Justin Parker Neurological Institute

Background

Innovations in medical technology, surgical techniques and pharmaceuticals are important driving forces in the society. Medical device and pharmaceutical companies have traditionally sponsored prospective clinical trials that have led to comprehensive conclusions. Unfortunately, there is a lack of independent research organizations and clinical studies evaluating various technologies and clinical outcomes in many brain and spinal disorders.

Overview and Mission

The Justin Parker Neurological Institute (JPNI) was founded by Dr. Alan Villavicencio and Dr. John Parker in dedication to the memory of the latter’s son, Justin Parker. The Institute is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that is governed by a Board of Directors.

JPNI is a scientific organization whose principle purpose is to conduct clinical research and to disseminate this and other information to the medical community. Our primary interests include clinical research related to brain and spinal disorders. We are dedicated to improving clinical outcomes and patient safety by promoting and implementing evidence-based medicine into clinical practice.

The JPNI mission is tri-fold:

Advance scientific discoveries and innovative medical technologies into clinical practice and new therapies for patients
Disseminate information and share the latest developments in the field through the organization of periodical educational seminars for the local medical community. This includes educating local practitioners about the latest developments in the field through periodical educational seminars that are focused on evidence-based medicine and strategies responding to population health needs
Provide opportunities for students who are pursuing careers related to medicine to gain an experience in clinical research

Board of Directors

Chairman:

Alan T. Villavicencio, MD
Boulder Neurosurgical Associates

Members:

John Parker, MD

Lee Nelson, MD
Boulder Neurosurgical Associates

Alexander Mason, MD
Boulder Neurosurgical Associates

Niles Utlaut, MD

Jeffrey Thramann, MD
Lanx, Inc.
ProNerve, LLC

Irving G. Johnson
Pryor Johnson Carney Karr Nixon, PC

Barbara Clausen, CPA
CNE CPAs and Advisors, PC

Past, Present and Future Operations

The Justin Parker Neurological Institute was initially established as part of the Boulder Community Hospital Foundation with the primary purpose to provide support for neurosurgical research programs and services. Since its creation in 2003, we have been able to fund a variety of research projects. These projects have included the following: clinical outcome correlation with magnesium concentrations following traumatic brain injury; evaluating the efficacy of CyberKnife radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia; evaluation of computerized isocentric fluoroscopy for complex spinal instrumentation; determining the safety of outpatient instrumented anterior cervical discectomy and fusion; comparing of minimally invasive pedicle fixation versus a complex antero-posterior reconstruction for lumbar disc degeneration; evaluating the safety and efficacy of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion; and, studying the epidemiology of back and neck pain in multisport athletes.

Some of these studies were initiated and undertaken as multicenter studies in collaboration with the following medical centers: Stanford University Department of Neurological Surgery; Department of Psychology and the Center for Neuroscience at University of Colorado; Rocky Mountain CyberKnife Center, Boulder; University of Missouri, Columbia; Department of Neurosurgery at Neuromed IRCCS in Pozili, Italy; and Besta Neurological Institute in Milan, Italy. JPNI’s goal is to continue this prolific and successful collaboration in the future.

The results of JPNI research has been published and presented at most major national and international neurosurgical meetings, including the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), North American Spine Society (NASS), World Spine and Spine Week annual meetings, Congress of International Stereotactic Radiosurgery Society (CISRS), Rocky Mountain Neurosurgical Society, and CyberKnife User’s meetings. JPNI-funded research has received the BrainLab Community Neurosurgery Award at the AANS/ CNS Section on Tumors and the Best Presentation Award at the 5th Annual CyberKnife Users’ meeting.

Prospective, randomized, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-controlled studies will remain one of the most important components in the future JPNI research activities. We also seek additional individual support from medical device companies to clinically evaluate the latest and most promising medical technologies and devices. JPNI has received sponsorship from the Colorado Traumatic Brain Injury Foundation in conjunction with corporate sponsorship from CMA Microdialysis and Nova Biomedical supporting the evaluation of clinical outcome correlation with serum, CSF and brain extracellular magnesium following traumatic brain injury. We have also received three separate grants from the CyberKnife Society to support research evaluating the clinical use of CyberKnife radiosurgery for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, Glioblastoma Multiforme, and spinal tumors.

Current and future research projects include:

Correlation of Clinical Outcomes and Cervical Sagittal Alignment in Spine Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study
Clinical Experience Using Interspinous Process Instrumentation System for Minimally Invasive Mini-Open Outpatient Lumbar Fusion
Clinical Use of Osteogenic Protein (OP-1) for Instrumented Posterolateral Fusion
Safety and Efficacy of Outpatient Lumbar Instrumentation and Fusion Using Various Minimally Invasive Spinal Fixation Systems
Clinical Experience with O-arm for Complex Spinal Instrumentation – grant submission, retrospective data analysis, and prospective study initiation
Pelvic Sagittal Alignment in Patients Undergoing Selective Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Spinal Stenosis and Scoliosis Correction
Implementation of Prospective Patient Clinical Outcome Database

Education

Part of JPNI’s educational mission is to disseminate information and share the latest developments in the field through the organization of periodical educational seminars for the local medical community. An annual symposium “Current Techniques in the Management of Cranial and Spinal Disorders” is sponsored and organized by JPNI every year. The main goal of this symposium is to provide an environment in which representatives from all medical professions involved in the treatment of cranial and spinal disorders become familiar with the newest procedures, technologies and devices in the field. The next meeting will take place on October 17th, 2009.

Fellowship

The Justin Parker Neurological Institute is offering the fellowship in conjunction with Boulder Neurosurgical Associates. This fellowship is open to both neurosurgical and orthopedic trainees that are graduates of the U.S. accredited orthopedic or neurosurgery residency programs and eligible for an unrestricted Colorado medical license, malpractice insurance, and hospital privileges. We are unable to accept applications from physicians who are graduates of medical schools outside the U.S. and have not completed an accredited neurosurgical or orthopedic residency program in the United States. The fellowship program is of twelve months duration commencing in August of one year and ending in July of the following year.

The fellow will gain clinical knowledge and practical experience required to treat patients with spinal disorders including degenerative disc disease, fractures, spinal deformities, infections and tumors. The fellow will be instructed by a faculty of four surgeons while he/she rotates through neurosurgical and orthopaedic spine services. Boulder Neurosurgical Associates is a group of neurosurgeons with dual neurosurgical and orthopedic spine training. BNA has affiliations with The Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, Boulder Community, Longmont United and Good Samaritan hospitals located in the northwest region of Colorado. A fellow will be able to get extensive exposure to various minimally invasive techniques, interspinous process devices, artificial disc technology and kyphoplasty. There is also broad exposure to the state-of-the-art spinal instrumentation, intraoperative image guidance and imaging, and treatment modalities including stereotactic radiosurgery (CyberKnife).

Although the subspecialty training in spine surgery is mainly focused on surgical skills, it involves all aspects of conservative management, postoperative patient care, as well as clinical research. There will be ample opportunity to participate in a clinical research project(s) that will lead to publication and presentations at the national meetings during that year.

Percent of Fellowship devoted to Operative Care:	70%
Non-Operative Care:	30%
Research/Publication Obligation:	Yes

Approximate percentage of exposure to the Spine by region:

Cervical:	35%
Thoracic:	15%
Lumbar:	50%

Approximate percentage of Fellowship exposure to the Spine by diagnostic category:

Degenerative:	70%
Trauma:	15%
Deformity:	10%
Tumor:	<5%

Learning Objectives
The fellow will be able to:

Display competence in non-operative management of spinal disorders
Display knowledge in interpretation of advanced investigative techniques
Display clinical competence in evaluation of spinal disorders, differential diagnosis and management
Appreciate indications for surgery for spinal disorders
Understand principles of multiple surgical techniques and approaches with their implications regarding complications
Display surgical competence in complex spinal instrumentation with regards to indications
Recognize and manage postoperative complications
Develop communications with patient and family skills showing respect, empathy and compassion
Understand the principles of medical ethics and gain the fundamental background for practicing medicine in an ethically responsible manner
Develop inter-professional relationships and work effectively with physicians and other allied health professionals
Critically apprise medical literature and research methodology, develop knowledge of current scientific literature and apply it to daily patient management
Successfully complete a research project(s) including presentations at national meetings and publications.

To inquire or apply for the fellowship, please contact us at info@bnasurg.com

Internship

JPNI continues to fund an internship program for undergraduate students considering a career in medicine or clinical research. This internship offers opportunities for in-depth learning of the clinical research methodology and practice, literature searching, scientific writing, and publications.

Three students have received scholarships for their dedicated work and personal contribution to the projects over the past four years:

2005 - Evan M. Pushchak
2006 - Cassandra M. Roeca
2008 – Jason M. Babuska

Evan Pushchak is a Colorado native, and the first recipient of this award/scholarship. He received his medical degree from the University of Colorado and is currently undergoing residency training in emergency medicine at the Northwestern University.

“The opportunity to participate with clinical research projects in a meaningful way was an exceptional opportunity prior to attending medical school. It was also an honor to be part of the JPNI funding and mission.”

Click here for Evan Pushchak’s curriculum vitae

— Evan Pushchak

Cassandra Roeca graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She will be matriculating as a medical student at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in fall 2009. She is an outdoor enthusiast and a competitive triathlete.

“As a premedical student, the scholarship from the Justin Parker Neurological Institute offered me the opportunity to do more than simply volunteer in a hospital. My internship with Boulder Neurosurgical Associates (BNA) enabled me to get involved in cutting-edge clinical research, as well as gain exposure to neurosurgical practice.

“The experience was challenging, as it entailed intensive literature analysis and topics, but it markedly strengthened my scientific reading and writing skills. This program also immersed me into the process of scientific journal writing and article submission. Several studies I was involved with were presented at meetings and have been published. Thus, I left this internship with not only an invaluable experience, but also several acclaimed accomplishments.

“I not only assisted with clinical research, but observed surgeries, and made rounds with the doctors. I will never forget the first surgery. I stood in on a pituitary tumor removal wondering if I was going to faint as they clamped the patient's head into a vice. The opportunity to be subjected to the inner workings of the operating room and medical office ultimately helped me decide to become a physician. I am very grateful for the connections I made with the surgeons, physician assistants, clinical researchers, BNA staff, and Justin Parker Neurological Institute.”

— Cassandra Roeca

Jason Babuska completed his freshmen year at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and transferred to the University of Colorado at Boulder the following year. He is graduating from CU-Boulder in 2009 with a major in molecular cellular developmental (MCD) biology.

“I have been involved with clinical research at Boulder Neurosurgical Associates throughout my junior and senior years at the University of Colorado at Boulder. With strong and broad interests in the neurosciences, as well as the hope of attending medical school, this has been a tremendous opportunity to gain knowledge and experience outside the classroom.

“I primarily worked on a prospective randomized clinical study that evaluated correlations between cervical sagittal alignment and clinical outcomes for patients who underwent anterior cervical fusion procedures. I am very thankful and proud to have received a stipend from the Justin Parker Neurosurgical Research Fund for my efforts in assisting with this study.

“One of my favorite aspects of the internship program was attending annual BNA symposiums, which were very memorable and rewarding experiences. Lastly, I appreciate the kindness of BNA patients who have allowed me to observe their surgeries and clinical visits.”

Click here for Jason Babuska’s curriculum vitae

— Jason Babuska

Donations

The Justin Parker Research Institute has a history of donations from both community members and patients and their families to help support the neurological research so important to helping advance the care provided to patients.

Research and projects supported by your donations have a profound effect on the lives of those who need current and future neurological care. Recent examples include cutting edge research and publications on both brain and spinal surgery.

Many options for giving exist, including donations and pledges, endowment funds, bequests, life insurance, charitable gift annuities, one-time gifts, and multiple-year gifts.

To make a gift or learn more about JPNI charitable giving, please contact us at:

Justin Parker Neurological Institute
1155 Alpine Avenue, Suite 320
Boulder, CO 80304

or Dr. Sigita Burneikiene at 303-938-5700, info@bnasurg.com

Please dedicate your donation to Justin Parker Neurosurgical Institute.