The MUSC Epilepsy Boot Camp is a two-day intense, comprehensive epilepsy course for health care providers. The topics on day one will begin with essential facts about seizures, and will progress through seizure types, the impact of epilepsy, and special needs of particular patient groups. The first day will continue with a thorough introduction to state of the art diagnostic options. The second day will be a full review of current treatment options, pharmacologic treatment, neurostimulation and special diets for epilepsy. In the afternoon, more advanced topics such as epilepsy surgeries and functional brain-mapping will be reviewed. Breakout sessions will include Seizure first aid (the first responder), epilepsy genetics, nonepileptic events (pseudoseizures) and early intervention for refractory epilepsy.

Learn more and register today online today.

Each year the Neuroscience Institute hosts a research day consisting of lectures and poster presentations from labs all over the state.  The event includes a nationally recognized keynote speaker as well as six presentations from MUSC's own scientists and/or physicians.  The lectures provide the latest information on cutting-edge basic brain and behavioral science relating to the chosen theme.

This year's event is March 30, 2012 at the Seabrook Island Club in Seabrook, SC.

Learn more and register at the Neurocience Institute Web page.

One of the world’s leading authorities on tobacco policy, K. Michael Cummings, PhD, MPH, has joined the faculty of the Medical University of South Carolina and will lead research on tobacco control, public policy, and smoking cessation within the Hollings Cancer Center’s Cancer Prevention and Control program.

 “Hollings is already doing important research on tobacco and tobacco cessation,” said Cummings, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. “With one-third of all cancer deaths linked to tobacco, South Carolina has a significant public health problem. My role will include building on and advancing all facets of the center’s tobacco research with the goals of changing health behaviors and redirecting public policy toward the same end.”

Cummings said his plans include establishing comprehensive smoking-cessation services available to residents statewide, and launching a large study using spiral CT scanning to screen heavy smokers and formerly-heavy smokers for lung cancer.

Read more about Dr. Cummings role at Hollings Cancer Center.

After an extensive review by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) trauma program has been verified as a Level 1 Trauma Center. This verification is the highest level any trauma program in the country can achieve. MUSC is the first hospital in South Carolina to achieve this rating.

"In fact, our Level 1 Trauma Program is the only one in the state to have received national trauma verification at any level," said Bruce Crookes, MD, MUSC associate professor and trauma medical director. "Achieving this recognition required total commitment from the entire hospital, and it means our patients can expect the highest level of care available at any time, day or night."

Read the MUSC Press Release

The MUSC Neurophysiology Lab recently received accreditation by American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM).  According to the AANEM this accreditation was achieved by demonstrating clinical excellence in EDX medicine to patients, referral sources and payers as well as a commitment to providing the highest quality health care.

The MUSC Neurophysiology Lab is the first laboratory in the state of South Carolina to receive this accreditation.  MUSC is also the only medical center in the United States with the complete combination of accredited labs in EMG, EEG, Intraoperative Monitoring, and Intracranial and Extracranial vascular imaging, in conjunction with a Level IV Epilepsy Center.