Surgery Neurophysiologist

Job Summary

As a member of the Subregional IntraOperative Neuro Monitoring (IONM) Service, has primary responsibilities of mapping and monitoring neurosurgical and orthopedic spine cases, and interpreting continuously the data. Supports Oversight Neurologist and Surgeons in Quality Assurance and in expanding the body of scientific knowledge within the specialty of IONM.

Essential Responsibilities

• Clinical Practice: Performs multi-modality neuromonitoring as well as instantaneous interpretation of neurophysiological data, thereby providing surgeons with immediate feedback and warning before permanent nerve injury has occurred. This is a key role that serves to increase safety of surgeries and to improve patient outcome. Participates in preoperative planning and selection of appropriate monitoring techniques among the following available tests: evoked potentials- somatosensory, motor, and brainstem auditory; free-running electromyography; triggered cranial nerve stimulation; and pedicle screw stimulation. Introduces new, state-of-the-art techniques based on advanced knowledge of practice trends in IONM. Maintains Cadwell Monitoring System and customizes Cascade Elite software programs. Shares expert knowledge of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology and neuromonitoring with OR staff. Works in collaboration with Oversight Neurologist, Neurosurgeons, and Orthopedic Spine Surgeons to develop IONM protocols.
• Supervisory Role: Leads IONM Team in training new staff, assigning cases based on level of complexity, and troubleshooting technical problems.
• Administrative Support: Assists Oversight Neurologist in QA/QI/PI and in analyzing data regarding outcome. Identifies and implements high quality, cost effective, and cost reducing strategies for the organization.
• Research: Consistently sets ongoing goals for the initiation of and/or participation in research as well as contribution to literature or for the expansion of the body of scientific knowledge within the field of NIOM. Evaluates and disseminates research findings to support/change standards of care.
• Kaiser Permanente conducts compensation reviews of positions on a routine basis. At any time, Kaiser Permanente reserves the right to reevaluate and change job descriptions, or to change such positions from salaried to hourly pay status. Such changes are generally implemented only after notice is given to affected employees.

Secondary Functions

• Will cover IONM cases at Redwood City, Oakland, and Santa Clara Medical Centers with variable hours depending on surgery.