PODCAST · health
Neurosurgery Tales
by Aureliana Toma
Deep conversations with neurosurgeons around the world. Each episode features world-renowned experts sharing groundbreaking insights, personal journeys, and the latest advancements in brain and spine care. Stay ahead in the field with cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques, neurosurgical innovations, and the human side of medicine. Discover the stories shaping the future of neurosurgery—one conversation at a time.
Episodes
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Episode 26 - Adnan H. Siddiqui
dnan H. Siddiqui is a dual-trained cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgeon, clinician-scientist, and technology leader working at the intersection of surgery, stroke care, and innovation. He is Professor and Vice Chair of Neurosurgery at the University at Buffalo, leads one of the busiest...
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Episode 25 - Subhashree Hari
Fourth-year neurosurgery resident Dr. Subhashree Hari (P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai) joins Neurosurgery Tales to talk about what residency really looks like inside one of India’s busiest centers: high-volume clinics, learning under national leaders, the first mistake you never forget, and why...
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Episode 24 - Juan Carlos Fernandez-Miranda
About Dr. Fernandez-MirandaProfessor of Neurosurgery at Stanford University; Surgical Director, Brain Tumor, Skull Base, and Pituitary Centers; internationally recognized for endoscopic skull base surgery, pituitary and cavernous sinus surgery, and white-matter–respecting approaches.In this...
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Episode 23 - Daniele Bongetta
Dr. Daniele Bongetta is Head of Neurosurgery at Fatebenefratelli in Milan, a researcher and educator. Trained at the University of Pavia, he has performed thousands of neurosurgical procedures with expertise spanning brain tumors, spinal and vascular surgery, and traumatic injuries. He co-founded...
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Who Owns the Brain? The Politics of Neurodata
Who owns your brain?Brain tech is here.Headbands track your focus. Stick-on “e-tattoos” read stress in real time. Neuralink implants are already in people.But the law is only now catching up.Chile has written neurorights into its Constitution. Colorado and California have declared brain-wave data...
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Episode 22 - Andrew Brunswick
A conversation with Dr. Andrew Brunswick, neurosurgeon at Kaiser Permanente, Columbia and NYU trained, as we explore the intersections of finance, surgery, and mindset.In this episode:• From Wall Street to neurosurgery – how his early detour shaped ambition and risk-taking• Why simulation…
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Episode 21 - Peter Vajkoczy
A conversation with Prof. Peter Vajkoczy, Chairman of Neurosurgery at Charité Berlin, as we explore leadership, empathy, surgical philosophy, and life at the edge of medicine.In this episode:• Why arrogance is a risk in neurosurgery — and how humility must be protected• Writing Kopfarbeit: why he...
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Surgical Heroism
What happens when doing “everything” becomes too much? In this episode of Deeply Unqualified, I confront the myth of surgical heroism—and the devastation it can leave behind.In this episode:• The cultural obsession with heroic surgery• Data from DECRA, RESCUEicp & JAMA Surgery• Ethical dilemmas:...
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Episode 20 - Dr. Z
n this episode of Neurosurgery Tales, I sit down with Dr. Z—a board-certified neurosurgeon and one of the most influential medical voices on social media. Dr. Z brings an unfiltered, deeply human perspective to the world of spine surgery, medical training, and what it really means to strive for...
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Episode 19 - James K. Liu
In this episode of Neurosurgery Tales, I sit down with Dr. James K. Liu — internationally renowned skull base surgeon, innovator, and educator — for a deep and personal conversation about what it truly takes to pursue technical excellence in neurosurgery. From the early moments that called him…
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The Ethics of AI in Neurosurgery: Who’s Responsible When the Robot Makes a Mistake?
As artificial intelligence becomes a powerful force in surgical planning and decision-making, neurosurgeons face a profound ethical dilemma: What happens when the machine gets it wrong? In this solo episode of Deeply Unqualified, Aureliana Toma explores the legal, ethical, and medical…
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What if Harvey Cushing had Instagram?
A thought experiment that spirals into something much deeper. In this episode of Deeply Unqualified: • How the father of neurosurgery might’ve used TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram • Why Cushing was already a content creator—just born a century too early • The tension between surgical mastery and...
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Episode 18 - Russell Lonser
A conversation with Dr. Russell Lonser, Chair of Neurosurgery at The Ohio State University, as we explore his remarkable career—from groundbreaking research at the NIH to leading advancements in neurosurgical oncology, drug delivery, and NFL concussion protocols. In this episode: • How does he...
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Episode 17 - Lukas Rasulic
In this episode, I have the privilege of hosting Professor Dr. Lukas Rasulic, a globally recognized leader in peripheral nerve surgery and neurosurgery innovation. As the Head of the Department of Peripheral Nerve Surgery, Functional Neurosurgery, and Pain Management Surgery at the University...
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Episode 16 - Alexander Khalessi
In this episode, Dr. Alexander Khalessi, Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at UC San Diego and President of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, shares his extraordinary journey and insights. Dr. Khalessi is a recognized leader in neurosurgery, with groundbreaking contributions to...
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Episode 15 - Grigore Zapuhlîh
In this special episode, I’m joined by Dr. Grigore Zapuhlîh, a pioneer and a leader who has shaped the field in Moldova. We explore his incredible journey, from his early days as a student to his pivotal role in advancing neurosurgery in a transitioning healthcare system. This episode is a...
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Episode 14 - Mustafa Baskaya
In this episode, Dr. Mustafa Baskaya shares his incredible journey, from medical school in Turkey to advanced training in Japan and the United States, highlighting his philosophy, techniques, and contributions to the field of neurosurgery. We explore: - His transition to the U.S. for…
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Episode 13 - Yoko Kato
In this special episode of Neurosurgery Tales , Prof. Yoko Kato, the first female professor of neurosurgery in Japan and a global advocate for women in the field, shares the journey that led her to neurosurgery, the early mentors who inspired her, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a...
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Episode 12 - Jorge Mura
In this episode, we’re honored to sit down with Prof. Jorge Mura, a leading neurosurgeon who established Chile’s first cerebrovascular fellowship program, shaping the future of specialized neurosurgical training in Latin America. With over 4,000 brain surgeries and a wealth of experience in…
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Episode 11 - Ricardo J. Komotar
Dr. Ricardo Komotar, one of the world’s highest-volume brain tumor surgeons and a leader in neurosurgery, shares insights on leadership, innovation, and how his philosophy on brain tumor surgery has evolved, especially in balancing aggressive treatment with quality of life for patients. Beyond…
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Episode 10 - Sabino Luzzi
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sabino Luzzi, an esteemed neurosurgeon from Italy, known for his expertise in neurovascular and skull base surgery and his innovative contributions to the field of augmented reality in neurosurgery. Dr. Luzzi shares his profound experiences and insights…
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Episode 09 - Pablo Augusto Rubino
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Pablo Rubino, a brilliant neurosurgeon from Argentina, known for his mastery in microsurgical techniques and his contributions to the field of neurosurgery. Dr. Rubino shares his extensive experience and reflections on his journey. In this conversation, we...
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Episode 08 - Theodore H. Schwartz
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Theodore H. Schwartz, one of the nation’s leading neurosurgeons specializing in brain tumor and epilepsy surgery. Dr. Schwartz, based at Weill Cornell, is the Director of the Center for Epilepsy and Pituitary Surgery and Co-Director of Surgical…
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Episode 07- Gabriel Zada
Challenges and Innovations in Neurosurgery: A Conversation with Dr. Gabriel Zada In this episode we sit down with Dr. Gabriel Zada, a distinguished Professor of Neurological Surgery, Otolaryngology, and Internal Medicine at the USC Keck School of Medicine, and Surgical Director at the USC Brain...
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Episode 06 - Joao Paulo Cavalcante de Almeida
In this episode of 'Neurosurgery Tales,' we sit down with Dr. Joao Paulo Almeida, a pioneering neurosurgeon at the Mayo Clinic in Florida, renowned for his expertise in skull-based and brain tumors. Join us as Dr. Almeida recounts his unexpected journey from an athletic teenager with aspirations…
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Episode 05 - Michael T. Lawton
In this week’s episode of 'Neurosurgery Tales,' Aureliana sits down with Dr. Michael Lawton, CEO and President of Barrow Neurological Institute and a trailblazer in the field of neurosurgery. Listen as Dr. Lawton shares the rationale behind his seven-part book series and takes us through his...
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Episode 04 - Vanessa Milanese
Dr. Vanessa Milanese, a visionary neurosurgeon, offers insights into her career shaped by mentors like Dr. Albert Rhoton and Dr. Evandro de Oliveira. Dr. Milanese openly discusses her experiences with gender biases, highlighting her longstanding determination to pursue neurosurgery, a decision...
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Episode 03-Muhammad Abd-El-Barr
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Muhammad Abd-El-Barr, a distinguished spine neurosurgeon with a unique background. Dr. Abd-El-Barr shares his journey from engineering to neurosurgery, highlighting the pivotal moments and inspirations that shaped his career. He explores the complexities of...
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Episode 02 - Maximiliano Nuñez
In this episode we sit down with Dr. Maximiliano Nuñez, a renowned neurosurgeon from Argentina. Dr. Nuñez shares his insights on the importance of mentorship, the challenges of neurosurgery, and the art of perfecting surgical dissections. He also dives into what makes neurosurgery in Argentina...
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Episode 01 - Rocco Anthony Armonda
Dr. Rocco Armonda - military neurosurgeon, shares insights from Iraq and Ukraine. In this episode we delve into the unique challenges of conducting surgeries in conflict areas, the evolution of battlefield medicine, and the resilience demanded in extreme conditions. An insightful journey into the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Deep conversations with neurosurgeons around the world. Each episode features world-renowned experts sharing groundbreaking insights, personal journeys, and the latest advancements in brain and spine care. Stay ahead in the field with cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques, neurosurgical innovations, and the human side of medicine. Discover the stories shaping the future of neurosurgery—one conversation at a time.
HOSTED BY
Aureliana Toma
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