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 consequences of integrating AI into the operating room.We dive into:• AI-powered brain tumor diagnosis (85% accuracy – McGill, 2025)• Robotic surgery platforms like Mazor X and ExcelsiusGPS• Real cases of surgical robots causing complications• The concept of “inhuman errors” missed by AI but not by humans• The legal gray zone: Who is liable when AI fails—surgeon, developer, or no one?• Canada's regulatory response to AI in healthcare• The tension between human judgment and machine autonomy Featuring data from peer-reviewed studies, FDA reports, and leading institutions like McGill University, Duke, and Health Canada. Key Topics Covered:AI in glioma grading and brain tumor classificationDeep learning for neurosurgical diagnosticsSurgical robots and intraoperative precisionAlgorithmic bias and health equityInformed consent in the age of AIBrain shift and reference frame error in neurosurgeryThe evolving definition of surgical expertise What do you think? Should AI ever hold surgical responsibility? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Follow on Instagram: @neurosurgerytales#Neurosurgery #ArtificialIntelligence #AIEthics #SurgicalRobotics #BrainSurgery #DeeplyUnqualified #MedicalEthics #Neurosurgeon #AIinHealthcare #RoboticSurgery #HealthTech #InformedConsent #AlgorithmicBias #Neuroethics #SurgicalAI
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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 digital performance• What we gain—and what we lose—when medicine becomes media• A personal reckoning with legacy, attention, and the cost of silenceWould Cushing have gone viral?This isn’t just about one man.It’s about how we tell stories in medicine—and who gets remembered.PODCAST INFO: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcastSOCIAL: - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aureliana-toma - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/- Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
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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 sustain passion in neurosurgery over decades?
• What leadership lessons did he learn transitioning from NIH to Ohio State?
• The role of neurosurgeons in public health, sports medicine, and future gene therapy breakthroughs
• How to ask simple yet profound research questions that lead to real impact
• The hidden keys to crafting a successful NIH grant proposal.
PODCAST INFO:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcast
SOCIAL:
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aureliana-toma
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/
- Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
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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 Clinical Centre of Serbia, Dr. Rasulic shares his unparalleled expertise and vision for the future of neurosurgery.
In this episode we explore:
• The pivotal challenges and breakthroughs that shaped his career.
• The transformative impact of peripheral nerve surgery on patient outcomes.
• Lifelong learning, innovation, and mentorship in medicine.
PODCAST INFO:
Website: https://neurosurgerytales.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcast
SOCIAL:
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aureliana-toma
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/
- Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
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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 neurovascular surgery, cranial surgery, and neurosurgical education. He has shaped the field by mentoring future leaders and driving innovation.
In this episode we explore:
• His leadership as President of the CNS and its impact on the neurosurgical community.
• The philosophies that drive his approach to education, mentorship, and patient care.
• Balancing technical mastery with personalized treatment strategies.
• Lessons from key mentors and their influence on his professional path.
• His vision for the future of neurosurgery and the evolving role of technology.
Dr. Khalessi also reflects on the importance of collaboration, emotional intelligence, and leaving a lasting legacy in neurosurgery.
PODCAST INFO:
Website: https://neurosurgerytales.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurosurgeryTalesPodcast
SOCIAL:
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/aureliana-toma
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neurosurgery_tales/
- Patreon: https://patreon.com/AurelianaToma
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.
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