I was on call last night and accepted an urgent neurosurgical transfer from 8 hours away, across 2 state lines. 9 closer tertiary care centers had turned the patient away b/c they were past capacity. This is the state of COVID in the Southeast.
We were also past capacity but our chief of staff recognized the critical need and found a way to get this patient flown to us.
Neurosurgery patients may not die OF COVID but it’s a guarantee that some are dying BECAUSE of COVID.
My time at Vanderbilt
2001 - med student
2005 - resident
2013 - assist prof
2018 - assoc prof
Today -
Professor of Neurological Surgery
🌟💥🌟💥🌟💥
So grateful for the people who have guided my career for 22 years
@VUmedicine
is a very special place
I recently had the privilege of performing an all-female resection of acoustic neuroma. Pic here with neuro-oto
@elperkinsoto
and senior NSGY resident
@Silky_Chotai
.
There are very few female skull base surgeons - I doubt this has happened many times. 🧵
Very frustrated with
#ERAS
and
@AAMCtoday
today.
For some reason, this year LORs require several days of “verification” before being released to programs. For IMGs, this is requiring at least FIVE business days. This was not well communicated.
1/3
In America it’s a matter of luck.
Today my family was lucky. Today’s mass shooter lived 2 blocks from us. 6 people were murdered at a small school including 3 3rd graders, just a mile or so from where my 3rd grader sat in her small school.
Luck.
Ever wondered which is more difficult, brain surgery or motherhood?
Spoiler alert: it’s motherhood
Cheers to all the moms out there making it happen every day. Remember, if it ever gets too stressful you can always train in
#neurosurgery
to relax.
❤️
Today I learned I’m being inducted as a member of the Society of Neurological Surgeons - the oldest professional society in neurosurgery and an illustrious, inspirational group. So honored - thanks
@ReidCThompson1
for the nomination!
What a joyful day. I have known Alan since he was an undergrad - he is becoming a Vandy lifer! Freddy and Tamia joined us last year as Sub-Is and blew us away with their talent and work ethic. This class will be one to watch!
#Match2023
#neurosurgery
9 yrs ago today I gave birth to my first daughter. I was a
#neurosurgery
chief resident and the first woman in our dept to have a baby.
Since then 3 more babies have been born to
@VUMC_Neurosurg
resident/moms. To the women considering NSGY - this can be done!
Walking down the beach today, my daughter said, “Mom, someday I want to be you. I want to save people’s lives, scuba dive with sharks, and be a mom.” And that was pretty much the best moment, ever.
No matter the study: the single most important predictor of leaving neurosurgery is female gender.
This does not mean that we should not bring women into the field. It means that the field often fails them. Fixing that is a challenge we have to face.
It’s done. Elad Levy had the vision for the best neurosurgical meeting in the world, and it was a delight to execute it. Being the
@CNS_Update
meeting chair was been the job I wanted most in neurosurgery and to do it with this team was a joy.
Goodbye
#2023CNS
@EllaG1894
You’re right. When you have the training and desire to help a sick person but you can’t because of this kind of circumstance… it’s a terrible feeling.
I just got the names of the students who matched
@VUMC_Neurosurg
and I can’t even deal with the excitement! It’s a PD dream - if I could have handpicked a trio who would gel + complement each other it would have been these three. In a crazy year the process worked.
#Match2021
It’s ERAS release day! APD Rohan Chitale and I have downloaded 342 applications to
@VUMC_Neurosurg
7 faculty will now get started on layered, holistic review which will ultimately result in about 50 interview offers released the third week of October. Can’t wait!
What an honor to be the inaugural recipient of the George S. Allen MD Chair in Neurological Surgery
@VUMC_Neurosurg
Dr. Allen was my first mentor in nsgy, and his wife and daughters endowed this chair in his name. Yesterday we celebrated his incredible legacy.
Once in a lifetime experience.
The opportunity to interview Amal Clooney at
@CNS_Update
was just a gift. She is a leader demanding critical change around the world and also a delightful person.
“The enemy is not evil, it’s apathy.”
#2023CNS
you have inspired me
Did you know?
Only 8% of board certified neurosurgeons are female
but >30% of the
@CNS_Update
executive committee is female
I’m proud to serve with leaders like
@MartinaStippler
@nsurgchick
and others who joined the CNS board meeting virtually today.
What a day to be a mentor.
7 Vandy med students matched in neurosurgery, including one NSGY/NSGY couple. All matched at their
#1
or 2 choice (as best I can tell.) incredible programs around the country. If you want to be a neurosurgeon, think about
@VUmedicine
!
I’m crazy proud of this.
A focus of my career has been lowering barriers to
#neurosurgery
for a diverse group of students. We have a culture where students’ contributions are valued and they see residents who love their work AND have healthy lives. So they join us!
What medical school sees the highest percentage of its graduates become neurosurgeons?
Vanderbilt
@VUmedicine
Which medical schools produce the most neurosurgery residents? An analysis of the 2014–2020 cohort in: Journal of Neurosurgery
We’ve been waiting to finalize this and announce it for a loonnngggg time….. thrilled to share that Michelle Obama will be addressing
@CNS_Update
live in Austin in October!
Taking over as Scientific Program Chair for the
@CNS_Update
annual meeting is one of the proudest moments in my career. Truly one of most impactful roles in
#neurosurgery
and a great responsibility. Thanks to Drs. Bambikidis for the opportunity and Asthagiri for the mentorship!
My favorite part of the
@CNS_Update
meeting is always the calm before the storm.
Feeling proud, excited, and very privileged to have had the role of Scientific Program Chair for
#2022cns
It was truly my dream job and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have created
I appreciate the transparency from
@VUMChealth
and our partners around the region. We are in crisis. This affects everyone - vaccinated or not, masked or not, political or not. Good people are trying really hard to keep our healthcare system from collapse.
Taking on a new role tomorrow as ICU attending of one of the “pop up” ICUs created to handle our COVID surge. Grateful for good core medical training and the opportunity to help offload my colleagues, if just for the occasional shift. No doubt I will also learn something new!
Figuring out how to get a resident on training leave so he could go on a top secret reality TV mission to fulfill his lifelong dream was just one of the many unanticipated challenges of being a
#neurosurgery
#programdirector
It’s official… our own resident David Voce can be seen on this fall’s seasons of Survivor. Did he pick up enough skills on the mean streets of
@VUMCGME
to take the win? None of us know!
@CBSsurvivorfan
I myself am the specialty rep for NSGY to the AAMC as well as a PD for the last 6 years who wrote 22 LORs this year and I was unaware of this until the last minute, when an applicant told me.
This is not applicant friendly or fair.
@AAMCtoday
this needs a fix now.
Best/worst part of being PD? Getting to know your match results a day early, but not being able to share them!! Auughh!!!
We have three phenomenal people joining the
@VUMC_Neurosurg
team tomorrow. I feel so blessed to have them choose us.
#Match2022
☺️
Proud of
@VUMChealth
for the COVID response. As a provider with fever and respiratory symptoms I was screened, tested, and sent home. Results back quickly: no COVID but a resolving case of Influenza. So impressed with the facility we have up and running and the tireless ED staff.
If you had told me back then that
@TheJNS
would have any interest in “a day in the life of Lola Chambless” …😂😂😂
Seriously, I would have been shocked. This was fun. I’m lucky to be living a beautiful life with family/friends/partners/patients who give me purpose every day
#DayintheLife
Today we will feature Lola B. Chambless, MD, FAANS - Neurosurgery Residency Program Director and an Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery at Vanderbilt University!
Well I didn’t expect to be brought to tears today but
@drdavidlanger
has just delivered one of the most powerful talks I’ve ever heard.
That’s what it means to inspire.
#2023CNS
Proud to participate in this panel!
Hot tip: male neurosurgeons interested in leadership can learn a lot by joining this conversation. Understanding this issue is key to building a successful and diverse team. Please join us!
Save the Date: Join us on 5/15 for a special webinar event. Our panelists will discuss their experiences navigating pregnancy & parenthood as neurosurgeons. More details coming soon!
#ILookLikeASurgeon
#WomenInMedicine
With
#2022CNS
finally closed, I slept 13 hours straight and got into some family time. First stop: my alma mater
@Stanford
where my girls got to check out the
#collegelife
Today the ACGME approved my appt as the Program Director for the
@VUMC_Neurosurg
Residency. It’s an honor to lead the program that trained me and a privilege to teach incredible men and women the practice of
#neurosurgery
Thanks
@ReidCThompson1
@JayWellons5
for your faith in me.
One of the most important moments of my education was my near-fail in Pchem
@Stanford
My prof didn’t bail me out - thank goodness. In medicine we fail A LOT. Learning to cope and keep fighting to master the work was a gift.
Every failure is a chance to improve
Congratulations to our
@VUmedicine
students joining the field of neurosurgery! It’s been a pleasure to mentor all of you and your future is bright… even if it is in Texas!
@akashjp330
is a lucky PD to pick up 2/3 of our
#match2023
crop!
Climbed Petit Piton today!
Started poorly, with me puking my guts out after the first 30 min. This is a STEEP mountain. In a hot jungle.
But, rallied, made it up 2500 ft of sketchy ropes with no protection. Lived to tell the tale!
First 2023 climb objective ✅
#Type2Fun
Grand Teton Summit
A once in a lifetime experience that reminded me of
#neurosurgery
a few times
It takes fitness, coachability, and mental control. Plus a dash of luck (weather!)
I’m physically back to earth but not sure when I’m coming down from this mountain ❤️
So….
@VUMC_Neurosurg
residents are the best. Donating their Saturday to run a boot camp for the
@VUmedicine
students about to start NSGY subIs. I did not ask them to, nor did I assist in any way with curriculum. True future leaders in NSGY Ed.
@RobDambrinoMD
@Silky_Chotai
Are we brave enough
#neurosurgery
?
Reduce costs to applicants
Ease burden on PDs
Focus on what matters to our field
New Dedicated Residency Application Platform for Obstetrics and Gynecology - Association of Professors of Gynecology & Obstetrics - APGO
#breakfastgoals
#NASBS2023
Sent this pic to my daughters back home to try to motivate them to study hard and become a neurosurgeon so they too can have a job with donut boards! Not sure that worked.
Nonetheless,
@NASBSorg
killing it with the breakfast game!
Getting into the 2021
@BAA
Boston Marathon ranks up there w/ training to be a neurosurgeon in terms of the sense of accomplishment.
In both cases:
drive > talent
goalposts keep moving
tolerance of pain must be extraordinary
Also: bragging rights are sweet! 😜
Ran out of chairs at the
@CNS_Update
med student town hall. I’m thrilled we are able reach so many with some insightful mentorship from our PD panel. If you missed it, it has been recorded and we will put up the link in the next few days!
#future
#2021CNS
I could not be happier with our match result! I know each of these men well and I know they are going to be an unstoppable, hard working team who will have lasting contributions to
#neurosurgery
Happy match day everyone!
Really proud of this one!
We show a detailed analysis of
#neurosurgery
applicant publications over a 5 year period. Spoiler alert- yes pub numbers are increasing but no they are not as high as you may have believed. This may level set expectations.
This weekend I’m doing something I dreamed of since I was kid growing up outside Boston. I’m so glad to have my girls here to see one of the greatest sporting events in the world and to celebrate the years of training it took to get here.
#bucketlist
@bostonmarathon
Happy
#NationalWomenPhysiciansDay
You might see the hashtag
#iamblackwell
which reminds us of the first woman to receive a MD in the US. She had a prolific career and helped many. She was also my great great great (maybe another great?) aunt!
Go Blackwells and go lady docs!
Long day - took out 5 brain tumors and then ran 12 miles. Settled in to do some reading on call and realized I had JUST the thing for my aching feet!
#cnssurgsocks
Thanks
@MayaBabuMD
and
@CNS_Update
WOW!
I’m thrilled to share that
#2023CNS
received > 3000 abstract submissions, breaking our record set in 2022.
The biggest meeting in
#neurosurgery
will be even bigger this year. We are opening up more sessions and finding ways to feature ALL the top science. Stay tuned!
Every 6 months I get another pack of these and I know my longest GBM survivor just had another clean scan. Always brings a smile to my face and reminds me of why we keep chipping away at this disease.
amazing how often I encounter strangers who see me masked and say “we don’t have to wear masks - you can take that off if you want to!” Recently started replying “do whatever you like! I just operated on a COVID-19 patient so I think I should try to protect you.” Works wonders.
There are many cool things about helping create the
@CNS_Update
meeting but one of my favorites is watching the biggest stage in neurosurgery come to life.
#stoked
#wereback
I’ve been out on leave recovering from recent surgery. Today some
@VUMC_Neurosurg
residents came by with this get-well-soon gift which put the biggest smile on my face. They are so thoughtful, and they know me far too well!
Snap shot from the standing room only
@SNS_Neurosurg
medical student committee meeting. I’m honored to inherit the chair role from Dr. Stacey Wolfe and eager to harness the energy of this group to improve the experience of our future neurosurgeons. Stay tuned!
Left
@Stanford
with a Bachelors in 2001. Headed back (virtually) tomorrow as a Visiting Professor in Neurological Surgery! Honored to be invited to share what I have learned since I was last at The Farm.
@KayeEllen17
As a neurosurgeon who has done this procedure many times I can tell you that there are often very good outcomes. I’ve had many patients survive this and thrive. My thoughts are with you and your daughter.
There’s nothing quite like that moment when you certify your program’s rank list. Your partners, your residents, and your patients will all be deeply impacted by who joins for the next 7 years. Responsibility = privilege. Can’t wait to see who joins
@VUMC_Neurosurg
in 2022.
I officially signed up for my next adventure! I’m stoked to climb Grand Teton next summer.
I’m a goal oriented person (duh) and I’m happiest when I am outdoors, in beautiful places, pushing myself to learn something new. Looking forward to lots of 🧗♀️ in the gym this winter!
Next on the list of super cool opportunities
@CNS_Update
has given me - hosting and introducing
@AlexHonnold
to the neurosurgical audience.
And yes he’s just as cool as he seems in
#Freesolo
Calling all med students!
Join us Dec 15 for this live webinar about choosing, applying to, and succeeding in neurosurgery SubIs. This is intended for MS1-3 classes, and will be hosted by a group of PDs and APDs from diverse programs. FREE and brought to you by
@SNS_Neurosurg
The SNS will host an upcoming webinar on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 8 PM EST "Guide to sub-internships in Neurosurgery" for future applicants. Please share with Neurosurgery Applicants you feel could benefit from this webinar! Register here:
Enjoying CNS Past Presidents dinner with President-Elect
@EladLevyMD
One of the great things about the
@CNS_Update
leadership track is the mentorship and ability to learn from the greats. So excited to work with Elad in 2023!
Rehearsing…. Now all we need is Amal!
Don’t miss
@MartinaStippler
and I interviewing Amal Clooney during the Tuesday General Scientific Session at
#2023CNS
Get ready to be inspired by Time Magazine’s 2022 Woman of Year!
It’s “thank a resident day!” These
@VUMC_Neurosurg
residents deserve more than a day of thanks, but it was really nice to host them for a brief break from work. They are the backbone of our department and our patient care. I’m proud to be a part of their training.
Med students interested in neurosurgery! Please join us for this event during
@CNS_Update
annual meeting in Austin. Not attending in person? No prob- this session will be streamed virtually and you can submit your questions in that format.
It’s happening! Kicking off the
#2022CNS
annual meeting with the
@CNS_Update
executive committee working hard while enjoying beautiful views of a gorgeous San Francisco day.
This is the face of an anxious neurosurgery program director who is on vacation in the BVI but also waiting to hear the fate of her TWELVE applicants/mentees in the
#Match2021
😬😬
The rarest of sightings - all the chiefs in one place. This team keeps us marching day and night, and they are some of my favorite people. And yet, I’m terrified when they are waiting for me like this!
@KahnYengo
@redheadfeldman
@VUMC_Neurosurg
So fun to see all the posts about abstract acceptance
@CNS_Update
today. With a record # of submissions/speakers its been quite a process to review and place them all. Many thanks to a great scientific committee!
And a shot of where I fled to escape the emails 😂
Honored to be at
@UTSWNeurosurg
as a visiting professor this week! Enjoyed meeting an amazing team of residents and faculty led by my friend
@drpouratian
I realized that you *might* be getting old when you have a bunch of friends who are department chairs 😆
Edited two cool manuscripts about the
#neurosurgery
match this week and worked on IRB submission for a third. Excited to think that there may be momentum for positive change that reduces bias, financial burdens, and disparities in how we make future neurosurgeons.
I will admit: there was a point in my career where I was afraid to be known as the “neurosurgeon-mom.” Happily, that point has passed. Excited to share my experience and help other women break through that barrier. Join us!
Vanderbilt has now closed 20 ORs every day for the next week so that the doctors and nurses who staff those rooms can staff the floors and ICUs. Highest number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients of all time.
In AZ to serve as an examiner for the ABNS. Lucky to have a morning to climb
#camelback
with
@VUMC_Neurosurg
chair
@ReidCThompson1
So grateful to have a mentor who has been by my side on the 20 year trip from med student to board examiner. It’s an honor to be here.
The best thing about being a
#programdirector
is having the chance to recognize and promote talented young doctors. It’s a way to make the world a better place. Welcome Bree. You will make great contributions to
#neurosurgery
and improve patients lives.
We are thrilled to introduce the newest member of our residency team, Dr. Breanne Reisen. She will join us as a PGY 2 in July, bringing outstanding clinical skills and research experience that will have an immediate impact. Welcome Bree!
@VUMCGME
@VUMCSurgRes
Super important and classy move
@CNS_Update
Students, we will have a LOT of programming designed for you at the annual meeting, with as much free/sponsored as possible. Stay tuned! You are the future of neurosurgery and we want you there.
Finalizing the
@CNS_Update
abstract submission site today! 2 new scientific sessions (data science, medical education), streamlined submissions, and TONS of new awards. Get your science ready because we open tomorrow for CNS 2022 San Francisco! 🏆🎉🥳