Neurochirurgie d'urgence

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When not to operate ...

Dr. Singel recalls:

... as a teenager I suffered spinal injury and paralysis during a crew training accident, struck at full force by the oar of a competing boat. A few months later, we won Gold at the National Rowing Championships at the Munich Olympic Regatta Course.

Looking back, I barely remember the finals. I do remember the accident, the pain, unable to move or feel my legs, and my crewmates and coach supporting me on the way to recovery.

I also remember the orthopedic spine surgeon in charge of my case. He decided not to operate on me, and I decided to become a surgeon like him. A year later I applied for medical school and shadowed in his department.

He did not remember me as a patient. I reminded him and asked why he did not operate on my spine. He said:

Dr Singel removing breast cancer micrometastases from the brain surface