Benefits of Education in Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring

I am a seasoned Surgical Neurophysiologist with nine years of dedicated experience in the field. Throughout my career, I have actively participated in numerous spinal and carotid surgical cases, refining my skills and expertise in intraoperative neuromonitoring.

My education has been pivotal in facilitating effective communication with both surgeons and anesthesiologists, which is essential for ensuring patient safety and the success of surgical procedures. The knowledge I have acquired empowers me to engage confidently with the surgical team, enabling a seamless workflow during operations.

Recently, I had the opportunity to work on a challenging brainstem case. Thanks to the comprehensive training I received from The IOM Academy, I was able to effectively communicate with the surgeon throughout the procedure. This education and training equipped me with the necessary skills to monitor the patient accurately and respond to any changes in their neurological status.

I am pleased to report that the patient emerged from surgery with no neurological deficits, demonstrating the effectiveness of our teamwork and the monitoring protocols in place. This successful outcome underscores the importance of collaboration and communication in the operating room, neither of which would be possible without education first, followed by training. Both are needed to be successful!

Utilizing the knowledge and experience I have acquired, I have had the opportunity to travel to various states to support other clinicians. This outreach enables me to share my expertise while also improving the quality of care delivered to patients in different areas. It is education, rather than just training, that has equipped me to aid others in the profession and, ultimately, improve patient care. My dedication to ongoing learning and collaboration is central to my practice as a Surgical Neurophysiologist.

Authored by Brian Wilhelm, BA, CNIM