Neurocritical Care Society Podcast

CURRENTS: Neurocritical Care Disorders of Consciousness: Do We Have the Education We Need to Provide Care? 22.07.2026 37min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Shraddha Mainali, Sahar Zafar and Brooke Murtaugh about their Currents article, "Neurocritical Care Disorders of Consciousness: Do We Have the Education We Need to Provide Care?" The guests discuss the clinical spectrum of disorders of consciousness and the importance of accurately assessing patients using standardized bedside examinations, neuroimaging and other multimodal tools. They also examine the role of neuroprognostication in guiding conversations with families and ensuring that patients are given appropriate opportunities for recovery. The conversation explores findings from a pilot survey on educational needs related to disorders of consciousness. The panel discusses barriers to care and education, including limited access to centralized resources, time constraints and knowledge gaps in assessment, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. They also highlight the Curing Coma® Campaign's efforts to expand access to evidence-based education through webinars, online resources, World Coma Day and interdisciplinary global collaboration. To read the full article, visit NCS Currents. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

HOT TOPICS: Surgical Interventions for Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus 15.07.2026 38min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Rich Choi, DO, is joined by Eric Rosenthal, MD, to discuss the article "Surgical Intervention for Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus," a systematic review published in Neurocritical Care. Their conversation explores why super-refractory status epilepticus can become increasingly difficult to control, the limited evidence guiding treatment after standard medical therapies have failed and how surgical approaches may fit into care for selected patients. They also discuss the review's findings across 114 reported cases, including high rates of status epilepticus termination after surgical intervention, the distinction between terminating status and achieving long-term freedom from disabling seizures and the potential role of earlier multidisciplinary collaboration with epilepsy and neurosurgery teams. Dr. Rosenthal also emphasizes the importance of matching the intervention to the patient's underlying etiology, seizure localization and goals of care. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

HOT TOPICS: Neuroprognostication in Acute Ischemic Stroke 08.07.2026 41min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Rich Choi, MD, is joined by Alejandro Rabinstein, MD, Shraddha Mainali, MD, and Krishna Rajajee, MD, to discuss the article "Guidelines for Neuroprognostication in Critically Ill Adults With Acute Ischemic Stroke," published in Neurocritical Care. Their conversation explores the development of the guideline, including the need for a more structured, evidence-based approach to prognostication in critically ill patients with acute ischemic stroke. The guests discuss why early prognostication is especially high-stakes, how uncertainty and the risk of self-fulfilling prophecy shaped the recommendations and why no single clinical variable or prediction model is reliable enough to guide individual decisions about poor outcomes. They also review the role of early neurological improvement as a moderately reliable predictor of good outcomes, the limitations of existing prediction models in the era of reperfusion therapy, and the importance of multimodal assessment, ongoing family conversations, long-term outcome counseling and shared decision-making rooted in each patient's values. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

PERSPECTIVES: Moving Evidence Into Practice With Molly McNett 01.07.2026 45min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, host Nicholas Morris, MD, and co-host Tom Lawson, PhD, ACNP-BC, FNCS, speak with Molly McNett, PhD, RN, CNRN, FNCS, FAAN, about her career in neurocritical care and the role of implementation science in translating research evidence into routine clinical practice. Dr. McNett reflects on her early experiences as an ICU nurse, the disconnect she observed between published evidence and bedside care and how those experiences shaped her work in research, guideline development and implementation science. The conversation explores the distinction between implementation science and quality improvement, common barriers to practice change and the importance of identifying local facilitators, workflows and organizational needs. Dr. McNett discusses examples such as automated pupillometry and fall-prevention practices, highlighting how implementation strategies and hybrid research designs can help healthcare teams adopt and sustain evidence-based care. The discussion also examines interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship and opportunities for nurses and advanced practice providers interested in research. Dr. McNett shares practical advice for clinicians seeking to address evidence-to-practice gaps, including finding mentors, participating in research teams and developing a deeper understanding of individual and organizational behavior change. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

CURRENTS: Story of Hope — Vanessa Abraham's Journey of Recovery 24.06.2026 29min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Vanessa Abraham, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jared Rosen, MD, about Vanessa's Story of Hope and the lasting connection they formed during her neurocritical care journey. Vanessa shares how a sudden illness progressed from flu-like symptoms to respiratory failure and paralysis, ultimately requiring mechanical ventilation, an prolonged ICU stay and inpatient rehabilitation. She discusses the uncertainty surrounding her eventual diagnosis of a rare pharyngeal-cervical-brachial variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome, as well as the fear of being unable to communicate, care for her daughter or return to the life she knew before her illness. The conversation also explores the profound impact of compassionate, patient-centered care. Vanessa reflects on how Dr. Rosen, then a medical student completing an ICU rotation, became a reassuring presence for both her and her husband. Together, they discuss the importance of recognizing intubated patients as active participants in their care, providing accessible communication tools and taking time to listen. They also emphasize how small acts of empathy and human connection can reduce anxiety and potentially lessen the long-term effects of post-intensive care syndrome. To read Vanessa's full Story of Hope, visit NCS Currents. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

MASTERCLASS: Managing Respiratory Infections in the ICU 17.06.2026 33min

In this episode of the Neurocritical Care Society Podcast Masterclass series, hosts Stephan Mayer, MD, FCCM, FNCS, and Jon Rosenberg, MD, are joined by Richard Wunderink, MD, professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and pulmonary critical care intensivist, to discuss the diagnosis and management of respiratory infections in the ICU. Dr. Wunderink highlights why ventilator-associated pneumonia and suspected respiratory infections are common challenges across critical care settings, particularly among patients with acute neurologic injury, aspiration risk and prolonged mechanical ventilation. The discussion focuses on practical, bedside approaches to pneumonia management, including the limitations of tracheal aspirates and the risks of antibiotic overuse. The group also examines the role of bronchoalveolar lavage and the value of adjunctive diagnostic tools such as quantitative cultures, cell counts, Gram stains, amylase testing and molecular panels. They further explore how rapid diagnostics can help clinicians make more targeted antibiotic decisions, support earlier de-escalation when appropriate and prompt consideration of non-pulmonary causes of fever or clinical instability when pneumonia is unlikely. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

MASTERCLASS: What CREST-2 Means for Carotid Disease Management 10.06.2026 26min

In this episode of the Neurocritical Care Society Podcast Masterclass series, hosts Stephan Mayer, MD, FCCM, FNCS, and Jon Rosenberg, MD, are joined by Seemant Chaturvedi, MD, professor of neurology and director of the Stroke Division at the University of Maryland, for an in-depth discussion on carotid disease, stroke prevention and the role of revascularization in clinical practice. The episode explores the historical impact of NASCET, key findings from the CREST-2 trial and the role of intensive medical management for patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Dr. Chaturvedi also shares practical guidance for neurointensivists caring for patients with symptomatic carotid disease, including intervention timing, risk stratification and emerging diagnostic tools such as MRI plaque imaging and TCD microemboli monitoring. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

PERSPECTIVES: Neurocritical Care Fellowship Training Today 27.05.2026 51min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, host Nicholas Morris, MD, leads a roundtable discussion with neurocritical care fellowship directors Jenna Ford, MD; Rishi Malhotra, MD; Fiona Lynch, MD; and Matt Bevers, MD, on the current state of neurocritical care fellowship training. The panel discusses what distinguishes their programs, how fellowship leadership roles evolve and the ways Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accreditation has shaped training programs. The conversation also examines key challenges in fellowship education, including recruitment, changing learner expectations, wellness, faculty development and collaboration with neurosurgery, APPs and other critical care teams. The group also shares practical advice for fellowship applicants, including what programs look for in strong candidates and the questions applicants should ask when evaluating potential programs. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

CURRENTS: The Business of Neurocritical Care: Understanding Physician Benefits 20.05.2026 19min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Ryan Hakimi, DO, MS, a neurointensivist at Prisma Health and member of the Neurocritical Care Society Board of Directors, about his Currents article, "The Business of Neurocritical Care: Understanding Physician Benefits." Dr. Hakimi explores the often-overlooked financial side of physician compensation, focusing on how retirement benefits can meaningfully shape the overall value of an employment offer. He explains the differences between 401(a), 403(b), 401(k), and 457(b) plans, including employer contributions, tax advantages, vesting periods and expense ratios. He also discusses why a lower base salary may sometimes be offset by a stronger overall benefits package. The conversation highlights why physicians should request and review benefits information during contract negotiations rather than focusing only on salary, title and work expectations. This episode offers practical guidance for physicians seeking to better understand the long-term financial impact of their benefits package and make more informed career decisions. To read the full article that inspired this conversation, visit "The Business of Neurocritical Care: Understanding Physician Benefits" on NCS Currents. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

CURRENTS: Honoring Through Action: The HEARD Center Story 13.05.2026 22min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Tommy Thomas, MD, PhD, and Aimee Aysenne, MD, MPH, co-directors of the Henderson Equity and Research on Disparities (HEARD) Center, about the center's origins and its mission to advance equity in neurocritical care. Drs. Thomas and Aysenne reflect on the legacy of Galen Henderson, MD, whose mentorship, leadership and commitment to systems-level change inspired the establishment of the HEARD Center. They discuss how disparities in neurocritical care are shaped by factors such as access, geography, education, socioeconomic conditions, as well as the broader systems that influence whether patients receive high-level care. The conversation also highlights the center's three core pillars: mentorship, research and community outreach, including efforts to support early-career professionals, fund solutions-focused disparities research and partner with communities to identify needs from the ground up. The episode concludes with practical insights on how clinicians can begin addressing disparities in their daily practice, from listening more closely to patients' lived experiences to recognizing gaps in who reaches the ICU and strengthening partnerships with community and rural providers to improve access to neurocritical care. To read the full article that inspired this conversation, visit "Honoring Through Action: The HEARD Center Story" on NCS Currents. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

HOT TOPICS: Minimally Invasive Surgery Versus Medical Management for Intracerebral Hemorrhage: The MIND Clinical Trial 06.05.2026 24min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Eric Lawson, MD, is joined by Adam Arthur, MD, neurosurgeon at the University of Tennessee and Semmes Murphey Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, to discuss the article "Minimally Invasive Surgery Versus Medical Management Alone for Intracerebral Hemorrhage: The MIND Clinical Trial," published in JAMA Neurology. Their conversation explores the MIND trial's evaluation of minimally invasive hematoma evacuation compared with best medical management for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. Dr. Arthur reviews the trial's design, primary outcomes and early termination, and explains how findings from the ENRICH trial influenced enrollment and feasibility considerations. He also explores key considerations such as the importance of hematoma location, evacuation thresholds and timing, while reflecting on what the trial's negative primary outcome may still reveal about the future of surgical intervention and more individualized approaches for ICH patients. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

HOT TOPICS: Infratentorial Pressure Monitoring in Cerebellar Stroke — Feasibility and Prognostic Utility 29.04.2026 22min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Richard Choi, DO, FNCS, is joined by Katharina Busl, MD, MS, to discuss the article "Infratentorial Pressure Monitoring in Cerebellar Stroke: Feasibility and Prognostic Utility," recently published in Neurocritical Care. Their conversation examines why pressure in the posterior fossa may differ from supratentorial measurements in patients with cerebellar stroke and why that distinction may matter clinically. They discuss the physiologic basis for compartmentalized intracranial pressure, the challenges of posterior fossa management and the potential implications for monitoring and treatment. Dr. Busl reviews the study's design and key findings, including evidence of a significant pressure gradient between infratentorial and supratentorial compartments and an early signal that higher infratentorial pressures may be associated with worse outcomes. She also discusses important limitations, including the study's small sample size, single-center nature and unanswered questions about surgical variables such as decompression size. The discussion further considers how this proof-of-concept work could inform future studies on monitoring, prognostication and treatment selection in cerebellar stroke. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

HOT TOPICS: The Neuro-ARC Study on Levetiracetam Dosing 22.04.2026 19min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Richard Choi, DO, FNCS, is joined by Melissa Dang, PharmD, BCCCP, neurocritical care pharmacist at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, to discuss the article "Levetiracetam Dosing Optimization in Neurocritical Care Population: Neuro-ARC Study", recently published in Neurocritical Care. Their conversation explores how augmented renal clearance may reduce levetiracetam exposure in neurocritical care patients and the implications for seizure management in clinical practice. Dr. Dang breaks down the study's pharmacokinetic modeling, highlights key dosing findings and reviews the patient factors most strongly associated with increased drug clearance. She also discusses the study's limitations and emphasizes the need for caution when applying its findings across broader clinical settings. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

MASTERCLASS: How to Run a Clinical Trial 15.04.2026 26min

In this episode of the Neurocritical Care Society Podcast Masterclass series, hosts Stephan Mayer, MD, FCCM, FNCS, and Jon Rosenberg, MD, are joined by Hooman Kamel, MD, MS, professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medicine, to discuss how clinical trials take shape in practice. Dr. Kamel reflects on his path into research, the importance of strong mentorship and what it takes to grow from early-stage projects to large multicenter trials. Their conversation explores practical aspects of trial design in neurocritical care, including building robust data sets, leveraging EMR-based tools, designing pragmatic studies and fostering collaboration across institutions. They also discuss the Arcadia trial and the broader mindset required to stay engaged in research, even when results do not go as expected. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

HOT TOPICS: Prophylactic Antiseizure Medication in Lobar Intracerebral Hemorrhage 08.04.2026 19min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Richard Choi, DO, FNCS, is joined by Wendy Ziai, MD, professor of neurology and critical care medicine at Johns Hopkins University, to discuss the article "Prophylactic Anti-Seizure Medication in Patients with Lobar Intracerebral Hemorrhage", recently published in Neurocritical Care. Their conversation explores the ongoing debate surrounding prophylactic antiseizure medication use in patients with lobar intracerebral hemorrhage. They review current guideline recommendations, highlight limitations in the existing evidence and consider the challenge of balancing seizure prevention with the risk of adverse effects. Dr. Ziai reviews key findings from prior trials as well as the featured study, which demonstrated lower rates of early seizures among patients who received prophylaxis. She also addresses questions related to patient selection, nonconvulsive status epilepticus and long-term cognitive outcomes. The discussion further considers the role of continuous EEG monitoring in the first 48 hours and how future study designs may help clarify which patients, if any, are most likely to benefit. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

PERSPECTIVES: Introducing the APP Voice With Tom Lawson 01.04.2026 18min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, Nicholas Morris, MD, welcomes Tom Lawson, PhD, ACNP-BC, FNCS, lead advanced practice provider at The Ohio State University, as a recurring co-host who will bring APP perspectives to future NCS podcast discussions. Lawson reflects on his path into neurocritical care and explains how the specialty's unique blend of neurologic focus and broad ICU medicine continues to keep him engaged. He also discusses persistent gaps in APP onboarding and mentorship, highlighting why the NCS Advanced Practice Orientation Bundle is a key resource for programs integrating new APPs into neurocritical care teams. Lawson previews upcoming APP-focused education initiatives, including planned masterclasses on EEG and MRI interpretation, and shares insights on balancing the need for standardized practices with the flexibility required across different institutions.He closes with a call for deeper APP engagement within NCS, from membership to committee involvement, to further strengthen collaboration across the field. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

HOT TOPICS: Antiseizure Prophylaxis in Acute Brain Injury 26.03.2026 16min

In this episode of the Neurocritical Care Society Podcast Hot Topics series, host Richard Choi, DO, FNCS, joins Melissa Dang, PharmD, BCCCP, a neurocritical care pharmacist at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, to discuss the article Real-World Antiseizure Medication Prophylaxis and Outcomes in Hospitalized Adults with Acute Brain Injuries, recently published in Neurocritical Care. Together, they examine the real-world use of antiseizure medication prophylaxis in patients with acute brain injury, including ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke and traumatic brain injury. Dr. Dang highlights variability in current practice, key factors influencing prophylaxis decisions and the balance between seizure prevention and medication-related risks. She also reviews the study's limitations and underscores the ongoing importance of risk stratification in guiding patient care. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

PERSPECTIVES: Claude Hemphill on ICH, Prognostication and the Curing Coma Campaign 18.03.2026 48min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, Nicholas Morris, MD, speaks with Claude Hemphill, MD, MAS, FNCS, professor of neurology and neurological surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, and chief of neurology and director of neurocritical care at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Hemphill reflects on the patient encounters that shaped his career, his longstanding focus on intracerebral hemorrhage and the clinical gaps that led to development of the ICH score. He discusses how the score was intended to support communication and risk stratification rather than precise prognostication, and shares insights on early care limitations, ICU culture and the importance of aligning teams around thoughtful, aggressive care when appropriate. The conversation also explores the origins and progress of the Curing Coma® Campaign, including its role in advancing research, driving culture change and fostering collaboration across the continuum of care. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

CURRENTS: Charlie's Story of Hope 11.03.2026 24min

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Charlie Gagliardo, a physician assistant and former medical student, about his journey through autoimmune encephalitis, refractory status epilepticus and long-term recovery — and how those experiences continue to shape his clinical practice. Charlie shares the story of his sudden decline from a thriving pre-clinical medical student to weeks of uncontrollable seizures and medically induced coma. He reflects on the intensive immunotherapy and critical care course that followed, as well as the months of rehabilitation that ultimately paved the way for his return to medicine. The conversation also explores the challenges of resuming medical training after prolonged illness, his decision to transition from residency to clinical practice as a physician assistant and how living with chronic illness has shaped his approach to patient care and empathy. The episode highlights the emotional and professional resilience required to rebuild life after severe neurocritical illness, and the support systems — both clinical and personal — that make healing possible. To read the full article that inspired this conversation, visit Story of Hope: Charlie on NCS Currents. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

INSIGHTS: Intracerebral Hemorrhage [From the Archives] 06.03.2026 18min

This INSIGHTS episode revisits a core topic from Neurocritical Care ON CALL®, originally released in August 2023. Listen to the fifth episode of the NCS INSIGHTS series focused on intracerebral hemorrhage. The INSIGHTS series is hosted by Casey Albin, MD, and Salia Farrokh, PharmD, and covers topics from Neurocritical Care ON CALL®, the only up-to-date, comprehensive resource dedicated exclusively to the practice of neurocritical care. Learn more about ON CALL®. This episode is sponsored by Ceribell. Time is brain when it comes to seizures. Ceribell point-of-care EEG empowers the bedside team to detect or rule out seizure activity in minutes. To learn more, visit ceribell.com. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

Neurocritical Care Society Podcast

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