The mission:brain Podcast The official podcast of the mission:brain Foundation

In this episode of the mission:brain Podcast, host Luca interviews brilliant neurosurgeon, Dr. João Paulo Almeida. Working from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Almeida shares his journey from Brazil through Canada to the United States, the cultural differences he experienced, and the mentors who shaped his career. A pioneer in neuro-oncology and skull-base surgeries, he emphasizes the importance of the basics in neurosurgery, the increasingly collaborative nature of the field, and outlines how the Mayo Clinic's Skull-base Lab helps train future surgeons. He also touches on the future of neurosurgery – augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and patient-specific 3D printing.

Join our host, Luca, broadcasting live from the Mayo Clinic in Florida, as he sits down with Dr Juan Pablo Navarro Garcia de Llano, Regional Director of Latin-American mission:brain chapters and neurosurgery research fellow in Dr. Quinones’ Department.



As one of the chapter program’s pioneers, JP navigates us through its roots and unforeseen meteoric expansion, which now sees the Foundation spread throughout 80 countries across 4 continents, much like a global network of neurons.



JP and Luca recount the emergence of unlikely friendships, and the execution of international projects once deemed unattainable, such as the mission:brain Harvard Hackathon, the Suturing Mission, championed by the Humanitas chapter in Italy, and upcoming entirely student-led mission trips, demonstrating the feasibility of impactful initiatives even within the constraints of limited budgets.



Their conversation explores the implications of empowering medical students, positioning them as integral components within the healthcare ecosystem. JP candidly shares his journey from being a medical student in Guadalajara to his current position, underlining the challenges, sacrifices, and tenacious passion that characterize the path of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) towards realizing their dream of becoming a neurosurgeon in the US.



Through an exploration of the mission:brain Foundation's work and its determination to improve neurosurgical care and education worldwide, this episode serves as a testament to the limitless power of international cooperation and the surprising outcomes it yields.

A must-listen for anyone captivated by the intersection of global health, charity work and transformative innovation.



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Dive into the mind of renowned vascular neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Lawton, as he shares his invaluable insights on the ever-evolving world of neurosurgery, the role of AI, and the crucial importance of preserving traditional surgical techniques. In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Lawton offers a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and medicine, as well as the artistry behind the scalpel. Don't miss this chance to get up close and personal with a true pioneer in the field!



Dr Michael T. Lawton is president and CEO of the Barrow Neurological Institute and chairman of its neurosurgery department, as well as co-founder with Dr. Quinones of the Mission Brain Foundation. His neurosurgical expertise is mainly centered on cerebrovascular disorders and skull-based tumors.



He agreed to participate in another podcast in the coming weeks to further discuss Mission Brain and his personal experiences in the field. Stay tuned for part 2!



CHECK OUT DR LAWTON'S SEVEN SERIES: ⁠https://barrowneuro.brightcovegallery.com/seven-series



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Taking place on March 24-26 2023, the mission:brain Hackathon is a virtual multidisciplinary and multinational 3-day event to tackle a real-world challenge in global neurosurgery. Participants will join a virtual team and construct a real-world solution to one of two neurosurgical cases based on patient experiences receiving care in low and middle-income countries. These solutions can address policy, surgical techniques, funding, supply chain, database, medical devices, etc.

Join us as we sit down with Celia Daniel, the driving force behind the #welove Benefit charity Gala, taking place this Thursday in Miami! In this exclusive interview, Celia gives us an inside look at the incredible event taking place at the Rubell Museum, as well as her vision and goals for the event. Hear about the inspiring missions behind the gala and how you can support the cause and make a difference in the lives of those in need. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to be part of something truly special. Watch now and mark your calendars for Thursday, February 16th at 7:30 pm at the Rubell Museum for the #welove Benefit charity Gala!

In this episode, Luca sits down with Adrian Safa to discuss his role in founding mission:brain Humanitas and its expansion into Europe. Adrian shares insights from his medical career and offers advice for aspiring medical students who want to make a difference and achieve their goals.  

Adrian is the founder of the first European mission:brain chapter at Humanitas, and was recently appointed Regional Director of M:B Europe. 

Donate to the Foundation --- www.missionbrain.org/donate-podcast