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Quality-of-Life Analysis in Vestibular Schwannoma
Saturday, June 1, 2024
1:00 pm EDT (Toronto Time)
Description:
Dr. Link shares insights from his extensive research on how vestibular schwannomas affect quality of life, and how different treatment paths impact patient outcomes. He also introduces a new quality of life instrument developed by his team to better capture the lived experiences of patients. Drawing on decades of clinical and academic expertise, Dr. Link explores the evolving landscape of patient-centred care.
About the Speaker:
Michael Link, MD, FAANS, Professor of Neurosurgery
Dr. Michael J. Link is the Charles B. and Ann L. Johnson Professor of Neurosurgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, with a joint appointment in Otorhinolaryngology. A native of Dubuque, Iowa, he earned his medical degree from Mayo Medical School and completed neurosurgery residency at Mayo Clinic, followed by a fellowship in cerebrovascular and skull base surgery under Dr. John Tew. He joined the Mayo faculty in 1999 after two years at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville.
Dr. Link specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant skull base disorders, leading a high-volume microsurgical and radiosurgical practice. He is a past president of the North American Skull Base Society and currently serves as Associate Editor for Operative Neurosurgery and co-Editor in Chief of The Journal of Neurological Surgery, Part B: Skull Base. He also directs a prominent Skull Base Oncology fellowship with international graduates.
His research focuses on quality of life outcomes, natural tumor history, and molecular mechanisms in skull base tumors, particularly vestibular schwannomas. He has received multiple teaching awards and the 2023 Distinguished Clinician Award from Mayo Clinic Rochester. Outside of medicine, he enjoys skiing, motorcycling, sailing, and time with his family.
Speechreading: Hear Better by Knowing More
Saturday, June 1, 2024 1:00 pm EDT (Toronto Time)
Description:
If every conversation took place in a quiet room with one other person, hearing conversations would be easier. Listening would be effortless if the person was familiar to us and the topic never changed. Or at least, less effortful. Learning about speechreading is an example of using knowledge and skills to reduce the listening effort. Find out why it's worth investing some time in the theory and practice of speechreading.
About the Speaker:
Sandra Vandenhoff, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology
Sandra Vandenhoff, Au.D., has practiced as an audiologist for 30 years. She started her career at the Department of Health on Prince Edward Island, and then moved to Kamloops, BC where she worked in private practice, fitting hearing aids. She has worked in the manufacturing industry for Phonak and Cochlear, and most recently as an educational audiologist for 16 years.
Sandra received her speechreading instructor training from the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association. She is currently self-employed through her business, HEARa, which stands for Hearing Education and Rehabilitation for Adults, focusing on aural rehab. Sandra uses a cochlear implant and a hearing aid and has an adorable hearing ear dog named Chanty.
Virtual Tumour Board: Acoustic Neuroma Case Reviews
Thursday, May 23, 2024 5:00 pm EDT (Toronto Time)
Description:
This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the Division of Neurosurgery at the University of Toronto! To celebrate this incredible milestone, the Acoustic Neuroma Association of Canada (ANAC), in partnership with Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation (CNSF) and University of Toronto, Division of Neurosurgery, brings you a dynamic live session featuring a global tumour board of leading specialists who will join together to discuss acoustic neuroma cases. Gain unique insights and diverse perspectives as experts from around the world collaborate to navigate challenging diagnostics and deliberate about the best quality-of-life treatment strategies. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to witness cutting-edge discussions, ask questions, and expand your knowledge in the field of acoustic neuroma management.
About the Speakers:
Dr. Heather Baltzer, MD, MSc, FRCS(C), FACS, Surgeon-Investigator, Head, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN, Director, Toronto Western Hand Program, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery (Toronto, ON)
Dr. William Couldwell, MD, PhD, FACS, Professor and Chair, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah; Neurosurgeon, Clinical Neurosciences Centre (Salt Lake City, UT)
Dr. Michael Link, MD, Professor of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic; Neurosurgeon, Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN)
Dr. Farhad Pirouzmand, MD, MSc, FRCSC, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto; Head, Division of Neurosurgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Toronto, ON)
Dr. Suganth Suppiah, MD, PhD, RCPSC, Assistant Professor, Division of Neurosurgery, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Neurosurgeon-Scientist, Toronto Western Hospital (Toronto, ON)
Dr. Marcos Tatagiba, Univ. Prof., Dr. med., Chairman and Director, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Tübingen (Germany)
Exploring the Impact of Single-Sided Deafness on Quality of Life and Innovative Treatment Approaches
Saturday, April 27, 2024 1:00 pm EDT (Toronto Time)
Description:
This presentation will explore insights into the significant impact of single-sided deafness (SSD) on individuals' quality of life, along with an overview of available treatment options. Attendees will gain an understanding of the challenges posed by SSD, including communication difficulties and psychosocial implications. We'll explore traditional interventions such as hearing aids and innovative solutions like bone conduction implants, providing a comprehensive view of the strategies available to mitigate the effects of SSD.
About the Speaker:
Dario Coletta, M.Sc., Au.D., Reg. CASLPO, Doctor of Audiology
Dario Coletta is an Audiologist working in private practice in Mississauga, ON at Port Credit Audiology & Hearing Aid Clinic. He obtained his Doctor of Audiology from A.T. Still University and Master of Science in Audiology from the University of British Columbia. His main interests in the field of audiology include amplification, tinnitus counselling and management, diagnostics, and hearing loss prevention. Dario is committed to helping patients find an individualized solution for their hearing health care concerns.
Physiotherapy and Acoustic Neuroma: Improving Quality of Life
Saturday, December 2, 2023 1:00 pm EDT (Toronto Time)
Description:
A webinar on the symptoms of Acoustic Neuroma and the benefits of Vestibular Rehabilitation. Robynne Smith, a distinguished Physiotherapist at Robynne Smith Physiotherapy in Saskatoon, SK, discusses how this specialized therapy can offer valuable tips and treatments before and after surgery. Discover the goals of vestibular rehabilitation, evidence-based strategies for managing dizziness, improving balance, and regaining functional activities; to improve your overall quality of life!
About the Speaker:
Robynne Smith, BScPT, BScAnat, Physiotherapist
We are honoured to have Robynne Smith as our speaker for this webinar. With 40 years of experience in the field of physiotherapy and a focus on Vestibular Rehabilitation for the past 30 years, Robynne brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Saskatchewan and has been a sole practitioner since 2017.
In a remarkable coincidence, Robynne herself was diagnosed with Acoustic Neuroma in 2010 and underwent surgery in 2014. Her personal experience adds a unique perspective to her professional expertise, offering valuable insights for anyone seeking guidance on their journey.
The Management of Tinnitus
Saturday, May 6, 2023 1:00 pm EDT (Toronto Time)
Description:
Dario Coletta, Audiologist at the Centre for Advanced Hearing and Balance Testing, Toronto, ON, discusses tinnitus, specifically related to individuals with an acoustic neuroma which can affect day-to-day activities. Dario discusses the goals of tinnitus management and include evidence-based strategies such as sound therapy, counselling and relaxation techniques. The strategies and management techniques highlighted aim to reduce the overall perception of tinnitus and improve an individual’s overall quality of life.
About the Speaker:
Dario Coletta, M.Sc., Au.D., Reg. CASLPO, Doctor of Audiology
Dario Coletta, who obtained his Master’s degree in Audiology from the University of British Columbia, has been practicing at the Munk Hearing Centre and the Centre for Advanced Hearing and Balance located in Toronto General Hospital for 7 years and is head audiologist at the Port Credit Audiology & Hearing Aid Clinic. He currently holds lecturer status at the University of Toronto in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. His main interests in the field of audiology include tinnitus counselling and management, amplification, vestibular assessment, and diagnostics. Dario is committed to helping patients find an individualized solution for their hearing health care concerns.
Optimizing Surgical Management of Vestibular Schwannomas
Saturday, June 25, 2022 1:00 pm EDT (Toronto Time)
Description:
Dario Coletta, Audiologist at the Centre for Advanced Hearing and Balance Testing, Toronto, ON, discusses tinnitus, specifically related to individuals with an acoustic neuroma which can affect day-to-day activities. Dario discusses the goals of tinnitus management and include evidence-based strategies such as sound therapy, counselling and relaxation techniques. The strategies and management techniques highlighted aim to reduce the overall perception of tinnitus and improve an individual’s overall quality of life.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Serge Makarenko, MD, FRCSC, Neurosurgery Clinical Instructor
Dr. Serge Makarenko, Clinical Instructor in the Division of Neurosurgery, was born in Lviv, Ukraine. He moved to Vancouver in 1998 with his family and obtained a degree in Honours Physiology and medical degree from UBC. Following his medical training, Dr. Makarenko did neurosurgery residency in Vancouver, becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada in 2019. He then spent a year as a Clinical Fellow in Skull Base Neurosurgery under the guidance of Dr. William Couldwell in Salt Lake City, Utah. After this, he has returned to Vancouver to join the faculty as a practicing neurosurgeon, specializing in skull base tumors and neuro-oncology.
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