NEUROSURGERY

Course name and number: Clinical Neurosurgery (LSU-MCLNO) NSURG 420a.

Faculty:

Dr. Frank Culicchia
Dr. David G. Kline
Dr. Roger D. Smith
Dr. Gabriel Tender
Dr. John Steck
Dr. Robert Dawson
Dr. Joseph Nadell
Dr. Lori McBride
Dr. Jose Bermudez

Duration: 4 weeks

Availability: Any block

Number of students: 2

Objectives: The objective of this elective is to provide further clinical exposure to Neurosurgery than is obtainable during the usual senior neuroscience course. Students should be able to recognize an acute neurosurgical emergency and become familiar with the management of:

1. Closed head injury.
2. Spinal injuries and the management of the unstable spine.
3. Cervical, thoracic and lumbar radiculopathy.
4. Subarachnoid, subdural, epidural and intracerebral hemorrhage.
5. Carotid occlusive disease and management of TIA's.
6. Primary and metastatic intracranial and spinal neoplasia.

Means of Implementation:

This clinical clerkship allow students considering a residency in neurological surgery to assist faculty and the current residents in all aspects of the neurosurgery service, as well as interact with faculty from other departments who regularly work with the Department of Neurological Surgery. A clerkship is highly recommended for students interested in applying to the LSUHSC Department of Neurosurgery Residency training program. Students become an integral part of the Neurosurgery service, assisting members of the house staff and faculty. Activities include ward and ICU rounds, assisting in the OR, taking night call, and attending grand rounds and other teaching conferences. This rotation amounts to a "subinternship" in Neurosurgery and offers the motivated student an excellent opportunity to contribute to an active Neurosurgery service. The student will share in the work-up and care of patients at West Jefferson Medical Center and in our affiliated teaching hospitals such as Ochsner and Children’s.

Method of Evaluation:

The student’s performance in executing clinical responsibilities will be evaluated by the full-time and part-time teaching staff, as well as input from the Neurosurgery residents. No formal written or oral examinations are given at the end of the clerkship.

Course name and number: Neurosurgical Research (LSU-MCLNO) NSURG 425a.

Faculty:

Dr. David G. Kline
Dr. Michael E. Carey
Dr. Roger D. Smith
Dr. Richard Coulon
Dr. Leo Happel
Dr. Deepak Awasthi
Dr. Rand Voorhies
Dr. Robert L. Tiel
Dr. Roger Beuerman
Dr. Bryan Payne
Dr. Joseph Nadell
Dr. Hector LeBlanc

Duration: 4 weeks

Availability: Any block

Number of students: 1

Objectives:

This course offers an introduction to neurosurgical research conducted in the LSU neurosurgical laboratories.

Means of Implementation:

The student will participate directly in experiments concerning neurophysiology of nerve regeneration and repair, raised intracranial pressure, cerebral blood flow, brain wounds and pediatric neurosurgical research.

Method of Evaluation:

Under evaluation, the student will be expected to review the literature concerning each project and participate in neurosurgical conferences. The opportunity will be provided for the student if he or she wishes to begin their own research project. In their evaluation, the student will be expected to demonstrate acceptable progress in grasping current research and formulating new and feasible ideas, and his or her progress will be evaluated by the neurosurgical teaching staff.