Neuro Dialogues

IONM Founder, Dr. Jack Kartush, Sounds The Alarm on Persistent Quality and Safety Issues

Welcome Neuro Dialogues, the Neuro podcast. In this episode I interview Dr. Jack Kartush as he sounds the alarm about persistent quality and safety issues in neuromonitoring, and the way that it is employed in procedures placing the facial nerve at risk for injury. We coproduced this episode of the podcast to provide some extra visual information throughout the interview. Dr. Kartush talks about his diverse interests, his life philosophy, and his foray into medicine and neuromonitoring. We spend a good deal of time discussing best practices in facial nerve monitoring and ongoing challenges. Dr. Kartush emphasizes the critical importance of proper training for the surgical neurophysiologist, the reading neurologist, and the surgeon. He discusses the lack of acceptance of neuromonitoring in the early days and the importance of continuous improvement. And, he discusses future challenges and opportunities in the field as he sounds the alarm on presistent safety and quality issues with some neuromonitoring systems and products on the market today. We trust that you will find this episode of Neuro Dialogues valuable and insightful. Please subscribe if you like what you hear

Brett Netherton: How Striving for Excellence Helped Him Survive Entrepreneurship

James interviews Brett Netherton, a widely recognized expert in the field of neurodiagnostics and medical device development. In this episode, Brett discusses how his hope to become a fighter pilot ultimately helped him find his way into engineering, grow his fascination with the human body, and develop him as a successful entrepreneur. We discuss what it was like to found Rhythmlink and what he learned as he worked to setup a manufacturing facility in Hong Kong. And, we talk about how his approach to electrode manufacturing sent shockwaves through the industry. As the past owner of one of the most successful electrode manufacturers in the field, we discuss how he learned to provide quality, availability and affordability as he unknowingly helped to transform the world of disposable device manufacturing.

Michelle Mora: From Wildland Firefighter to Triple Boarded Neurologist

James Watt interviews Michelle Mora, a triple boarded neurologists, specializing in epilepsy and intraoperative neuromonitoring. In this episode, Dr. Mora talks about her days as a woodland firefighter, her interest in geology, and the impact her family and mentors have had on her life and career. She discusses the DNA of a quality IONM reading physician and what makes an excellent technologist. We discuss her volunteer work, her aspirations as ASNM president elect, and her concerns for the field of IONM. If you like what you hear, please subscribe to the feed.

Lawrence Wierzbowski: One Man's Journey to Excellence in Intraoperative Monitoring

James Watt interviews Lawrence Wierzbowski as he shares his journey from sound engineering to neurophysiology and audiology. He discusses how hearing loss introduced him to the field of audiology. Lawrence delves into his training, the importance of webniars in the field, and the evolution of motor evoked potentaials as his favorite modality. He discusses the pitfalls of Intraoperative neuromontioring (IONM) and the importance of mastery and education. Lawrence discusses the need for simulation training in neurodiagnostics, the risks of practicing on patients, and the impact of AI on the field. He also shares insights on the significance of knowledge and preparation in neurophysiology and the impact of key individuals and societies on his career.