Your
executive
council
The INSA executive council is diverse and passionate; together we are driven towards establishing a meaningful portal for education and networking for professionals involved in intraoperative neurophysiology. Nominations for council positions must meet the criteria outlined in our Constitution, and will be called for at the conclusion of a three year term unless indicated prior.
Seeking
Expressions of interest
Are you an advocate interested in developing the field of intraoperative neurophysiology? We are currently accepting expressions of interest for the 2024-2027 Executive Council. Board members must be active professionals based within Asia Pacific territory.
Chair & President
Ryan P. Hamer
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.
Treasurer
Anthony Kyte
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.
Secretary
May Lin Yin
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’).
Registrar
Ruthie Dellow
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.
Education & Accreditation
A/Prof Adam Hastings
Prof Hastings is a consultant anaesthetist and clinical neurophysiologist at Westmead Hospital in New South Wales. He is also the program director of the Masters of Medicine (Clinical Neurophysiology) at the University of Sydney. Prof Hastings was the first Australian to complete the Certification of Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring (CNIM), and has recognised the absence of formal training and education in APAC regions; “…we have a divided multidisciplinary workforce that is currently poorly represented and has little to no external recognition or quality assurance opportunities. We need to coordinate education activities and promote best practice clinical care whilst exploring the path towards formal registration”. Outside of Adam’s professional life, he is interested in hobby farming and gardening, jet skiing and boating, motorcycle riding, all-things Japanese food, and developing his appreciation of the arts.
Medical Officer (Neurosurgery)
Ast Prof Kejia Teo
Assistant Professor Teo is a consultant neurosurgeon at National University Hospital in Singapore. After completing his surgical training, Dr Teo was awarded the Academic Medicine Development award for which he underwent two years of further training in functional neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, neurovascular and spinal surgery in the U.K. More recently, Dr Teo was the chairman of the inaugural Asia-Pacific Low Grade Glioma Network conference, and has undertaken specialist fellowships in brain mapping and awake surgery under Professor Lorenzo Bello (Milan, Italy) and Professor Hugues Duffau (Montpellier, France). “This society can be a useful platform for us to discuss difficult cases and help promote further research in the field of IONM. In particular, for greater onco-functional balance for glioma patients”. Kejia’s hobbies include mixed martial arts, and doesn’t mind the occasional beer and burger.
Medical Officer (Orthopaedic Surgery
Dr Brian Hsu
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.