

English

Episodes
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Episode 27: Becoming a Clinician Scientist in Neurosurgery. A Conversation with Dr. Robert Starke

9/16/2022
There is often a gap between what happens in the laboratory and what happens with patients in clinical practice. Yet both experiences are required to advance patient outcomes. This is why we need more doctors like Robert Starke. Dr. Starke is a clinician scientist at the University of Miami with over 700 operations and just as many academic publications in his young career. Join me as I sit down with Dr. Starke to discuss the secrets to his extraordinary success, the grant writing process, and future pathways for the development of clinician scientists in the field of neurosurgery. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Connect with Dr. Robert Starke Dr. Robert M. Starkeon LinkedInConnect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn

Duration:00:47:49

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Episode 26: Developing Evidence for Optimal Spine Surgery. A Conversation with Dr. Zoher Ghogawala

7/15/2022
In the quest to optimize spine surgery outcomes, we need better information and better research. This means better clinical trials and more funding. Join me, as I sit down with Dr. Zoher Ghogawala to discuss his thoughts on clinical trial design, developing the evidence for spine surgery, improving patient outcomes, and the results of his most recent research. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Resources & People Mentioned Laminectomy plus Fusion versus Laminectomy Alone for Lumbar SpondylolisthesisEffect of Ventral vs Dorsal Spinal Surgery on Patient-Reported Physical Functioning in Patients With Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathywww.nidusai.comConnect with Dr. Zoher Ghogawala Zoher Ghogawala, MDon LinkedInConnect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn

Duration:00:38:30

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Episode 25: The Evolution and Optimization of Spine Surgery. A Conversation with Dr. Edward Benzel

7/1/2022
There are few names as recognizable as Dr. Edward Benzel in the field of spine surgery. He quite literally wrote the book on it. On this episode, I have the distinct privilege of sitting down with Dr. Benzel to discuss a myriad of topics including his experiences in spine surgery and the lessons he’s learned, his evolution as a spine surgeon, safety in spine surgery, and his thoughts on where the field is headed next. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Connect with Dr. Edward Benzel Edward Benzel, MD | Cleveland ClinicConnect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn

Duration:00:59:48

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Episode 24: Traumatic Brain Injury. A Conversation with Dr. Dalton Dietrich

6/15/2022
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... Connect with Dr. Dalton Dietrich W. Dalton Dietrich, Ph.D. - The Miami ProjectConnect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn

Duration:00:44:33

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Episode 23: Optimizing Care for Spinal Cord Injury. A Conversation with Dr. Steven Kirshblum

6/1/2022
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... Resources & People Mentioned Characterizing Natural Recovery after Traumatic Spinal Cord InjuryConnect with Dr. Steven Kirshblum Dr. Steven KirshblumConnect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn

Duration:00:46:33

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Episode 22: Restoring Ambulation after Paraplegia. A Conversation with Drs. Gregoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch

5/1/2022
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... Resources & People Mentioned Activity-dependent spinal cord neuromodulation rapidly restores trunk and leg motor functions after complete paralysisExplaining STIMOConnect with Drs. Gregoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch ONWARDConnect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn

Duration:00:14:30

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Episode 21: The American Spine Registry. A Conversation with Dr. Steven Glassman

5/1/2022
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... Resources & People Mentioned American Spine RegistryConnect with Dr. Steven Glassman on LinkedInConnect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn

Duration:00:38:40

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Episode 20: Unaging - Memory, Aging, and Alzheimer’s. A Conversation with Dr. Robert Friedland

4/15/2022
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... Connect with Dr. Robert Friedland on LinkedInUnaging: The Four Factors that Impact How You AgeConnect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn

Duration:00:39:53

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Episode 19: Optimizing the Neurosurgery Residency and Training Experience From a Chief Resident’s Perspective. A Conversation With Dr. Aurora Cruz

4/1/2022
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... Resources & People Mentioned How to Win Friends & Influence PeopleInfluence: The Psychology of PersuasionConnect with Dr. Aurora Cruz on LinkedInConnect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn

Duration:00:50:32

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Episode 18: Insights From a Lifetime of Training Residents and Neurosurgical Research. A Conversation with Dr. Haring Nauta

3/15/2022
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... Connect with Dr. Haring Nauta Haring Nauta, MD, PhD, FACS, FAANSConnect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn

Duration:01:02:01

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Episode 17: When Cancer Spreads to the Spine. A Conversation with Dr. Mark Bilsky

3/1/2022
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... Connect with Dr. Mark Bilsky Mark H. Bilsky | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterConnect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn

Duration:00:35:54

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Episode 16: Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Research. A Conversation with Dr. Andrea Behrman

1/15/2022
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... Resources & People Mentioned Noninvasive spinal stimulation safely enables upright posture in children with spinal cord injury | Nature Communications Connect with Dr. Andrea Behrman Andrea Behrman, Ph.D., PT, FAPTA Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn Follow Optimal Neuro|Spine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Duration:00:50:36

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Episode 15: Digital Neurosurgery. A Conversation with Dr. Thomas Picht

1/1/2022
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... Resources & People Mentioned Berlin Training and Simulation Center Connect with Dr. Thomas Picht Dr. Thomas Picht Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn Follow Optimal Neuro|Spine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Duration:00:37:49

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Episode 14: Quality Improvement. A Conversation with Dr. Jordan Peck

12/16/2021
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... Resources & People Mentioned The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization Connect with Dr. Jordan Peck Jordan S. Peck, PhD Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn Follow Optimal Neuro|Spine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Duration:00:42:58

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Episode 13: Four Decades as a Spinal Cord Injury Research Scientist. A Conversation With Dr. Scott Whittemore

12/1/2021
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... Resources & People Mentioned The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and The Buoniconti FundKentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research CenterReversible silencing of lumbar spinal interneurons unmasks a task-specific network for securing hindlimb alternation Connect with Dr. Scott Whittemore Scott R. Whittemore, Ph.D Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn Follow Optimal Neuro|Spine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Duration:00:42:11

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Episode 12: Optimizing Musculoskeletal Care Delivery. A Conversation with Dr. Ryan Grant

11/15/2021
Optimizing the quality of patient care is what this podcast is all about and my guest for this episode is challenging the status quo by creating incredible patient experiences. Dr. Ryan Grant left a promising neurosurgery career to start Vori Health, a virtual one-stop-shop for musculoskeletal care. We discuss how he made that transition, the current challenges of the medical system to provide next-level care, and how Vori Health is answering the call for better patient experiences. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Resources & People Mentioned Vori Health Connect with Dr. Ryan Grant LinkedIn Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn Follow Optimal Neuro|Spine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Duration:00:47:48

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Episode 11: Functional Neurosurgery. A Conversation with Dr. Joseph Neimat

11/1/2021
Functional neurosurgery is a small but growing medical field that has had a major impact on the treatment of movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. On this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Joseph Neimat, a brilliant neurosurgeon and clinician-scientist helping lead the charge for greater research and innovation in his field. We discuss the evolution of functional neurosurgery, its future in modern medicine, and ways to optimize it for safer and more successful results. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Resources & People Mentioned Irving S. Cooper (1922-1985): a pioneer in functional neurosurgery Connect with Dr. Joseph Neimat Joseph Neimat, MD, MS Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn Follow Optimal Neuro|Spine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Duration:00:36:50

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Episode 10: Developing Self-Directed Learners in Quality Improvement. A Conversation with Dr. Staci Saner

10/15/2021
In the ever-growing, ever-advancing field of medical science, the need for self-directed learners is at an all-time high. This is especially true for both graduate medical students and medical professionals who wish to improve their patient’s quality of care. On this episode, I am joined by the brilliant Dr. Staci Saner to discuss the science of learning and the best methods for developing self-directed learners to further quality improvement in medical care. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Resources & People Mentioned Effects of active engagement and spaced retrieval practice on knowledge and application of a self‐assessment rubricHPE ProgramQuestioning Aid for Rich, Real-Time Discussion (QARRD): A Tool to Improve Critical Thinking in Clinical Settings Connect with Dr. Staci Saner Twitter Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn Follow Optimal Neuro|Spine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts Audio Production and Show Notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Duration:00:36:54

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Episode 9: Treating Paralysis. A Conversation with Dr. Susan Harkema

10/1/2021
One of the leading scientists researching treatments for paralysis and spinal cord injury is Dr. Susan Harkema. Her work has led to multiple breakthroughs that led to improved function and quality of life for patients that were previously deemed impossible. On this episode, I invite Dr. Harkema to discuss those discoveries, how they came about, and the future of treating paralysis. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Resources & People Mentioned Effect of epidural stimulation of the lumbosacral spinal cord on voluntary movement, standing, and assisted stepping after motor complete paraplegia: a case studyRecovery of Over-Ground Walking after Chronic Motor Complete Spinal Cord InjuryVictory Over Paralysis Connect with Dr. Susan Harkema FacebookTwitter Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn Follow Optimal Neuro|Spine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Duration:00:41:17

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Episode 8: The Problem of Polypharmacy in Spinal Cord Injury. A Conversation with Dr. Sara Guilcher

9/15/2021
A major issue plaguing spinal cord injury patients and the medical field as a whole is polypharmacy and the over-prescribing of pharmaceuticals. It’s a complicated problem without a “one-size-fits-all” solution. On this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Sara Guilcher to discuss the impact and risks of polypharmacy as well as some of the ways physicians can help tackle the problem and increase the quality of care for patients with a potential need for multiple medications. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Resources & People Mentioned Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Connect with Dr. Sara Guilcher GuilcherLab.comon Twitter Connect With Maxwell Boakye https://maxwellboakye.com/podcaston Facebookon Twitteron LinkedIn Follow Optimal Neuro|Spine on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts

Duration:00:36:10

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