Medical student presents at international pediatric neurosurgery meeting

Garrett Dyess presents at the meeting.

Garrett Dyess, a first-year medical student at the Whiddon College of Medicine, gave an oral presentation at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) 2024 Joint Pediatric Section Annual Meeting in New York City. 

He presented findings from his research, titled “Assessment of Neuroendovascular Training at Pediatric Neurosurgery Training Centers.” In the past decade, endovascular treatments for cerebrovascular diseases in children have advanced significantly. However, training for pediatric neurointerventionalists varies widely across institutions, and there is a limited number of specialists with a pediatric focus. 

“This project aimed to evaluate the neuroendovascular workforce at major pediatric academic centers and understand whether neurosurgical leaders see a need for more pediatric-focused training,” Dyess said.

The study concluded that most institutions surveyed do not have dedicated pediatric neurointerventionalists. In many cases, primary providers lack specific pediatric training, and secondary providers are trained in interventional radiology with a pediatric focus. When adult-focused providers manage pediatric cases, endovascular-trained neurosurgeons often step in, the study found.

“The results highlight a clear need for more pediatric neuroendovascular specialists, particularly neurosurgeons with dedicated training in this field,” Dyess said.

Before entering medical school, Dyess took part in the research while working at Children's of Alabama in Birmingham. The study was conducted with UAB Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery.