The Collaborative Blueprint for Creating Successful Neurosurgical Advanced Practice Providers

Neurosurgery Fundamentals for Advanced Practice Providers, edited by Abigail G. Crum and Nitin Agarwal, is a landmark contribution that eloquently demonstrates that excellence in neurosurgical care is achieved through collaboration. At the heart of this collaborative model are advanced practice providers (APPs)—clinicians whose clinical judgment, procedural expertise, and commitment to patient care make them indispensable across all domains of the specialty. With contributions from esteemed neurosurgical providers, this book provides a strategic, practical, and a complete guide for building high-performing neurosurgical teams.

The text is written through the lens of actively practicing APPs in conjunction with neurosurgeons, thereby providing a blended, comprehensive, and holistic perspective. The book starts with an introduction to neurological surgery and a roadmap to a career as an APP. Concise overview of neuroanatomy, cerebrovascular disorders, spinal conditions, neurotrauma, tumors, functional neurosurgery, peripheral nerve disorders, pediatric neurosurgery, and radiosurgery are included. The book culminates with practical insights, including a discussion of mentorship and team dynamics.

Key Highlights
• Provides an insightful roadmap for a successful career as a neurosurgical APP
• Emphasizes the importance of collaboration, leadership, and adaptability in navigating the ever-evolving neurosurgical patient management landscape
• Covers the components of the neurological examination, providing exact guidelines on how to evaluate patients effectively and make informed clinical decisions based on findings
• Top Hits offers an essential resource to test knowledge gleaned from the book, with questions and answers covering key points

Succinct yet highly insightful, this unique textbook presents detailed, high-value, and actionable information that can be quickly accessed by novice and experienced providers. It delivers an in-depth understanding of the multifaceted role APPs play in a neurosurgical team and the pathways to entering the field.

Abigail G. Crum, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, is a Physician Assistant, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

Nitin Agarwal, MD, is Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery and Bioengineering; Director, Minimally Invasive Spine and Robotics Surgery; Associate Program Director, Neurological Surgery
Residency; and Co-Director, Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Deformity Fellowship, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, USA.