Research & Education

The research programme involves both clinical and basic research. The established research environment enables neurosurgical trainees to do a two year elective research programme and obtain a higher degree in research (MS / MD or PhD).

Clinical Research

Australian Cooperative Research on Subarachnoid Study (ACROSS)

C/Assoc. Prof. Neville Knuckey

Familial Study in Aneurysms

C/Assoc. Prof. Neville Knuckey

Traumatic Brain Injury – Physiological Studies of the Corticomotor Pathway

Dr. Michelle Byrnes

Head Injury – Studies of Motor Pathway

Dr. Michelle Byrnes

Head Injury – Dexanabinol C/Assoc.

Prof. Neville Knuckey

Brain Tumours – Radiosurgery & Metastasis C/Assoc.

Prof. Neville Knuckey

Basic Research

The primary basic research is located at the Australian Neuromuscular Research Institute. The principle objectives of the research programme include:

Cerebrovascular Disease Research Group

The cerebrovascular disease research group's main objective is to increase our understanding of the mechanisms involved in neuronal death (brain damage) following stroke/cerebral ischaemia, in order to develop treatments to reduce damage.

Contact:

Dr. Bruno Meloni
Research Officer

ANRI
Level 4 “A” Block
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
Verdun Street,
Nedlands WA 6009

Phone: 61 8 9346 3535

Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumours (PNET) Research

Research into the role of tumour suppressor genes in primitive neuroectodermal tumours at the Child Health Research Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital.

Contact

Dr. David Holthouse
Neurosurgical Registrar

Neurosurgery Department
1st Floor “G” Block
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
Verdun Street,
Nedlands WA 6009

Phone: 61 8 9346 2865

Education

The objective of the Neurosurgical Education Programme is to provide an environment for ongoing education and postgraduate education for neurosurgical consultants and training residents. The program is accredited with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

The Neurosurgical Training Programme involves all junior house staff. The programme has been involved in training neurosurgeons from Western Australia, other states within Australia and also the training of neurosurgeons from South East Asia, such as Singapore and Malaysia.

One of the major advantages of advanced training in neurosurgery with this programme is the concentration of clinical cases and operative experience at this hospital. This in combination with the clinical experience in paediatrics at Princess Margaret Hospital has created a unique training environment for neurosurgeons.

For inquiries about the Neurosurgical Training Programme, either contact our department or email .

Ongoing Activities

Neurosurgical Grand Round

Neurosurgical staff are required to attend the weekly Grand Round. Residents and Consultant staff take turns to present lectures relevant to important neurosurgical topics. Guest speakers are also invited to present on a regular basis. The Grand Round program also includes a bi-monthly audit of surgical morbidity and mortality.

Neuroradiology Meeting

The Neuroradiology meeting is held every Tuesday at Royal Perth Hospital.

Clinical Teaching Round

A clinical teaching round led by a member of the Consultant staff is held on a weekly basis. Typically, a neurosurgical resident is asked to obtain a history and examine a selected patient. The senior residents may further be asked to interpret radiological images and comment on management issues. This teaching session is aimed at preparing the residents for sitting the FRACS Part II exams at the end of their training period.

Neuroradiology/Neurosurgery/Neuropathology Meeting

This important meeting allows the review of all vascular and tumour cases managed during the week. Each patient’s clinical presentation and radiology is presented. The clinical management is discussed and relevant pathology reviewed. This meeting is also attended by staff from the Radiation Oncology department. The meeting is particularly educational for neurosurgical residents.

Neurosurgical Tutorial Program

This provides a comprehensive teaching program for residents-in-training. It is held each Saturday. Residents take turns to present and discuss important neurosurgical topics. The selected topics are either of a basic neuroscience or clinical nature, aimed at junior and senior trainees respectively.

Neurosurgery Handbook

The Neurosurgery Handbook provides new staff with general information regarding the department and their duties within neurosurgery. The Handbook comes in two versions, and can be obtained from the Secretary at the Neurosurgery Department.

Neurosurgery Handbook – For Residents

This version is to assist junior house staff with their duties during their term in Neurosurgery. This Handbook can also be very informative to visiting doctors.

Neurosurgery Handbook – For Medical Students

This version is less detailed than the above version and is aimed to assist 5th year medical students with their duties in neurosurgery.