David T. Pearce, MD
Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Division of Neurocritical Care
Associate Program Director, Neurocritical Care Fellowship
Emory University School of Medicine
Residency, Neurology, 2013-2017, Emory University
Fellowship, Neurocritical Care, 2017-2019, Emory University
Q 1. Do you think fellowship training in neuroanesthesia improves patient care?
Yes, of course. The inpatient care of neurosurgical patients is complex from beginning to end and requires the utmost skill and care from all aspects. The neurocritical care that my team provides in the ICU is directly reliant on skilled medical management in the OR while patients undergo often intricate neurovascular repair. Not only does the extra skill set of understanding cerebral hemodynamics and physiology benefit the patient directly, but the ability to communicate in “neuro” lingo before and afterwards to my team is immensely insightful.
Q 2. What do you see as the value in a neuroanesthesia fellowship?
Colossal value. Every physiologic parameter matters when it comes to an injured brain. This starts well before I meet the patient in the NeuroScience ICU. The hyperacute management and initial neurologic and cardiopulmonary stabilization usually (and inevitably) leads to the OR. With every facet being important, I value being able to talk shop and address the minutia in a meaningful way so together we can support that patient through often life improving/saving neurosurgery. Post-operatively, the same care for the details helps me predict and navigate a sometimes treacherous path with a bit more ease.
Q 3. Does fellowship training factor into your hiring decisions?
I do not directly make hiring decisions, but I believe that it absolutely should especially at tertiary care centers.
Q 4. What career benefits do you see for a resident pursuing a neuroanesthesia fellowship?
This is an area that warrants dramatic growth with a plethora of career opportunities. There are endless prospects in research, education, and multi-disciplinary missions where entire academic careers can be started and propelled.
Q 5. Would you recommend anesthesia residents consider a neuroanesthesia fellowship?
Yes, absolutely. Neuroanesthesia is a practical extension of the otherwise “normal” anesthesia provided to patients for any type of surgical procedure. The complexities of neurosurgery would just add another layer of the inevitable anesthetic manipulation of one’s neurological state.
Q 6. What would you say to a resident who is considering a neuroanesthesia fellowship, but is unsure if it’s worth it?
Please come spend some time with neurocritical care and neuroanesthesiology to see how our medical management compliments neurosurgery. Helping someone critically ill navigate their peri-operative experience is enormously humbling and equally rewarding.
Q 7. Any other thoughts you would like to share?
Neuroscience is evolving at an unfettered pace, and there is no better time to jump in. Come join us!