Controversies in Neurosurgery: Thalamic Monitoring and Stimulation for Epilepsy

Title: Thalamic Monitoring and Stimulation for Epilepsy Guest Faculty: Mark Richardson, MD Hosts: Chris Newman, MD and Seth Oliveria, MD In this episode of the Controversies in Neurosurgery podcast, we welcome Dr. Mark Richardson to discuss the growing use of thalamic monitoring and thalamic stimulation to understand and treat epilepsy. We review current clinical applications including patient selection during stereoEEG monitoring procedures and indications for thalamic deep brain stimulation and/or responsive neurostimulation for epilepsy. We also consider future applications of these techniques.

June 2026 Journal Club Podcast Title: A 7-Year Experience in Microsurgical Treatment of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in Older Patients To read journal article: https://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/fulltext/2026/06000/a_7_year_experience_in_microsurgical_treatment_of.15.aspx Author: Michael Lawton Guest Faculty: Jonathan Russin Resident Planner: Kristine Ravina Moderator: Martin Pham

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.