Optimal neuro | spine: Optimizing the Neurosurgery Residency and Training Experience From a Chief Resident’s Perspective: A Conversation With Dr. Aurora Cruz

Episode 19

Training to become a neurosurgeon is both incredibly rewarding and incredibly difficult. But is it more difficult than it needs to be and how can we make the experience better? On this episode, I’m pleased to speak with University of Louisville chief resident Dr. Aurora Cruz about neurosurgical training, residency, leadership, burnout, and her advice for prospective neurosurgery residents.

This episode’s points of interest cover:

• A day in the life of a modern neurosurgery resident
• How COVID has affected the neurosurgery training experience
• The unexpected challenges of neurosurgery residency
• Dr. Cruz’s advice for residents with spouses and children
• Advice for those considering studying neurosurgery
• Pursuing professional goals in the field of neurosurgery
• Fighting burnout and improving resident wellness
• The biggest impediments to learning neurosurgery and the acquisition of appropriate psychomotor skills
• Mentorship in neurosurgery residency
• Describing the modern neurosurgery residency experience
• Training neurosurgery residents to become better leaders
• Book recommendations from Dr. Cruz
• Advice for struggling residents
• Dr. Cruz answers the magic wand question

Listen to this and other in-depth conversations on your favorite Podcast:

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Dr. Max Boakye, Neurosurgeon, and Neuroscientist, currently Professor of Neurosurgery, Chief of Spinal Neurosurgery, Director of Quality Improvement, and Clinical Director of the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, interviews leading neuroscientists, health administrators, neurosurgeons, educators, neuro and spine health care experts, and patients in his Podcast show: Optimal neuro|spine. His in-depth conversations brings to light topics on: How do we optimize our brain and spine health, prevent aging brain and memory deterioration What to do when something goes wrong, how best to heal and recover injured brain and back How do we optimize our inpatient neuro|spine care in hospitals and provide more value-based care- prevent errors, improve quality, and improve patient satisfaction How do we teach better and better train doctors Which hospitals offer the best neuro and spine care: why and how Dr. Boakye present the most innovative emerging research that will impact neuro|spine care. Join us as we delve one-on-one and have insightful conversations with exciting researchers and experts – voices who have something to teach, enlighten, and inspire us about Optimal neuro|spine.

Maxwell Boakye, MD, MPH Acting Director, KSCIRC