Dr Shekar Kurpad, Professor of Neurological Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin, talks to Ben Davies about time-management, humility and mentorship - his recipe for success in a dual clinical and academic practice. This is part of a special 'Research Top Tips' series, from Myelopathy Matters (Myelopathy.org) and AO Spine RECODE-DCM, as they work together to accelerate knowledge discovery that can change outcomes in DCM.