The Mind-Bending Future of Neural Stem Cells with Dr. Michael Fehlings

Louise is joined by Dr. Michael Fehlings, a world-renowned neurosurgeon in Toronto, spinal cord injury researcher, and the head of neurosurgery at University Health Network. Dr. Fehlings reflects on his early years, sharing how his grandfather's struggle with strokes inspired his path into neuroscience. He recounts the immense pushback he faced early in his medical career when he and his mentor first introduced the concept of the secondary injury hypothesis and advocated for early surgical decompression. Despite the medical establishment's initial skepticism, his relentless pursuit ultimately transformed the global standard of care for acute spinal cord injuries. The conversation dives deep into the future of regenerative medicine, exploring the astonishing potential of induced pluripotent stem cells and his lab's groundbreaking discovery of endogenous neural stem cells residing naturally within the spinal cord. Dr. Fehlings also shares poignant stories of the patients who taught him that even small functional improvements can profoundly alter a person's quality of life. Through it all, he highlights the irreplaceable role of families and faith in navigating SCI trauma, leaving listeners with a resounding message of hope and a reason why with his lab’s unwavering commitment to finding a cure for SCI.

You can learn more about Dr. Fehlings and his ongoing clinical research by visiting https://www.uhnresearch.ca/researcher/michael-fehlings

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A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org.

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