In Practice: Reflections from NPs and PAs

March 29th, 2017

Deep Brain Stimulation Targeting in Neurosurgery, Part II of III

Bianca Belcher, MPH, PA-C

This is Part II of a three-part series on deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting designed for providers who lack an intimate level of knowledge and/or experience with this subject matter. In Part I, the ventralis intermedius (VIM) target as well as an overview of DBS, equipment, and programming were discussed. Globus Pallidus Internus (GPi) Where […]

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February 24th, 2017

Deep Brain Stimulation Targeting in Neurosurgery, Part I of III

Bianca Belcher, MPH, PA-C

This three-part series is for providers who lack an intimate level of knowledge and/or experience with deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting. My goal is to provide a baseline understanding of each target, its indications, contraindications, and adverse side effects that may be observed from imperfect electrode placement and/or imperfect programming. Specifically, I will discuss the […]

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December 8th, 2016

Intracranial Aneurysms for the Non-Neurosurgical Provider: Primer Series, Part 3

Bianca Belcher, MPH, PA-C

In part 3 of this primer series, I will discuss a basic overview of monitoring patients who are not undergoing treatment for intracranial aneurysm as well as potential treatment options for those who are. (See part 1 for a summary of natural history studies and part 2 for information on patient risk factors.) Many times […]

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February 24th, 2016

My Profession Made Me a Better Person

Bianca Belcher, MPH, PA-C

I love practicing medicine. As a student, I devoured chapter after chapter of medical books. I listened to didactic lectures on repeat all the while envisioning myself bettering sick patients’ lives with treatments and curative procedures. The idea of this brought me a great sense of joy and excitement. In hindsight, I had been imagining […]

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