Conferences

Conference Schedule | Conference 2009-2010 | Conference Topics 2008-09
Conference Topics 2007-08

DAY/DATE	TIME	CONFERENCE	LOCATION
Monday	7:15 - 8:00 a.m.	Clinical Spine Conference	Radiology Duke North Hospital
Wednesday	6:15 - 7:00 a.m.	Fundamentals of Neurosurgery Conference	Conference Room Duke North Hospital
Wednesday	7:05 - 7:55 a.m.	Literature Review Conference	Conference Room Duke North Hospital
Wednesday*	8:00 - 8:50 a.m.	NeuroPathology Conference	Conference Room Duke South Hospital
Wednesday	8:00 - 8:50 a.m.	Multi-disciplinary Case Review Conference	Conference Room Duke North Hospital
Friday	7:00 - 8:00 a.m.	Radiosurgery Conference	Rad-Onc Workroom Duke South Hospital
Saturday**	8:00 - 9:00 a.m.	Morbidity & Mortality Conference	Neurosurgery Library Duke South Hospital
Saturday**	9:00 - 10:00 a.m.	Neurosurgery Division Meeting	Neurosurgery Library Duke South Hospital

*Week 3 of each month only (in place of Multi-disciplinary Case Review Conference)

**Week 4 of each month only

Description of Conferences

Clinical Spine Conference
This time is spent reviewing interesting cases involving spine surgery. Clinical history, radiological findings, and surgical management are discussed. This conference is for Orthopedic and Neurosurgery residents and attendings; attendance is encouraged but not mandatory.

Fundamentals of Neurosurgery Conference
This conference focuses on the fundamental areas of knowledge essential to the practice of neurosurgery. The conference schedule is selected six months in advance by the fourth year (research) residents along with Drs. Adamson and Haglund, and focuses on teaching the junior residents the neuroanatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical knowledge pertinent to the field of neurosurgery as outlined in the resident training curriculum. Each conference begins with a brief quiz to review the past conference topic. All neurosurgery residents are expected to attend this conference.

Literature Review Conference
This time is spent reviewing journal articles relevant to a chosen topic in neurosurgery. Topics have ranged from recent controversial publications to questions from the clinical service to research updates from related areas of study here at Duke. The format includes general background, case presentation, literature review, and current practice standards. The goal is to incorporate evidence-based medicine into our clinical practice, learn how to critically analyze the literature, and discuss recent research discoveries. Typically, 2-3 current journal articles are discussed. A junior resident is assigned a paper on a rotating basis; One attending and one chief resident on service help lead the conference each week. All neurosurgery residents are expected to attend this conference.

Neuropathology Case Review Conference
This conference occurs on the third Wednesday of every month. It is held in the Neuropathology conference room equipped with a light microscope connected to a projector. The conference is a multi-disciplinary review of recent cases on service, with a focus on the radiographic and pathological findings. This conference is lead by Dr. Roger McLendon, an attending neuropathologist, but residents and attendings from neurosurgery, neuroradiology, and neuropathology all participate. All neurosurgery residents are expected to attend this conference.

Multi-Disciplinary Case Review Conference
This conference involves a multi-disciplinary review of the most interesting cases on service from the previous weeks. Typically 3-6 cases are discussed in detail, covering the clinical history, radiographic findings, management decisions, surgical approach, pathological findings, and outcomes. The use of evidence from the literature to guide management is encouraged. This conference is lead by Dr. Friedman along with the chief residents, but residents and attendings from neurosurgery, radiology, and pathology all participate. All neurosurgery residents are expected to attend this conference.

Radiosurgery Conference
This conference is held jointly by the neurosurgery and radiation oncology divisions to discuss recent cases and current literature on the use of radiosurgery for the treatment of neurological disease. It is lead jointly by Dr. Sampson from our division and Dr. John Kirkpatrick from radiation oncology. Participation by the neurosurgery residents is encouraged, but elective.

Morbidity & Mortality Conference
This monthly conference reviews the difficult cases and outcomes from the past four weeks on service, focusing on operative and post-operative care. The cases are presented by the junior residents on service and discussed in detail with the entire neurosurgical staff (residents and attendings). Current literature and standard practice is discussed to determine ways to improve the care of our patients. All neurosurgery residents are expected to attend this conference.

Neurosurgery Division Meeting
This monthly meeting is for the residents and attendings to discuss in an open forum any issues concerning the division. The goal is to improve quality, care, and efficiency within the division by encouraging new suggestions and critical feedback. Issues regarding resident training, patient care, and administrative responsibilities are the general focus of this time. All neurosurgery residents are expected to attend this conference.

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Conferences