Lead Neurophysiologist

Position Overview

Note: This role is performed independently and does not require direct supervision during intraoperative monitoring. While assistance is available if needed, it is not typically required for effective performance in this role.

Main Function:

• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively within the neurophysiology service at HSC, with flexibility for deployment to affiliated hospitals as operationally required.
• Must be able to safely and accurately provide full interpretation of real time neurophysiological signals gathered during surgical procedures and relay this information to the operating physician. This includes but is not limited to MEPs, SSEPs, EMG, EEG, , BAERs, phase reversal, D-Wave, TSEPs, cortical mapping, subcortical mapping, BEPs, cbMEPs, etc.
• Provide intraoperative neurophysiological assessments to the clinical team to facilitate optimal neurosurgical outcome. Provide technical and scientific expertise to formulate, submit and conduct research initiatives arising from intraoperative results.
• Perform additional procedures (e.g., TCDs, CBF, Neuronavigation) as required. Operates, cleans, maintains and troubleshoots equipment.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for intraoperative neurological risk assessment, ensuring that neurophysiological data are accurately evaluated and communicated promptly.
• Determine appropriate monitoring strategies and modality selection for each case based on patient factors, surgical approach, and procedural risk.
• Supervise and provide clinical oversight to IONM technologists, ensuring accurate data acquisition, appropriate troubleshooting, and adherence to established protocols and quality benchmarks.
• Document formal intraoperative reports that include interpretation, clinical correlation, and recommendations, suitable for the medical record and post-operative review.
• Collaborate with surgeons pre-operatively to review imaging, discuss surgical approach, and determine optimal monitoring plans tailored to procedural neuroanatomy and risk level.
• Engage in continuous intraoperative communication, including verbal updates, risk notifications, and guidance during critical periods such as instrumentation, decompression, aneurysm clipping, tumor dissection, or deformity correction.
• Maintain independent accountability for patient neurological safety through evidence-based neurophysiological interpretation and proactive identification of high-risk events.
• Participate in postoperative case review, morbidity and mortality discussions, and outcome tracking to ensure ongoing quality improvement and refinement of monitoring standards.
• Develop, update, and enforce departmental protocols and practice standards related to neurophysiological monitoring.
• Lead or contribute to educational initiatives, including training technologists, new staff, and surgical trainees in neurophysiological principles and interpretation.
• Contribute to program development, including evaluating new technologies, supporting expansion of monitoring services, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Engage in scholarly or quality-improvement activities, including audits, research, presentations, and protocol development as appropriate.
• Ability to participate in an on-call schedule as organized by the Chief Neurophysiologist in response to service demands.
• Ability to provide intraoperative neuromonitoring for high complexity procedures (intramedullary lesions, phase reversal, cortical mapping, etc) independently.
• Ability to participate in evening coverage for high indication spine procedures that require IONM.
• Ability to provide services at other hospitals organized by the Chief Neurophysiologist.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of intraoperative neuromonitoring experience, preferably in a level 1 trauma centre.
• Preferably one year of independent intraoperative neuromonitoring experience without professional oversight.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• BSc degree or equivalent degree from a recognized University is required.
• Bachelor of Science or Similar Life Sciences Degree preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience as recognized by the Centre may be considered.
• Certified by the American Board of Registered Electrodiagnostic Technicians (ABRET) in Neuro Intraoperative Monitoring (CNIM), required.

Note: The ability and initiative to self-teach is essential. In addition, the incumbent must attend relevant continuing education programs in operative monitoring, as well as in other related neurodiagnostic areas, on an ongoing basis and as requested by the Chief Neurophysiologist.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• CNIM certified by the ABRET required.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to function proficiently in the faced-paced environment of the OR.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the essential physical requirements of the position including manual dexterity.
• Ability to stand/sit for prolonged hours.
• Pushing/pulling of equipment without issue.