Clinical Neurophysiologist DBS

Position Summary: Responsible for operating electrophysiological equipment used in functional mapping for deep brain stimulator implants. Operates electrode recording and stimulation equipment, and microdrive controllers, generates invoices and administrative reports, ensures electrophysiological and microdrive systems are operating properly. Instructs OR staff in assembly of stereotactic and drive systems. Interprets results of microelectrode recordings and stimulation mapping for surgeon, provides guidance for the appropriate placement of permanent DBS lead. Orders supplies and equipment. Provides coverage for DBS cases at home and outside institutions as necessary.

Nature and Scope: This person is technically proficient in use of electrophysiological equipment in general, has specific experience with DBS mapping hardware, and is able to troubleshoot problems with hardware and software during case. This person is able to effectively communicate brain mapping information to surgeon in real time, and is expected to provide interpretation of neurophysiological results. Individual is responsible for following SpecialtyCare and hospital policies for OR credentialing, equipment maintenance, invoicing Person is expected to participate in and make significant contribution to research or administrative service.

Essential Duties:

1. Patient Setup

• Explain mapping procedure so it is understood by the patient, including purpose of microelectrode recording and/or stimulation
• Perform motor exam of the patient to establish baseline prior to anesthesia, and stimulation testing

2. MER & Stimulation equipment

• Operate and adjust equipment, optimizing recording and stimulation parameters to acquire salient mapping data.
• Implement appropriate troubleshooting methods to assure accurate maps.
• Keep equipment clean and in proper working order, reporting malfunctions to supervisor and/or manufacturer.

3. Brain mapping/Monitoring & Interpretation

• Interact with surgical team and surgeons during procedure to provide data necessary for accurate placement of permanent DBS electrode.
• Identify and eliminate physiological and non-physiological artifacts.
• Understand the medical and pharmacological/anesthetic conditions that influence the process of MER and stimulation mapping
• Recognize electrophysiological signature and stimulation induced side effects of DBS target structures, and of surrounding anatomy.
• Recognize modality and somatotopic organization of DBS targets, and be able to advise surgical team on proper method for somatotopic mapping.
• Understand the effects of stimulation on symptoms of different diseases treated with DBS, and results of changing stimulus parameters

4. Documentation

• Provide summary sheets of DBS mapping procedure, including borders of target structure, location and depth of permanent lead placement, and when relevant, somatotopic organization, stimulation induced efficacy and side effects.
• Accurately prepare in a timely manner, all invoices and work/technical sheet.

5. Additional Duties

• Assist in training DBS technologists
• Design and Collect data for ongoing research projects
• Attend scientific courses and seminars for continuing education, if workload allows.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director
• Orders supplies and equipment.
• Provides coverage for at outside institutions as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:
1. A PhD in biological science, neuroscience, audiology, or similar field.

Knowledge/ Experience/ Abilities:

1. Two years experience in general electrophysiological methods.
2. Twenty cases as a DBS technologist or trainee
3. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathologic processes and aseptic techniques.
4. Knowledge of procedures followed in DBS mapping procedure including responsibilities of surgeon, neurologist, anesthetist, first assist, scrub tech, and circulator
5. Detailed knowledge of electrophysiological equipment used in performing DBS mapping.
6. Ability to interpret microelectrode signals, and interpret results of somatotopic, efficacy and side effect mapping and synthesize mapping results into coherent clinical picture for surgeon with special reference to anatomy
7. Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to interact with medical staff, patients, visitors, and other hospital employees.
8. Ability to effectively communicate technical content to surgeons and attending neurophysiologists in a logical, concise, understandable fashion.
9. Ability to work with other researchers, equipment representatives, physicians, educators, and trainers.
10. Ability to develop and conduct research, analyze data, etc.
11. Ability to stand, turn and stoop among several types of equipment in an operating room suite.
12. Ability to set up equipment with precision and speed in preparation for mapping procedure.
13. Ability to sit for extended periods of time, while concentrating on monitoring computer screen images during a surgical procedure.

Working Conditions:

1. Possible exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials with little likelihood of harm if established health precautions are followed.
2. The use of protective clothing such as surgical clothing, gloves, glasses and masks.
3. Work requires lifting supplies up to forty (40) pounds, pushing, or carrying bulky pieces of equipment.
4. Occasional to frequent travel for short or long distances by motor vehicle and/or air transportation to healthcare facilities located in both urban and rural areas.
5. Variable work schedules that may change from week to week, depending on case load, surgeons' availability, creating situations that may require minimal notice to be available for a case.
6. May require carrying a pager or use of a cell phone for "on-call" during non- scheduled work time to cover emergency cases.

Physical Demands:

1. May required sitting for standing for long periods of time.
2. May require stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and bending at periodic times during a procedure.
3. Requires the use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs, talk and hear; taste and smell.
4. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

Disclaimers:

The working conditions and physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified. Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change. This position description does not represent a contract of employment. Employment is on an "at will" basis.

SpecialtyCare is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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