A Pathway to the Start

Every end is a start to a a new beginning. The first few interviews were outlets to gain immense insight that drove the rest of the research and processing interviews.

Weekly Report 10/30/2017 to 11/5/2017

Dramatic, moving, and utterly fascinating are the three words that may perfectly depict the field of Neurosurgery. This past week I got more insight into the field than any of the research ha provided me with. It was a fully different experience being able to talk to surgeons who have been involved in these practices for several years. The dedication and love they have for their jobs truly spoke through their words. It was not only fascinating, but also validating to know that even after so many years of working, they never get bored with what they do. Each of the doctors I interviewed this week including Dr. Carlos Bagley, a complex spinal surgeon, and Dr. Bruno Braga, a pediatric neurosurgeon, illustrated how each procedure differs from the other and the field of neurosurgery is a continual learning process that does not stop. Both stated how they occasionally have to go in for training sessions for all the new technological advancements coming out for the field of surgery as well as having to look back in journals to refresh knowledge on a certain surgical procedure. This has always been what has attracted me to this field of medicine as there are always new technologies that come out as well as the multiple processes.

Talking to Dr. Bagley was insightful in that he inspired interest in looking into spinal surgeries and spinal deformities including scoliosis and kyphosis. Another major aspect that stuck out was his practice in spinal tumors including spinal column tumors and primary spinal tumors. The intricacy of procedures especially when dealing with spinal column tumors is intricate in its requirement of taking the spine apart in order to resect the spinal tumor. The stories he said also furthered my interest in looking into the spinal aspect of neurosurgery rather than simply researching on the brain side of neurosurgery. During the interview, he stated many things that were relatable and provided me with more interest in this field of surgery as well as validating my assumptions about the field.

Dr. Braga on the other hand provided me with a whole new perspective of surgery as he deals with kids. Growing up, I had always thought that pediatrics would be the field that would ultimately be my career; however, just recently I invested much more time into looking at the geriatric sides of surgery when more time was spent looking into Alzheimer’s. Meeting with Dr. Braga renewed my interest in the field of pediatrics as there was so much more to do and learn. Due to his specialty in pediatric neurosurgery, he has multiple sub specialties that he is affiliated with. Being able to work with kids in addition to dealing with a variety of cases including spinal surgeries, brain tumors, brain dysfunction, spinal immobility, etc provided a perfect combination of both working with kids and being able to handle multiple specialties. In addition, personally I feel that the attachment that can be created with a child is like none other in comparison to adults.

Overall, this week was an immense outlook towards hearing about first hand experiences from experienced surgeons who have been in practice for years and been able to deal with multiple cases. If anything, I have realized that this field of medicine will truly be enjoyable and something that will constantly keep me on my feet.