ASSFN Podcast

Decision-making in Surgical Epilepsy with Dr. Kai Miller

In this episode of the ASSFN Podcast, Dr. Kai Miller (Functional Neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN) talks with cohosts Dr. Robert Ziechmann (Jefferson S&F Neurosurgery Fellow) and Andreas Seas (Duke Medical Student) about surgical decision-making in epilepsy, centered on the principle of concordance—aligning seizure semiology, imaging, and electrophysiology to guide treatment. He reviews how multidisciplinary evaluation, stereo-EEG, and functional mapping shape decisions between resection, laser ablation, disconnection, and neuromodulation. The conversation highlights challenges in dominant temporal lobe epilepsy, balancing seizure freedom with language and memory preservation, and contrasts approaches in pediatric versus adult patients. Dr. Miller also reflects on advances in imaging, evolving thalamic stimulation targets, and the importance of humility, transparency, and patient-centered counseling in epilepsy surgery. Take a listen to his valuable insights!

Patient Experience with DBS for Depression

In this episode, co-host Andreas Seas interviews Jon Nelson who shares his experience with deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression. Listen as he shares about the hope this treatment approach gave him and how DBS has transformed his life. This treatment remains investigational, but with the studies underway that can help patients like Jon, we can start to understand the profound impact it can have.

Contract Negotiation and Rising the Ranks to Leadership with Dr. Dario Englot and Dr. Shabbar Danish

In this podcast episode, cohosts Danika Paulo and Andreas Seas and featured guest speakers Dr. Dario Englot (Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, ASSFN Board Member) and Dr. Shabbar Danish (Chairman and Professor of Neurosurgery at Hackensack-Meridian, ASSFN Board Member) discuss nuances of job contract negotiation as well as advice for rising the ranks to academic and organizational leadership. We discuss differences in academic vs. private practice job contracts, what to look out for, what to ask for, and the timeline and approach to advancing to leadership positions within institutions and organizations. There is a wealth of fruitful information in here for neurosurgeons of any subspecialty as well as for those considering first or subsequent job applications. Take a listen!

Transition to Practice with Dr. Sharona Ben-Haim and Dr. Christopher Conner

In this episode, co-hosts Dr. Danika Paulo, Dr. Harsh Shah and Andreas Seas talk with featured guests, Dr. Sharona Ben-Haim and Dr. Christopher Conner about transitioning from being a neurosurgical trainee to starting practice. Dr. Ben-Haim is an academic functional neurosurgeon at the University of California, San Diego and Surgical Director of Epilepsy as well as a board member of the ASSFN. Dr. Conner is a functional neurosurgeon with a privademic practice affiliated with UConn Health. Both bring valuable and unique experiences and perspectives to our discussion, sharing their insights on the job process, interviewing, contract negotiation, network building, and pitfalls to avoid. While this discussion is primarily relevant to senior neurosurgical residents, fellows and early attendings, there is something to be learned by every neurosurgeon. Thanks for joining us!

Building a Functional Neurosurgery Program with Dr. Peter Konrad

In this episode, co-hosts Danika Paulo, Tessa Harland, and Robert Ziechmann talk about building a functional neurosurgery program with guest speaker, Dr. Peter Konrad. Dr. Konrad is currently the Chair of Neurosurgery at West Virginia University and Executive Director of Integrative Neuroscience & Clinical Innovation at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. He has decades of experience building strong functional neurosurgery programs both at Vanderbilt University and West Virginia University. We discuss topics including how to build referral networks, essential personnel, acquiring necessary OR tools and technologies, challenges, and successes of starting and building a functional neurosurgery program. This episode includes lots of pearls for providers hoping to build a successful functional program and we hope you enjoy it!