The Neuromodulation Podcast

Professor Robert Levy is a distinguished neurosurgeon, Past President of the International Neuromodulation Society and Editor-in-Chief of Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface. In this episode, he shares insights the importance of originality, peer review, ethical considerations, and key components of a well-prepared manuscript when submitting to a medical journal. He also discusses the evolving landscape of medical publishing, the significance of high-quality research, and technological advancements in the field. Recommended Reading: Storytelling with Data Available free online Check out the journal: Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface Credentials Robert M. Levy, M.D., Ph.D. Professor of Neurosurgery, Physiology and Radiation Oncology (ret) Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Past President, International Neuromodulation Society Editor-in-Chief, Neuromodulation:Technology at the Neural Interface Editorial Office Ms. Mary Price Managing Editor Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface Contact: mprice@neuromodulation.com

In this episode of The Neuromodulation Podcast, we're joined by renowned pain medicine pioneer Dr. Peter Staats, who has authored over five hundred articles, abstracts, and book chapters, and his esteemed clinical mentee and researcher with numerous publications, Dr. Sean Lee. Learn tactics to develop a strong referral network, effective communication with referrers, and integration of advanced clinical practices. Listeners will also gain insights into the latest research, patient selection, and the future of neuromodulation in addressing chronic pain. Don't miss this engaging conversation that highlights the multidisciplinary collaboration essential for advancing healthcare. Subscribe now to stay updated with cutting-edge insights from the world of neuromodulation. More on Dr. StaatsMore on Dr. Li

In this episode of The Neuromodulation Podcast, we welcome Pamela Binkley, a 74-year-old chronic pain patient, and her daughter, Dr. Trissa Babrowski, an expert in vascular surgery at UChicago Medicine. Pamela shares her challenging journey with chronic pain and the life-changing decision to have a spinal cord stimulator implant. Pamela recounts her struggles with debilitating pain and the trials of various treatments before finding relief through neuromodulation. Her daughter, Dr. Babrowski, provides insights from a medical perspective and emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care and non-pharmaceutical pain management options. Tune in to gain perspectives on the patient and caregiver experience, the significance of mental health in managing chronic pain, and the evolving landscape of pain management technologies.

In this episode of The Neuromodulation Podcast, we welcome Dr. Alexios Carayannopoulos and Dr. Sean Li. They discuss their experiences and insights on mentorship and leadership in the field of neuromodulation, including the development of the global INS Mentorship Program as part of the INS Young Neuromodulators Committee. The conversation delves into the importance of mentorship, early career challenges, and guidance for budding neuromodulators. Learn about the INS Mentorship ProgramLearn about the INS Young Neuromodulators Committee

In this episode of the Neuromodulation Podcast, we're honored to sit down with Professor Konstantin Slavin, the newly appointed President of the International Neuromodulation Society. Join us as Prof. Slavin delves into his impressive career, from his early days in medical school in the Soviet Union to his current role at the forefront of neuromodulation innovation. He shares insights on the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, the advancements in neuromodulation technology, and the challenges he anticipates in his new role. We also explore how neuromodulation is transforming healthcare, the ethical considerations of new technologies like artificial intelligence, and his vision for the future of the field. Don’t miss this deep dive into the life and work of one of neuromodulation’s leading figures.

In this episode of the Neuromodulation Podcast, we welcome back Professor Marc Russo, Immediate Past President of the INS. Dive into his reflections and insights on research in neuromodulation and discover how to get started in this fascinating field. From his beginnings in Sydney, Australia, to establishing one of the largest multidisciplinary pain clinics globally, Professor Russo's contributions have been monumental. Tune in as he shares his thoughts on recent advancements, challenges in the field, and offers invaluable advice for aspiring researchers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode is packed with information to inspire and guide your neuromodulation research journey. Full Bio: ⁠https://www.neuromodulation.com/ins-board⁠ResearchGate: ⁠https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marc-RussoHunter Pain Specialists: ⁠https://hunterpainspecialists.com.au/⁠

In this episode of the Neuromodulation Podcast, host Mandi Soleil sits down with Professor Marc Russo, the Immediate Past President of the International Neuromodulation Society. Professor Russo shares his reflections on his three-year tenure, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and advancements in the field of neuromodulation. From the implementation of closed-loop monitoring techniques to navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof. Russo provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of neuromodulation. Tune in to learn about the ethical considerations of emerging technologies, the importance of mentorship, and beyond. Full Bio: https://www.neuromodulation.com/ins-boardResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marc-RussoHunter Pain Specialists: https://hunterpainspecialists.com.au/

On today's minisode, Dr. Feroz Osmani reflects on his experience in interventional pain medicine at UChicago Medicine. He discusses the importance of patient selection for effective neuromodulation therapies, how patients can access optimal results, and the benefits of spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain. He also draws upon an example from his personal life that illustrates the direct impact of neuromodulation therapies for pain management and provides practical advice for new fellows.

In this episode, Professor Konstantin Slavin reads aloud an article by Garston Liang, Alexander Thorpe, and Quentin F. Gronau, which delves into the Fragility Index (FI) and its significance in evaluating the robustness of p-value-based conclusions in clinical trials. Key points include: Fragility Index (FI): Measures how many participant outcomes need to change to alter the statistical significance of results (e.g., from p 0.05).Higher FI is Better: A higher FI indicates more robust conclusions, less dependent on a small number of participant changes.Key Considerations: Includes the alpha criterion (e.g., p The article also addresses the importance of understanding the fragility of study results and provide insights into how FI can be used to assess the reliability of clinical trial outcomes. Tune in to learn more about the Fragility Index and its application in medical research. Resources: Biostatistics articles on the INS websiteThe Fragility Index article

In this episode, Professor Konstantin Slavin reads aloud an article by Garston Liang, Quentin F. Gronau, and Alexander Thorpe which discusses the p-value, a fundamental concept in statistical analysis, and clarify what it can and cannot tell you about your data. Key points include: What a p-value tells you: The probability that a null hypothesis generated the observed data.What a p-value cannot tell you: The effect size, the quality of alternative hypotheses, the presence of an effect, details of the sampling plan, or data pre-processing steps. The hosts explore the limitations of p-values, emphasizing the importance of understanding their context and proper usage in scientific research. Tune in to gain a deeper insight into the role of p-values in hypothesis testing and avoid common misconceptions. Resources: Biostatistics articles on the INS websiteWhat a P-value can and cannot tell you article

In this episode, Professor Konstantin Slavin reads aloud an article by Alexander Thorpe, Garston Liang, and Quentin F. Gronau which addresses Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and the Area Under the Curve (AUC) in evaluating predictive models. ROC curves help determine how well a model differentiates between two outcomes, and AUC measures model performance. Key points covered include: ROC Curves: Assess model sensitivity and specificity over a range of thresholds.AUC: A higher AUC indicates better model performance, with values between 0.5 (chance level) and 1 (perfect performance).Interpreting AUC: While higher is better, what counts as a "good" AUC depends on the context. Join us to learn how ROC curves and AUC can enhance your understanding of model effectiveness and help make more informed predictions in various fields. Resources: 1. Biostatistics articles on the INS website 2. Receiver Operating Characteristics & the Area Under the Curve article

In this episode, Professor Konstantin Slavin reads aloud an article by Alexander Thorpe, Quentin F. Gronau, and Garston Liang which explores the various types of data and the appropriate statistical tests for each. Understanding data types is crucial for designing studies and analyzing data accurately. Key points include: - Data Categories: Data is broadly categorized into numerical (quantitative) and categorical (qualitative) types. - Numerical Data: Includes discrete, continuous, and ratio data. Common in quantitative research for measuring outcomes. - Categorical Data: Divided into ordinal (with inherent order) and nominal (without order) data. Examples include age groups (ordinal) and sex (nominal). The article also provide guidance on selecting the right statistical tests based on the combination of data types, helping listeners make informed decisions in their research and data analysis. Tune in to enhance your understanding of data classification and the corresponding statistical methods, ensuring accurate and meaningful research results. Resources: Biostatistics articles on the INS websiteTypes of Data and the Appropriate Tests for them article

In this episode, Prof. Konstantin Slavin reads aloud an article by Garston Liang, Quentin F. Gronau, and Alexander Thorpe which addresses the use of N-of-1 trials in neuromodulation and personalized medicine. N-of-1 trials are a powerful method for investigating treatment effects on an individual basis, making them ideal for patients with stable symptoms and chronic disorders.Key points covered include:- N-of-1 Trial Design: Involves repeated cycles of treatment and placebo, with the patient serving as their own control.- Personalization: Tailors treatment decisions to individual outcomes, offering a high level of evidence for treatment efficacy.- Double-Blinding: Ensures both patient and clinician are unaware of the treatment phase to maintain objectivity.- Crossover Design: Alternates between treatment and placebo phases, often randomized to prevent time-related biases.- Wash-In/Out Periods: Important for avoiding carry-over effects, especially in pharmaceutical interventions.The article also highlights the statistical considerations for analyzing N-of-1 trials, emphasizing the importance of proper design and analysis to ensure valid conclusions. Tune in to learn how N-of-1 trials can enhance personalized treatment strategies in neuromodulation and beyond. Resources: Biostatistics articles on the INS websiteN-of-1 Trials & Their Use in Neuromodulation

In this episode, Professor Konstantin Slavin reads aloud an article by Quentin F. Gronau, Garston Liang, and Alexander Thorpe on how to interpret risk ratios, odds ratios, and hazard ratios in clinical studies. These measures are crucial for understanding the effectiveness of treatments and the association between risk factors and outcomes. Key points include: Risk Ratios: Compare the probability of an event occurring in two groups. A risk ratio less than 1 indicates reduced risk with the treatment.Odds Ratios: Compare the odds of an event occurring versus not occurring in two groups. Often used in logistic regression, odds ratios should not be interpreted as risk ratios unless the event risk is low.Hazard Ratios: Compare the instantaneous rate of an event occurring in two groups over time. They address the changing risk over different time points. The article also discuss common misconceptions, such as misinterpreting odds ratios as risk ratios and hazard ratios as risk ratios, and provide practical advice for accurate interpretation. Join us to gain a clearer understanding of these essential statistical tools and their applications in medical research. Biostatistics articles on the INS website:How to Interpret Risk Ratios, Odds Ratios and Hazard Ratios

In this episode, Prof. Konstantin Slavin provides a live reading of a paper produced by Quentin F. Gronau, Garston Liang, and Alexander Thorpe that explore Bayes factors as an alternative to p-values for hypothesis testing. They explain how Bayes factors (BF10) measure evidence for an effect versus no effect, with BF10 > 1 indicating evidence for an effect, and BF10 The discussion highlights the advantages of Bayes factors, such as quantifying evidence for both the null and alternative hypotheses and allowing for continuous evidence monitoring. Using simple analogies, the article provides clear guidance on interpreting Bayes factors and address common misconceptions. Join us to discover how Bayes factors can improve your understanding and interpretation of statistical data. Biostatistics articles on the INS websiteHow to Interpret a Bayes Factor article

Season 1 Episode 5 of the show is available wherever you get your podcasts! ➕ Neuromodulation for Neuropathic Pain ➕ Join us as Dr. Dalia Elmofty, Associate Professor of Anesthesia and Critical Care at UChicago Medicine, delves into the transformative role of neuromodulation in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is characterized by a disarray in pain processing and presents unique challenges. Dr. Elmofty explains how neuromodulation offers a groundbreaking approach by precisely targeting specific areas, minimizing the side effects typically associated with pharmacological methods. Tune in now to learn about the practical challenges and considerations in implementing neuromodulation therapies and the potential of emerging technologies to further enhance patient outcomes! More about Dr. ElmoftyGlobal Events CalendarGlia Study via The Arlotta Lab at Harvard University

Dr. Alexios Carayannopoulos discusses the field of neurorehabilitation and its intersection with neuromodulation, addressing topics including his approach to multidisciplinary care and the importance of effective communication between specialists, accessibility of care, the impact of cultural barriers on patient outcomes, the process of device implant trials, and the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the future of the field.

Dr. Lisa Goodman, assistant professor and FWO postdoctoral researcher, discusses the importance of statistics in the medical field. Statistics is important in every facet of medicine, from evaluating the safety of new therapies to comparing treatment options in clinical trials. We explore the role of statistics in evidence-based medicine and precision medicine and offer guidance for clinicians to improve their understanding of statistical data to help make informed decisions and develop prediction models for personalized patient care.

Dr. Heather Pinckard-Dover, a neurosurgeon specializing in neuromodulation, shares her personal journey and passion for the field, offering insight for clinicians considering neuromodulation for their career path. She discusses the immediate impact and rewards of neuromodulation in improving patients' lives while also highlighting challenges such as U.S. insurance coverage and the importance of patient selection.

Neuromodulation is the interface between the nervous system and technology, and this episode explores how it can be used to treat a wide range of conditions and how patients can benefit. From awareness and accessibility to common misconceptions and his hope for the future of the field, this episode features Professor Lawrence Poree, MD, PhD, MPH, who addresses the importance of raising awareness about neuromodulation, as it is not widely taught in medical schools, which leads to a lack of awareness among both patients and physicians.