MDNews - Central New York

+++++++++++ + + +++++++++++ Q&A +++ +++ Neurosurgery Q&A interest? F Q Q Dr. Canute: Well, we do a bit of everything; I concentrate primarily on the brain but also do a fair amount of spine work as well. When I was with University Hospital, I was in charge of neurosurgical oncology, an area in which I continue to practice. This fi eld includes surgical resection of tumors, as well as use of the CyberKnife available at Hematology Oncology Associates. I am generally recognized as the "brain guy," but I have been doing much more complex spinal work with Dr. Moquin. Dr. Moquin, what are your areas of specialty? Dr. Moquin: My primary areas are spinal deformity and reconstruction. I was one of the fi rst neurosurgeons to do that. I am leaving soon on a trip to China to give a lecture on the topic. I also belong to the very prestigious Scoliosis Research Society, one of the most rigorous groups to become affi liated with. I was one of the fi rst seven neurosurgeons to be invited, and was the fi rst of four to be elected into this group. I say this because a lot of people do not equate scoliosis surgery and neurosurgery, but I am in the vanguard of those neurosurgeons changing that dynamic. Most schools do not offer this; they do not have the people to do it, but that is changing. We are creating more doctors, like me, who have this ability for combined orthopedic and neurosurgical spinal surgical care. A large percentage of our practice comes 12 | Central New York MD NEWS MDNEWS.COM OR THIS INTERVIEW, we sat down with Gregory Canute, M.D., and Ross Moquin, M.D. both neuro- surgeons at Crouse Hospital. Dr. Canute is a graduate of Kalamazoo College and University of Michigan Medical School. He took his internship and residency at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. Dr. Moquin is a graduate of St. Louis University and Georgetown University Medical School and Residency. Dr. Moquin also completed a combined Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Fellowship in Complex Spinal at Washington University in Seattle. Dr. Canute, within your practice, what are your primary areas of from referrals from other spine surgeons. We handle the toughest cases, as well as the more routine. medical schools? Q that you and your practice can provide patients? Q Dr. Moquin: I spent 25 years in the military. I was deployed throughout the world and at sea. I was signifi cantly involved in treating the combat injured service members while stationed overseas and in the USA. I also held academic positions in the military as Chief of Spinal Neurosurgery at Walter Reed and also Chief of Spinal Deformity Neurosurgery at Georgetown University. While on active duty, I had assignments that involved the White House, Congress and our nation's highest court. This is the experience and skill set that I bring to our practice. Dr. Canute: Not really. From a surgical point of view, I enjoy dealing with tumors of the brain. Unfortunately, the majority of cases that I deal with have a poor long- term prognosis. These are some of the worst types of tumors known to medicine. Because of this, the area may not appeal to everyone. Brain tumor research in general, is like an orphan disease. The numbers of patients, nationally, is relatively low; therefore fi nding funding can be tricky. Are there areas of your background that impact the scope of services Is the surgical treatment of brain tumors a popular line of study in Hospital? Q are your observations on the environment of care there? Q Dr. Moquin: I have been affi liated with Crouse Hospital since 2007. Crouse provides a wonderful collaborative envi- ronment. The Intensive Care Unit is the best in the city. The culture at Crouse is collaborative and incredible — everyone works together to do what is best for the patient. The operating rooms are fully outfi tted for what I have to do, the desire for consultation is always answered and the elements are right for positive patient outcomes. It is a refreshing wonderful atmosphere that starts with the leadership of the hospital. I have great confi dence in our administration in approach and leadership. Crouse is very open to bringing the best technology and best practices to bear on the patient equation. n Dr. Canute: Crouse Hospital is known for having a very quick and responsive medi- cal staff. The nice thing, from a consulting standpoint, is that doctors here are very willing to get involved and do so in a timely fashion. The hospital is very supportive and doctors benefi t from a very strong physician assistant program. How long have you been affi liated with Crouse Hospital, and what What is it that you like most about working with the staff at Crouse

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