In Episode 3 of Neurosurgery Blog’s Faces of Neurosurgery interview series, we spoke with Kim J. Burchiel, MD, FAANS, FACS, about his passions, his early mentors and what has driven him throughout his career. Dr. Burchiel is currently John Raaf Professor and Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Neurological Surgery at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).
Dr. Burchiel is most proud of his contributions to trigeminal neuralgia and deep brain stimulation, as well as building the department at OHSU. His favorite neurosurgical instrument is the computer, something that has changed the field more than anything else.
To the neurosurgeon in need of a book recommendation, he suggests “Undaunted Courage” by Stephen Ambrose — a book about the Lewis and Clark expedition to the west.
When asked about advice for individuals starting a neurosurgery residency, Dr. Burchiel said, “It’s very much like Lewis and Clark. It is a voyage into the unknown — a lot of difficulties lay ahead, and you need to be able to persevere, be resilient and you have to take it one day at a time.”
The full interview is available here and on Neurosurgery Blog’s YouTube channel.
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