Congress of Neurological Surgeons Podcasts

Podcast Miniseries: Cultivating a Culture – Growing a Healthy Neurosurgical Workplace Ep. 4: Begin Again Guest: Nicholas Theodore Hosts: Brian Gantwerker & Chris Newman Join hosts Brian Gantwerker and Chris Newman with Dr. Nicholas Theodore—friend, inventor, mentor, and now Chairman of Neurosurgery at Banner Health. He shares the story behind his return to Arizona, reflecting on the pivotal roles of timing, opportunity, and intentional decision-making in shaping his career.

The experts on this guideline podcast discuss updated recommendations for radiation therapy in the treatment of patients with Low Grade Gliomas (LGG) as well as the impact of newer WHO molecular classifications of LGG. J. Bradley Elder, MD Simon S. Lo, MD

May 2026 Journal Club Podcast Title: The Timing of Diskectomy as a Predictor of Outcomes in Patients With Lumbar Disk Herniation: A Cohort Study on Varying Durations of Preoperative Symptoms To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2026/05000/the_timing_of_diskectomy_as_a_predictor_of.10.aspx Author: Peter Solar Guest Faculty: Ali Baaj Resident Planner: Matheus Pereira Moderator: Kimberly Hoang

Title: CNS Innovation Institute Podcast: Shepherding the Next Generation of Neurosurgical Innovators and Leaders Panelists: David Dornbos, Garni Barkhoudarian, Mohamad Bydon Description: The neurosurgical field continues to evolve at a rapid pace with novel innovations and paradigm-shifting trials coming out nearly constantly. This podcast will highlight the impact of the changing landscape and the new CNS Innovations Institute, which will provide the tools for young innovators to continue to inflect the field in a positive way. This transformative program from the CNS will foster iterative growth in the field and enhance our ability to care for neurosurgical patients.

Title: Wellness Podcast: Art as Therapy Guests: Katie Denisova and Dr. Kathryn Ko Hosts: Brian Gantwerker and Lara Massie In this episode of the CNS Wellness podcast, we have two guests who have each used art in their own way to promote their own emotional and psychological well-being. Dr. Katherine Ko, a neurosurgeon, who sees her art as an extension and complement of her career, and Katya Denisova, an operating room nurse who uses her art as an abstract escape from the pressures of being a healthcare worker.  We learn how people can use art, or any form of creative expression, to help find solace.

April 2026 Journal Club Podcast Title: How Do Neurosurgeons Cope With Complications? Results of a Nationwide Survey To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2026/04000/how_do_neurosurgeons_cope_with_complications_.4.aspx Authors: Keenan Piper and Theresa Williamson Guest Faculty: William Thorell Resident Planner: Laura Zima Moderator: Martin Pham

Series Title: Conversations in Neurosurgery Ep. 2: How to be Successful in Private Practice as a Neurosurgeon We will explore what it takes to be successful in private practice as a neurosurgeon, and discuss some real life examples.

Title: LITT for GBM Guest Faculty: Ashish Shah, MD Hosts: Chris Newman, MD and Seth Oliveria, MD In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ashish Shah of the University of Miami to explore the roles for and limits of Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) in glioblastoma. We explore standard use cases, “inoperable tumors”, blood-brain barrier disruption, clinical trials, and of course areas of active controversy.

The development of up-to-date evidence and consensus based clinical care guidelines and algorithms for pTBI provide guidance to care providers in the prehospital and emergency medicine, surgical and intensive care settings. Brad Elder, MD Randy S. Bell, MD (CAPT (ret), MC, USN) Gregory W. J. Hawryluk, MD, PhD

March 2026 Journal Club Podcast Title: Neurological Outcomes and the Role of Timing in the Surgical Management of Patients With Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Without Fracture and Dislocation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2026/03000/neurological_outcomes_and_the_role_of_timing_in.3.aspx Authors: Mohamad Bydon Guest Faculty: Steven Roth Resident Planner: Zachary Sorrentino Moderator: Kimberly Hoang

Podcast Miniseries: Cultivating a Culture – Growing a Healthy Neurosurgical Workplace Ep. 3: Leadership at a Scale Guest: Elad Levy Hosts: Brian Gantwerker & Chris Newman In this episode, we sit down with former CNS president and current Chair of the University of Buffalo Department of Neurosurgery Dr. Elad Levy for a wide ranging discussion on leading the CNS. Dr. Levy shares his insights on leadership transitions, setting an agenda, balancing the various opinions in the room, and the lessons learned from his experiences.

February 2026 Journal Club Podcast Title: Maximizing Tumor Resection and Managing Cognitive Attentional Outcomes: Measures of Impact of Awake Surgery in Glioma Treatment To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2026/02000/maximizing_tumor_resection_and_managing_cognitive.15.aspx Authors: Silvio Sarubbo and Luca Zigiotto Guest Faculty: Pablo Valdes Resident Planner: Alexander Himstead Podcast Committee Vice Chair/Moderator: Martin Pham

Title: Wellness Podcast: Healing Ourselves - Neurosurgeons as Whole Person Health Advocates Guest: Ann Stroink Hosts: Brian Gantwerker and Lara Massie In this episode of the CNS wellness podcast, we speak to a career neurosurgeon who has transitioned into a new role as a whole person health advocate and practitioner. Dr. Ann Stroink enlightens us with a unique and fresh perspective that's important both for us as Physicians and as people ourselves. We get front row seat in making tangible changes that can help our patients in their recovery from surgery and simultaneously positively affect our own health.  We hope you join us in the conversation.

January 2026 Journal Club Podcast Title: Percutaneous Endoscopic Debridement and Drainage as a First-Line Diagnosis and Management Intervention for Spondylodiscitis: A Novel Treatment Algorithm To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/onsonline/fulltext/2026/01000/percutaneous_endoscopic_debridement_and_drainage.11.aspx Authors: Nischal Acharya and Michael Oh Guest Faculty: Christoph Hofstetter Resident Planner: Roxana Beladi Podcast Committee Chair/Moderator: Kimberly Hoang

Series Title: Conversations in Neurosurgery Ep. 1: Negotiating Your Employment Agreement In this episode, Jonathan Haines sits down with Attorney Ericka Adler to explore the key elements of your employment contract, providing clear insights and expert advice in this episode.

Title: ICH Evacuation Guest Faculty: J Mocco, MD, MS Hosts: Chris Newman, MD and Seth Oliveria, MD In this episode we welcome Dr. J Mocco to discuss the nuances of evacuation of intracerebral hematoma. We review the indications, timing and techniques used for this procedure including the evidence that us available to guide clinical practice.

December 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Association Between Operative Neurosurgical Intervention and Favorable Discharge Among Patients With Traumatic Subdural Hematoma and Poor Neurological Examination To read journal article: jhttps://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/12000/association_between_operative_neurosurgical.15.aspx Author: Tej Azad Guest Faculty: Ryan Kitagawa Moderator: Laura Zima Committee Co-Chair: Rafael Vega

November 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Thrombectomy for Patients With Large-Volume Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 6 Randomized Trials To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/11000/thrombectomy_for_patients_with_large_volume.5.aspx Author: Mark Harrigan Guest Faculty: David Altschul Moderator: Zachary Sorrentino Committee Co-Chair: Kimberly Hoang

In this episode of the CNS Innovation Podcast, moderator Dr. David Dornbos interviews Dr. Vincent Tutino, who is nominated for the 2025 CNS Innovator of the Year Award, for his innovation AneuScreen+.

Podcast Miniseries: Cultivating a Culture – Growing a Healthy Neurosurgical Workplace Episode 2: Transforming Culture and Building Success Guest: Robert Spetzler Hosts: Brian Gantwerker and Chris Newman This conversation highlights Dr. Robert Spetzler’s pivotal role in building the team that transformed Barrow Neurological Institute into the powerhouse it is today. The discussion will explore what the institution was like prior to Dr. Spetzler's arrival, how he set the course for the program, and how he adapted his approach through both successes and challenges.

In this episode of the CNS Innovation Podcast, moderator Dr. David Dornbos interviews Dr. Navzer Engineer, who is nominated for the 2025 CNS Innovator of the Year Award, for his innovation Vivistim.

In this episode of the CNS Innovation Podcast, moderators Emal Lesha and David Dornbos interview Dr. Cargill Alleyne, who is nominated for the 2025 CNS Innovator of the Year Award, for his innovation Nanoshunt.

October 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Deep Brain Stimulation Electrode Deviations are Associated With Brain Stiffness Interfaces Measured by Magnetic Resonance Elastography To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/onsonline/fulltext/2025/10000/deep_brain_stimulation_electrode_deviations_are.8.aspx Author: Chengyuan Wu Guest Faculty: Kim Burchiel Moderator: Helen Shi Committee Co-Chair: Rafael Vega

Title: MIPS for ICH: Ground-breaking Innovation for MIS ICH Evacuation and Future Directions Guests: David Dornbos and Mark Bain MIS ICH evacuation has become standard of care following the ENRICH trial and the introduction of level 1 evidence showing efficacy. We discuss the pearls and pitfalls of this approach and how to best build systems of care to enhance its success. While this has been a frameshift in ICH management, numerous questions remain unanswered and are the focus of ongoing trials and research. Sponsored by Stryker

Title: Wellness Podcast: Peak Performance: Wellness Strategies for Neurosurgeons Guest Faculty: Pilin Anice and Raqeeb Haque Hosts: Brian Gantwerker and Lara Massie In this episode, we will explore practical ways to support the wellness of neurosurgeons. Through our discussion we will discover strategies to maintain energy in high-stress environments, improve sleep quality, manage stress effectively, and make smart nutrition choices.

September 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Ventricular Entry During Glioblastoma Resection is Associated With Reduced Survival and Increased Risk of Distant Recurrence To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/09000/ventricular_entry_during_glioblastoma_resection_is.10.aspx Author: Neslihan Gecici and Pascal Zinn Guest Faculty: Bryan Choi Moderator: Alexander Himstead Committee Co-Chair: Kimberly Hoang

Patients with functioning pituitary adenomas (FPA) require a multi-disciplinary team-based approach to select best medical, surgical and radiation treatments, including stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The aim of this study is to provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of SRS for adult patients with FPA. Brad Elder, MD Isabelle Germano, MD Carrie Andrews, MD

Title: Controversies in Neurosurgery: Brachytherapy in Cranial Oncology: Roles and Limits Guest Faculty: Wenya Linda Bi and Phillip Devlin Hosts: W. Christopher Newman and Seth Oliveria Intracranial brachytherapy has become an increasingly prominent part of the neurosurgical oncologist’s toolbox. In this episode, we will explore some of the indications, active areas of exploration, and current controversies surrounding its use.

Neurosurgical intervention in patients with functioning pituitary adenomas is evolving and the role of endoscopic transsphenoidal techniques versus microsurgery, surgery versus medical management, and the beneficial role of adjuvant surgical techniques, along with second surgery on patient outcomes remains unclear. Brad Elder, MD Kevin Lillehei, MD David Ormond, MD

August 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Comparative Analysis of Outcomes and Kyphotic Risk Factors After Cervical Laminoplasty in 2 Different Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Groups and Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/08000/comparative_analysis_of_outcomes_and_kyphotic_risk.5.aspx Author: Hyun Woong Mun Guest Faculty: Benjamin Elder Moderator: Roxana Beladi Committee Co-Chair: Rafael Vega

Podcast Miniseries: Cultivating a Culture – Growing a Healthy Neurosurgical Workplace Episode 1: Being Yourself in a Big Pond Guest: Anand Veeravagu Hosts: Brian Gantwerker and Chris Newman In this first episode of a 4-part miniseries, we sit down with Dr. Anand Veeravagu of Stanford for a wide-ranging conversation on building, sustaining, and evolving institutional culture. Dr. Veeravagu shares insights on navigating the dynamics of a storied institution—discussing how to honor tradition while driving innovation, foster a strong reputation, and cultivate meaningful, productive relationships along the way.

July 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Perioperative Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonist Use and Rates of Pseudarthrosis After Single-Level Lumbar Fusion: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/07000/perioperative_glucagon_like_peptide_1_agonist_use.9.aspx Author: Konstantinos Margetis Guest Faculty: Stephen Kalhorn Moderator: Brian Saway Committee Co-Chair: Kimberly Hoang

CNS Innovation Podcast Moderators: David Dornbos and Emal Lesha Guest: Uzma Samamdani In this episode of the CNS Innovation Podcast, moderators David Dornbos and Emal Lesha interview 2024 CNS Innovator of the Year Finalist, Dr. Uzma Samadani about her innovation EyeBox. They discuss pearls and pitfalls of taking an innovative idea from concept to product.

June 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Assessing Neurosurgery Training: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Case Minimums Versus Surgical Autonomy To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/06000/assessing_neurosurgery_training__accreditation.19.aspx Author: Michael Haglund Guest Faculty: Gabriel Zada Resident Planner: Laura Zima Moderator: Rafael Vega

Based on recommendations of an updated systematic review of the literature, surgical interventions for patients with Vestibular Schwannoma allow for a range of options, the choice of which depends on the specific aspects of the lesion and the individual patient. They are discussed in this podcast. Brad Elder, MD Jamie J. Van Gompel, MD Brandon Lucke-Wold, MD

Title: Wellness Podcast: Impact and Possible Solutions for Decreasing Admin Burden for Neurosurgeons Guest Faculty: Anthony DiGiorgio and Charles Mackel Hosts: Brian Gantwerker and Lara Massie In this episode of the CNS Wellness Podcast, Charles Mackel and Anthony DiGiorgio will discuss sources of physician burnout, meaningful work, and the administrative component of a successful career in neurosurgery.

May 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Microsurgical Treatment of Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Collaborative Investigation From the Multicenter Consortium for Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Outcomes Research To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/05000/microsurgical_treatment_of_intracranial_dural.12.aspx Author: Kunal Raygor Guest Faculty: Matthew Koch Moderator: Zachary Sorrentino Committee Co-chair: Kimberly Hoang

This podcast discusses an updated systematic review of the literature and provides new recommendations for the role of Stereotactic Radiosurgery in the treatment of adult patients with Vestibular Schwannoma. Brad Elder, MD Isabelle Germano, MD

Title: Controversies in Neurosurgery: Carbon Fiber versus Titanium in Metastatic Spine Cancer Guest Faculty: Ilya Laufer Hosts: Brian Gantwerker, MD and W. Christopher Newman, MD In this episode we will discuss the use of carbon fiber implants for spinal instrumentation in patients with metastatic spine cancer, covering the indications, benefits, and limitations. We also will discuss how to incorporate these implants into your practice.

Patients with metastatic brain tumors (MBTs) require a multidisciplinary team-based approach to select the best treatment interventions. This podcast updates recommendations addressing whether Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) provides benefit regarding local control, OS, PFS, performance status, or reduction in CNS side effects compared with standard management with chemotherapy, immune modulators and molecular targeted agents, SRS, WBRT, and surgical resection. J. Bradley Elder, MD Mark E. Linskey, M.D., FAANS Kristin Huntoon, PhD, DO Brandon Lucke-Wold, MD, PhD

April 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Spatial Distribution of Meningiomas: A Magnetic Resonance Image Atlas To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/04000/spatial_distribution_of_meningiomas__a_magnetic.9.aspx Authors: Wenya Linda Bi and Ruchit Patel Guest Faculty: Jennifer Moliterno Moderator: Rafael Vega Resident Planner: Helen Shi

Title: MMA vs. Evacuation for Chronic SDH Guest Faculty: Richard W. Williamson, MD Hosts: Lara Massie, MD and Seth Oliveria, MD In this episode, we will discuss the procedure of middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization, the indications and evidence to support the procedure’s use. We will discuss the ideal/non-ideal patient selection, and optimal timing of the procedure.

March 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Gene Expression Changes Associated With Recurrence After Gross Total Resection of Newly Diagnosed World Health Organization Grade 1 Meningioma To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/03000/gene_expression_changes_associated_with_recurrence.6.aspx Author: Ramin Morshed Guest Faculty: Tomas Garzon-Muvdi Moderator: Kimberly Hoang Resident Planner: Alexander Himstead

Title: Motion Preservation vs. Fusion Guest Faculty: Michael Steinmetz, MD Hosts: Brian Gantwerker, MD and Christopher Newman, MD In this CNS Controversies podcast, we discuss the options of motion preservation surgery. We engage with Dr. Michael Steinmetz, Professor and endowed Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, about his experiences and thoughts on fusion alternatives.

February 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Surgical Risk Calculator as a Predictor of Postoperative Outcomes After Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/02000/american_college_of_surgeons_national_surgical.12.aspx Authors: Jeffrey Mullin Guest faculty: Daniel Carr Moderator: Rafael Vega Resident Planner: Roxana Beladi

Title: What Cases Are Safe for the ASC? Guest Faculty: Robert S. Bray, Jr., MD Hosts: Lara W. Massie, MD and Seth F. Oliveria, MD PhD In this episode we talk to Dr. Robert Bray about performing increasingly complex neurosurgical procedures in the ambulatory surgery center setting. We discuss strategies to safely and efficiently discharge patients home within 24 hours of surgery as well as the limits of this approach.

December 2024 Journal Club Podcast Title: How Do the True Intraoperative Costs of Endoscopic Diskectomy Compare With Microdiskectomy for Lumbar Disk Herniations? A Time-Driven Activity-Based Cost Analysis To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/onsonline/fulltext/2024/12000/how_do_the_true_intraoperative_costs_of_endoscopic.3.aspx Authors: Ahilan Sivaganesan Guest faculty: Muhammad Abd-El-Barr Moderator: James Malcolm Committee Co-chair: Rafael Vega

January 2025 Journal Club Podcast Title: Endoscopic versus Traditional Thoracic Discectomy: A Multi-center Retrospective Case Series and Meta-analysis To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2025/01000/endoscopic_versus_traditional_thoracic_discectomy_.18.aspx Authors: Sanjay Konakondla Guest faculty: Juan Uribe Moderator: Brian Saway Committee Co-chair: Kimberly Hoang

Title: Staged Focused Ultrasound vs. DBS for Essential Tremor Guest Faculty: G. Rees Cosgrove, MD Hosts: Rushna Ali, MD and Seth F. Oliveria, MD PhD We welcome Dr. Rees Cosgrove to discuss his extensive experience with focused ultrasound and how this compares to deep brain stimulation. We review differences in patient experience and outcome between these two procedures and how to navigate the surge in popularity of FUS when counseling patients of their options.

Patients with metastatic brain tumors (MBTs) require a multidisciplinary team-based approach to select the best treatment interventions. This podcast updates recommendations that address whether treatment with immune modulators benefits patients with parenchymal or leptomeningeal brain metastases in terms of local control, OS, PFS, performance status, or reduction in CNS side effects compared with standard management with chemotherapy, molecular targeted agents, SRS, WBRT, and surgical resection. J. Bradley Elder, MD Jeffrey J. Olson, MD D. Ryan Ormond, MD, Phd