Dear Friends,
The following concept has been stated a number of ways over the years. One of the clearest expressions of the idea was by Harvey Cushing. Cushing was arguably the innovator of much of what we consider to be modern neurosurgery. He is known for placing the emphasis on the patient rather than upon the specifics of the disease.

It's interesting that Cushing wrote a Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Sir William Osler—one of the founding professors at Johns Hopkins Hospital and credited as the creator of the first residency program for specialty training of physicians. Osler's take was that, "The practice of medicine is an art, not a trade; a calling, not a business; a calling in which your heart will be in your work." One thing is certain from examining the writings of these two giants. It is only by passing on the lessons of our mentors and by choosing to be of service that one can learn to be the best physician that they can be.
Let's get started.
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Straight answers to straight questions. That's the theme of my new series of YouTube videos.
Should you see a neurosurgeon first, or is it smarter to begin with Pain Management and Primary Care? Is pain management the first stop in treating back pain? Do neurosurgeons even see non-surgical patients? I tackle the question head-on.

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel and you won't miss future videos in this series.
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As both a neurosurgeon and a former NCAA Division I wrestler, I’ve spent a lifetime around combat sports. This is not a knee-jerk reaction to a tragic event but a viewpoint that has evolved over years of experience, study, and reflection. On February 8, the death of Irish boxer John Cooney was announced.
My Reflections
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I strongly recommend that you consider following me on multiple social media channels. As this Newsletter demonstrates, I'm committed to sharing a broad variety of information and content. Some content may be suitable for a fun Facebook video; some might be found only on a site like LinkedIn.
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Trenton Youth Wrestling & Learning Center
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See this important February 12th press alert from Trenton Youth Wrestling & Learning Center.
Data from the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations & Intelligence Center (ROIC) shows a dramatic reduction in shooting victims since TYWLC began its work in the community.

We're creating real opportunities in Trenton, and you can help.
See the Story
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Just in time for February 5th National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Dove and Sports Illustrated partnered to create Sports reIllustrated, a special collection of stories profiling 10 inspiring young athletes who are changing the conversation around girls and sports.
Check it out here.
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Here's a shout out to Sally Roberts, who founded Wrestle Like a Girl to push the mission forward. You can support girls wrestling locally through Trenton Youth Wrestling & Learning Center.
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Understanding Cervical Herniated Discs
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Neck pain can be frustrating, limiting, and even life-altering. For many people, it starts as a mild discomfort but can progress to severe pain, weakness, or numbness in the arms and hands. A common cause of these symptoms is a cervical herniated disc, a condition that affects a significant number of patients in my practice.
Many patients come to me with concerns about whether their condition will require surgery. The good news? Most cervical herniated discs can be treated without surgery. Conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and targeted injections can often provide significant relief. However, in cases where symptoms persist or worsen, surgical options may offer lasting solutions and a path back to an active, pain-free life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with persistent neck pain, it’s important to seek expert care. Understanding your options is the first step toward relief. Learn more about cervical herniated discs, symptoms, and treatment approaches in this recently updated article from the Patient Library:

👉 Read the full article
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NeuroRounds on a different day
NeuroRounds is on a special day in March. Our next event is March 11, 2025, at 7:00 AM EST
And we've got a very special surprise in store for our March event. We're ramping it up in 2025 as we continue to stake out new territory as the place where tomorrow's medical leaders gather to grow and gain experience.
We're continuing to grow NeuroRounds into a can't miss event that will have real impacts on the practice of medicine. Want to be a part of that?
Register NOW to get an email reminder and schedule your attendance at our monthly event. Set the first Tuesday of the month on your calendar. Don't miss out, and don't register late.
NeuroRounds is the educational, medical webinar where neurosurgical cases are presented, diagnostic imaging is reviewed, and key facts are discussed. It's an engaging experience that will allow you to build your resume! Perfect for Med Students, Pre-Med, NPs, PAs, PA-Cs or anyone looking to improve their skill set. Be a part of this unique opportunity.
NeuroRounds is ONLY available live. That's intentional. It is designed for the serious..., the people hungry for knowledge. If you would like an invitation to our next event, request it below.
Click here for your invitation to attend.
NeuroRounds provides CME credits, virtual shadowing credits, and the opportunity to review real cases with leading medical experts from around the world. It's for Med students, Pre-Meds, Practicing Professionals, and more. It is always free... always live.
You are cordially invited to join NeuroRounds on this special day.

Request your NeuroRounds invitation here. If you know someone who should be attending, please share this newsletter or the direct link with them. They will receive a warm welcome when they join us, and we're confident you will receive their thanks.
To stay up to date on all the latest NeuroRounds news, join our Facebook group here.
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This is YOUR Newsletter. It covers a wide range of topics, and it's intended to educate and keep you up to date on topics of interest. If you have ideas that you would like me to explore in the Newsletter, on my website, or in social media, consider this your invitation to reach out and let me know. Visit the website or any of my social media channels to reach out to me. Also, if you know someone who might enjoy the Newsletter, please feel free to pass it on.
Warm regards,
Mark
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