About Global Neurosurgery

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia with a population of over 30 million people. According to the World Bank, Nepal is considered a low-income country and was determined by the United Nations to fall into the Least Developed Country category in 2024. As of September 2023, there were 114 neurosurgeons practicing in Nepal - or one neurosurgeon for every 300,000 people. Health services are not free, and many families struggle to access basic medical care. Dhulikhel Hospital is a non-profit hospital situated approximately one hour southeast of Kathmandu that works to provide quality healthcare for all. The MCW Global Neurosurgery program has partnered with Dr. Bibhusan Shrestha to enhance neurosurgical care capacity at Dhulikhel Hospital and the communities it serves. 

The Blood-Based Biomarkers Discovery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy, or DCM, is a multi-disciplinary initiative that seeks to develop blood biomarkers for degenerative DCM. DCM is the leading cause of non-traumatic spinal cord injury worldwide and widely prevalent in both India and the United States. This project is expected to benefit the Global Community by way of four major benchmarks. First, It will help build capacity at Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) in Vellore, India, for blood biomarker development and testing. Second, it will increase diversity in DCM research, which traditionally has poor representation from South Asian countries. Thirdly, It will increase the inclusion of advanced and severe DCM diseased states, which is common in India but not in the United States. Lastly, it will assist with prognostication to help clinical decision-making for DCM patients in CMCH and MCW, ensuring appropriate resource allocation for those patients with the highest likelihood of neurological improvement after surgery. The successful completion of this multi-disciplinary project will help create a sustainable research program for future international clinical trials.

A monthly virtual grand rounds amongst the Neurosurgery Departments at Christian Medical College at Hospital Vellore and the Medical College of Wisconsin was initiated in September 2022.  This program includes case-based academic discussion, research presentations and journal club presentations by residents and faculty. The program has increased engagement and interaction between the two institutions. Residents and faculty of each institution are exposed to variations in treatment approaches and pathology. This program has high educational value for our residents and is one of the only monthly international grand rounds programs in the United States. 

Neurodiagnostic Technologists (NDT) collaborate with physicians to perform tests that assist with the diagnosis and treatment of people with neurological conditions. They also monitor a patient's brain and nerve function during surgery to help keep them safe. Training an NDT Trainer is a critical step in developing a framework for building neurosurgical capacity. In assisting Dhulikhel Hospital in Training a Trainer, MCW's Global Neurosurgery program will impact patient care in several ways. First, it will help build the hospital's neurosurgical capacity. Second, it will increase learning opportunities for trainees at both institutions. Finally, it will further develop an academic collaboration between MCW and Dhulikhel Hospital. The successful completion of this project will yield a sustainable training program at Dhulikhel Hospital and increase the hospital's capacity for proper care of neurologically ill patients. 

Participating in international rotations offers medical residents numerous benefits that significantly enhance their personal and professional development. These experiences provide exposure to a diverse range of medical conditions and healthcare systems, broaden clinical skills, and improve cultural competence. Residents also develop adaptability by working in varied environments with limited resources, gain insights into different healthcare models and build a global healthcare perspective. Additionally, international rotations facilitate networking with global healthcare professionals, contribute to personal growth, and strengthen resumes by demonstrating a commitment to global health and cultural sensitivity. Overall, these rotations foster a more nuanced understanding of medicine, preparing residents to be more effective, empathetic, and versatile healthcare workers. 

Dr. Narayan Yoganandan provides mentorship to undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers across a wide range of disciplines. His collaborative efforts extend to esteemed institutions such as Vellore Institute of Technology and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in Chennai, India, as well as the University of Strasbourg in France and the American International University in Kuwait. Through these partnerships, he fosters interdisciplinary research and supports the academic and professional development of emerging scholars.

Dr. Shelly D. Timmons, Professor and Chair of the MCW Department of Neurosurgery, is a Founding Board Member and currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors for the Global Neuro Foundation, located in Davos, Switzerland. This esteemed organization delivers educational resources to neurosurgeons and other specialists worldwide, with a focus on neurotrauma and neurovascular disorders. Additionally, Global Neuro has created a comprehensive neurotrauma curriculum and certification process, along with online education tailored for nurses involved in the care of neurotrauma and neurocritical care patients.

(Can we include a segue sentence closing the loop on the inclusion of this Organization in the Department's global initiatives? How will the two organizations work intersect or mutually supportive?)

Learn more about the Global Neuro Foundation