by Danna M. Markides, Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas

Introduction by Eleni Tolma, Associate Professor, Head, Department of Primary Care and Population Helth, UNIC Medical School

BRIEF SUMMARY

Spinal cord compression is a devastating complication of cancer. Prompt recognition and treatment offer the best chance of limiting its long-term consequences. In this lecture, Dr Markides will explore the emergency physician’s vital role in the chain of care. Following a brief review of the pathophysiology of metastatic spinal cord compression, we will examine its clinical presentation and diagnostic work-up. As treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, the discussion will highlight how this process begins in the emergency department.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Dr Markides attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed a residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Rochester. She practised general Emergency Medicine in Houston for over 20 years before joining the faculty at MD Anderson. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and provides clinical care at MD Anderson’s Acute Cancer Care Centre.

She has worked on quality initiatives to improve the number of safe ED discharges and to ensure that care provided overnight is equitable to that available by day.

Her research focuses on complications and adverse events associated with novel cancer therapies, with particular attention to emergency department presentation and management.