Defining the Role of the Nurse Practitioner in Pediatric Neurosurgery

Earlier this month, Michael Lamb, NP (Pediatric Neurosurgery), traveled to Washington, DC, for the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association (APSNA) for its 34th Annual Scientific Conference. Founded in 1992, ASPNA aims to be “the voice that shapes pediatric surgical nursing through advocacy, collaboration, mentorship and leadership and the leading authority for the nursing care of pediatric surgical patients.”

Michael presented  “Defining the Role of the Nurse Practitioner in Pediatric Neurosurgery,” covering the physiology, pathophysiology, and surgical management of common pediatric neurosurgical conditions.  He also discussed how he has expanded his role to include participation in neuro-oncology research trials, collaborative efforts to standardize post-operative care by updating and simplifying our protocols, and involvement in every phase of patient care— from initial consultation to outpatient follow-up. Finally, Michael shared teaching tools designed to empower parents, helping them confidently care for their children and recognize when to seek medical attention. One of these new tools he’s recently rolled out is the Hydrocephalus Action Plan, which is modeled after the Asthma Action Plan and designed to give families a reference point they can take home on discharge. 

Lori Lynch, 2024-25 APSNA President, says, "Michael's groundbreaking presentation helped define a pathway for NP’s in pediatric neurosurgery. He was innovative and practical, offering APSNA members an understanding in neurosurgical care of children."

Reflecting on this year’s conference, Michael shares, “Presenting at APSNA was such a meaningful experience. It reminded me how valuable it is to connect with other nurses who dedicate themselves to guiding children and their families through incredibly difficult circumstances.” He continues, “Hearing how others approach challenges in their specialties gave me new ideas and inspiration—and reinforced how much we can learn from one another. I plan to take insights from the talks I attended and incorporate pieces of my peers’ collective wisdom to continue improving our quality of care.”

Columbia University Neurological Surgery's Pediatric Division, directed by Dr. Neil Feldstein and Weill Cornell Medicine Pediatric Neurosurgery, directed by Dr. Mark M. Souweidane, merged in 2020 to cohead the joint NYP Pediatric Neurosurgery program with a multidisciplinary approach to ensure that each child is offered a treatment plan considering the disease and its lifetime implications. This perspective provides pediatric neurosurgery patients the best opportunity to enjoy a normal transition from child to adult. The Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery is part of the nation's top children's hospital, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital for pediatric neurology and neurosurgery. Working together, our physicians routinely perform delicate neurosurgery on children of all ages.

Thank you, Michael, for all you have done to evolve the role of the NP in pediatric neurosurgery. We look forward to the many future contributions you will continue to make to this field.