Insights In Pediatric Neurosurgery

Join hosts Dr. Vijay Ravindra, Dr. Heather Spader, and Dr. Carolyn Quinsey for a conversation about the realities of modern pediatric neurosurgery practice. While pediatric neurosurgeons are often considered some of the last true generalists in the field, certain rare and high-stakes pathologies demand a team approach.
Through a series of hypothetical scenarios, the hosts explore the delicate balance between managing patients independently and knowing exactly when to call in backup. They break down the logistics, ethics, and ego-checks required to successfully collaborate with adult sub specialists, ensuring the best possible outcomes for children.
We hope you enjoy the episode!

Produced by Parker Chapman

In this episode, Dr. Heather Spader and Dr. Carolyn Quinsey tackle the gray areas and surgical controversies surrounding Chiari malformations. They debate everyday clinical decisions from atypical headaches to bone-only decompressions. Also, they discuss specific surgical techniques like shrinking cerebellar tonsils and selecting the best dural graft materials. Beyond the technical OR details, they share candid advice on patient selection and post-operative care. Join us for an honest, practical look at how to navigate one of pediatric neurosurgery's debated conditions. We hope you enjoy the episode! 

This podcast was produced by Parker Chapman

In this episode, Dr. Carolyn Quinsey sits down with pediatric craniofacial surgeon Dr. Thomas Willson to bust common OR myths and discuss the art of team surgery. They debate everyday surgical techniques like skin hooks, surgical markers, and Raney clips. Beyond the technical details, they share advice on insightful communications between specialities in the OR. We hope you enjoy the episode! 

This podcast was produced by Parker Chapman.

In this episode of Insights in Pediatric Neurosurgery, hosts Dr. Heather Spader (University of Virginia), Dr. Vijay Ravindra (University of Utah), and Dr. Carolyn Quinsey (University of Missouri) are excited to introduce a new monthly format focused on analyzing controversial clinical cases. 

The team reviews the case of a 14-month-old female presenting with a large arachnoid cyst in the right middle temporal fossa. Together, they debate the delicate balance between observation and intervention as well as explore what specific symptoms should trigger a trip to the operating room. We hope you enjoy the episode!

This podcast was produced by Parker Chapman.

Today we are joined by Dr. Jeff Ojemann, Chief Medical Officer and pediatric neurosurgeon at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Dr. Ojemann shares his unexpected path from the operating room to hospital leadership. He also reflects on how the skills of neurosurgery directly translate into executive leadership. He discusses the challenges of balancing clinical work with administrative responsibilities, the politicization of healthcare, and why physicians should not shy away from leadership roles.

We hope you enjoy the episode!

Produced by Parker Chapman