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Speakers 2021 ESMED Assembly

Featured Keynote Speakers

Caitlin Hoffman

Pediatric Epilepsy Surgeon, Cornell

Dr. Hoffman is a board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in pediatric neurosurgery as well as in adult and pediatric epilepsy surgery. She has completed fellowship training in pediatric neurosurgery with a focus on surgical epilepsy, and has performed extensive research on the molecular mechanisms of progression of brain tumors, specifically medulloblastoma. Her clinical research includes venous anomalies in craniosynostosis, early surgical treatment for Rasmussen’s encephalitis, minimally invasive methods of treating hydrocephalus and intracranial cysts, and the characteristics and safety of invasive monitoring for pediatric neurovascular disorders such as AVM. 

Robert Nussbaum

Dr. Nussbaum is a board-certified internist and medical geneticist who holds a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Harvard College and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School in the Harvard-MIT joint program in Health Sciences and Technology.

David Sliney

Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health

Safely Applying Germicidal Ultraviolet Radiation for Airborne Disinfection

David H. Sliney holds a Ph.D. in biophysics and medical physics from the Institute of Ophthalmology of the University College (London, UK), an M.S. in physics and radiological health from Emory University (Atlanta, GA, USA) and a B.S. in physics in from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Blacksburg, VA, USA).  He worked for the US Army Medical Department for 42 years, serving as Program Manager, Laser/Optical Radiation Program

Deborah Zelinsky

Mind-Eye Institute

The Overlooked Importance of Retinal Neuromodulation in Patients with Seizure Activity
Deborah Zelinsky, O.D. is an optometrist noted for her work in neuro-optometric rehabilitation. She is the founder of The Mind-Eye Institute, based in Northbrook, IL. Her key innovation uses the fact that the retina is composed of brain tissue and is part of the central nervous system, along with the spinal cord.
 

Mike Ludwig

University of Edinburgh, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences

Exploring novel neuronal pathways from the retina to the SCN using transgenic rat models and viral transfection systems

Our work aims to build a strong understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of neuropeptide release and the underlying effects of peptides on neuronal networks and behaviours using in vivo and in vitro approaches.

John Ovretveit

Karolinska Institute, Stockholm

Rapid research to improve responses to infectious disease outbreaks by primary and community healthcare – lessons from Covid 19 stockholm healthcare response

My work is based on the belief that organisation and management can bring out the best and worst in people, and that the right organisation design is critical for effective healthcare. A theme underlying my work is how practical research can contribute both to better care for patients and to “healthy work organization”.

Lisa Russell

Newcastle University

Genomic translocations, super-enhancer hijacking and oncogene activation: from characterisation to therapeutic targeting
The characterisation of genomic abnormalities that drive the development of haematological malignancies has progressed significantly over the past 40 years. One major advance has been the link between genetic abnormalities and outcome. My research has provided two such examples highlighting that rearrangements involving the immunoglobulin loci (Ig) and the cytokine receptor CRLF2 are associated with a poor outcome. These findings have led to treatment changes within the United States and are currently being used to inform the next paediatric and adult ALL treatment trials within the UK.

Michelle Morais

McMaster University

Building Stronger Team and Enhancing Patient Safety in Obstetrics Through In Situ Simulation

Dr. Morais is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist at McMaster University Medical Centre where her clinical activities include Maternal-Fetal Medicine clinics, Labour and Delivery, Prenatal Diagnosis, and Obstetric Ultrasound.  Dr. Morais is the current Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program Director and she is an active participant in undergraduate and postgraduate education.