INSA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Founder and past - President of AAIM
Anthony is the founder and past-President of AAIM, based in Brisbane. Years prior to his initial exposure to IONM, Anthony had an interest in health science and applied to a medical lab course that split into anaesthetic techniques. Since then he worked as an anaesthetic technician for seven years, followed by just over a decade in autotransfusion, and now twelve years in IONM. Anthony's interest in IONM was derived from being sat next to a neurophysiology scientist in operating theatres during his autotransfusion years. According to Anthony, the biggest challenge for INSA "…is to create a balanced accreditation that gives scientists the confidence and authority to perform IONM, and have recognition under the system'. Outside of the OR, Anthony is a Venturer Scout Leader, and is a proud dance-Dad with his youngest child being actively involved in the performing arts. Anthony also loves a cruise.
Job Titles:
- Medical Officer ( Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr Hsu is an adult and paediatric spine surgeon based in Sydney. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Sydney, Dr Hsu worked and trained at two world-renowned institutions (UCSF in California, and Twin Cities Spine Centre in Minnesota). He has published research in peer-reviewed journals concerning intraoperative neurophysiology in spinal deformity surgery, and has presented at the American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring and Spine Society Australia conferences. Dr Hsu has a genuine interest in education and research, and looks forward to continuing his involvement with INSA to promote best practice of intraoperative neurophysiology in spinal surgeries.
Ruthie Dellow began working in clinical neurophysiology in New South Wales initially as a registered nurse. Her foray into intraoperative neurophysiology was one of necessity. In the early 2000's, her initial experiences in the OR involved carotid endarterectomies and epilepsy surgeries which eventually progressed to aneurysms, brain and spinal tumours and spinal fusion surgeries. Upon reflection of 20 years in IONM, Ruthie recalls her involvement in a multi-approach, 36-hour brain tumour resection ‘…the patient survived the surgeries and is living well'. Having previously been involved with INSA's Conference and Marketing needs, Ruthie is excited to increase the scope of IONM best practice in APAC as the society's registrar. Ruthie regularly frequents the gym for intense body combat and pump classes, and much prefers savoury foods to sweets.
Ryan obtained his Bachelor of Science from Swinburne University (Melbourne), which had a significant emphasis on electrophysiology but surprisingly zero mention of surgical applications. For the last ten years he has been working exclusively in intraoperative neurophysiology, for a private company that was founded in 2007. In 2014 he accepted a position as Clinical Director for this company thanks in part to his passion for education but also for market development, probably because both involve the communication of ideas and unpacking of complex concepts to improve patient outcomes. During his tenure he was fortunate to give lectures on IONM around Australia, as well as in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and South Africa. Ryan has also undertaken some specialist training throughout the U.S and Europe, and since 2015 has been a clinical lecturer and unit-coordinator for the University of Sydney's Masters of Medicine (Clinical Neurophysiology) program. Ryan's clinical and research interests are focused on invasive and non-invasive brain mapping in glioma surgery, and he is currently undertaking a PhD. To Ryan, INSA represents a genuine opportunity to promote best practice, share and exchange ideas, and develop a network of like-minded individuals who have dedicated their professional livelihood to clinical neuroscience. In amongst his professional activities, he most enjoys trying new food, wines and whiskey with friends.
Yin May Lin is the lead neurophysiologist at National University Hospital (Singapore). In the past decade, she has collaborated with some of the nation's top surgeons in research projects pertaining to spinal tumours and spinal cord injuries. May Lin graduated from Nanyang Technological University with a bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering specializing in signal processing and communication. Having backgrounds in both electronics and biomedical disciplines has equipped her with knowledge and skill sets to handle and tackle daily challenges faced in IONM while delivering service excellence for her patients. May Lin recalls her initial exposure to IONM and feeling a sense of purpose from the importance of these techniques; "…this was a job that required total concentration and strong endurance in order to stay focused and to survive very lengthy procedures". Regarding the challenges of IONM in APAC, "…the availability of proper training, or a society to bring us together to share experiences". When not in the operating theatre, May Lin prefers to indulge in a book and a cup of coffee (her all-time favourite is ‘the Count of Monte Cristo').