Conferences and Teaching Rounds
TMH Neurological Institute (Neurosurgery-Neurology-Neuroradiology) Grand Rounds present the latest information about the nervous system and neurological disorders. It is also a venue for presentations by visiting professors. Grand Rounds are held on Fridays at noon in the Blue Bird Auditorium. Lunch is served.
TMH Radiosurgery Conference for Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology faculty and residents. All patients undergoing radiosurgery are discussed at this conference. The conference is held on Mondays at 7 a.m. in the Blackwell Library of the Methodist Radiology Department.
TMH Neurosurgery Didactic Teaching Conference systematically reviews the anatomy, physiology and surgical techniques that are used in neurosurgical practice. The initial sessions focus on demonstrations and teaching in the operating room, proper use of instruments and the operating microscope, and positioning of patients. Later sessions cover specific surgical techniques and neurosurgical disorders. This conference is held in the Neurosurgery Library adjacent to the TMH NICU every Wednesday at 7 a.m.
TMH Neurosurgery Grand Rounds are held in the Pecos Room of the TMH Conference Center on the first floor of the hospital, convenient to the NICU, patient floor, operating rooms, and Neuroradiology. The Grand Round cycle monthly through the following topics:
1st Friday: Case Presentations and Literature Review
At least three recent cases are presented. A resident presents the patient’s history, radiological findings, and pathological findings, if the patient had surgery. Literature on the condition being presented is then critically reviewed. The residents and faculty question the presenting resident and provide additional information and insight. The style and format of these Grand Rounds is similar to that used in the oral examinations of the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS). This method of education teaches the residents to think critically and concisely about operative approaches and medical management of their patients.
2nd Friday: Morbidity and Mortality Conference
This conference critically reviews all significant morbidity and deaths that occurred in the previous month. The history, protocols, therapeutic approach, X-rays, and pathological material are used to understand the prevention of complications and deaths.
3rd Friday: Tumor Board
Presented by Dr. Pamela New, Neuro-Oncologist, the Tumor Board is attended by Neurosurgery, Radiation Oncology, and Neuropathology. At least three cases are presented, which are often of a particular type of tumor, and the differences in the behavior and response to treatment of the tumor are highlighted for each patient. The literature on treatment is reviewed.
4th Friday: Journal Club
The chief resident, in cooperation with the faculty, chooses recent articles from the literature for a resident and faculty member to review and to discuss critically. Four papers are usually discussed in an hour.
Intensive Care Teaching Rounds
Neuro-Intensive Care Daily Rounds are conducted by Dr. Anakara Sukumaran, Dr. Michael Zwillman and Dr. Eric Bedell in the 16-bed neurosurgical intensive care unit.
