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Insights In Pediatric Neurosurgery

Insights In Pediatric Neurosurgery

AANS/CNS Pediatric Section 17 Episodes Jun 27, 2026

Pediatric neurosurgeons explore topics of interest to pediatric neurosurgeons and their patients, covering the latest research, clinical practices, and patient care in pediatric neurosurgery.

Episodes

Pediatric Neurosurgery Controversies: The Generalist vs. Subspecialist Dilemma
Pediatric Neurosurgery Controversies: The Generalist vs. Subspecialist Dilemma Jun 27, 2026 00:34:53 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 balan
Pediatric Neurosurgery Controversies: Talking Chiari Malformations
Pediatric Neurosurgery Controversies: Talking Chiari Malformations Apr 20, 2026 00:40:21 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, the
Team Surgery, OR Myths, and Plastic Surgery Secrets with Dr. Thomas Willson
Team Surgery, OR Myths, and Plastic Surgery Secrets with Dr. Thomas Willson Mar 7, 2026 00:56:20 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
Pediatric Neurosurgery Controversies: An Arachnoid Cyst Case Study
Pediatric Neurosurgery Controversies: An Arachnoid Cyst Case Study Feb 1, 2026 00:27:49 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 midd
Balancing Pediatric Neurosurgery and Leadership with Dr. Jeff Ojemann
Balancing Pediatric Neurosurgery and Leadership with Dr. Jeff Ojemann Jan 28, 2026 00:28:07 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, t
Pediatric Neurosurgery in Ukraine with Dr. Eisha Christian
Pediatric Neurosurgery in Ukraine with Dr. Eisha Christian Nov 7, 2025 00:25:07 In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Eisha Christian, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Neurosurgery at SickKids in Toronto, as she shares her experiences working in Ukraine before and during the ongoing war. From operating during air raids to training local surgeons in resource limited settings, Dr. Christian offers a firsthand look at the resilience of Ukrainian healthcare workers and the challe
Navigating Careers in Pediatric Neurosurgery with Dr. Scott Wait
Navigating Careers in Pediatric Neurosurgery with Dr. Scott Wait Sep 25, 2025 00:36:10 In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Scott Wait, Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Wait shares his insights into building a hybrid “private-demic” practice, balancing adult and pediatric neurosurgery, and sustaining a busy surgical career while training future neurosurgeons. From navigating negotiations with hospitals to reflecting on what truly s
A Neurosurgical Journey with Dr. Oakes
A Neurosurgical Journey with Dr. Oakes Dec 14, 2024 00:45:41 In this inspiring episode, hosts Dr. Johnston and Dr. Barkley discuss and explore the remarkable life and career of Dr. Jerry Oakes, a trailblazer in the field. Gain a unique glimpse into the world of Pediatric Neurosurgery in this episode. Whether you're in the medical field or simply enjoy listening to the extraordinary lives of Pediatric Neurosurgeons, we hope you enjoy this episode.
Gender Disparities and Female Neurosurgeons in the Current Workforce and Future Directions
Gender Disparities and Female Neurosurgeons in the Current Workforce and Future Directions Jun 7, 2024 00:43:24 In this episode, Dr. Barkley talks with Dr. Susan Durham about the gender disparities seen in Neurosurgery throughout their time working in the field. From medical school to residency, all up to their current positions. Dr. Durham is Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery and the Co-director of the Neurological Institute of the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. She also holds the position of
Notes on Global Pediatric Neurosurgery with Dr. Anthony Figaji
Notes on Global Pediatric Neurosurgery with Dr. Anthony Figaji May 30, 2024 00:39:15 Tune into this episode as Drs. Barkley and Johnston discuss with Dr. Anthony Figaji about the impact of Pediatric Neurosurgeons across the globe while at the World Federation of Neurological Societies (WFNS) in Capetown, South Africa. Dr. Figaji is the Division Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the University of Capetown as well as Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Red Cross Hospital.
Work Hard and Be Nice to People: A Conversation with Dr. Howard Weiner
Work Hard and Be Nice to People: A Conversation with Dr. Howard Weiner Apr 5, 2024 00:41:44 Today’s episode is a discussion of leadership and knowing others in your field with Dr. Howard Weiner. Discussing past normalities within the field and current steps leaders take to make others feel appreciated and heard. 
Facets of Leadership in Pediatric Neurosurgery: A Discussion with Dr. Sandi Lam
Facets of Leadership in Pediatric Neurosurgery: A Discussion with Dr. Sandi Lam Dec 14, 2023 00:54:00 In this episode we have an in depth discussion with Dr. Sandi Lam, Chief of Neurosurgery at Lurie Children’s Hospital and Professor of Neurosurgery at Northwestern University on the facets of leadership in pediatric neurosurgery.    Tune into this episode to hear Dr. Lam’s journey with Drs. Ravindra and Spader.

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