Dr Kimon Bekelis is a board certified, fellowship trained neurosurgeon with subspecialty training in minimally invasive endovascular neurosurgery. He also specialises in Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, and complex brain, and spine operations.
Here, he shares his expertise with SR Times.
What made you want to pursue your chosen career path?
As a neurosurgeon, I was always fascinated by the complexity of the human brain and how it controls every aspect of our lives. The ability to make a tangible difference in someone’s life by helping them recover from a neurological disorder is what drew me to this career path.
What keeps you motivated to work with stroke?
Every stroke patient presents a unique challenge, both in terms of their medical needs and the emotional toll that stroke can take on them and their loved ones. Knowing that I can make a significant impact on their recovery and quality of life is what keeps me motivated day in and day out.
What advice would you give to yourself at the start of your career?
My advice to myself at the start of my career would be to never stop learning. Medicine and technology are constantly evolving, and as a healthcare provider, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest developments to provide the best possible care for my patients.
What are the daily challenges you face in your role and how do you deal with them?
One of the biggest challenges I face is managing the high volume of patients in our stroke program. Time is of the essence when it comes to treating stroke, so we need to work quickly and efficiently to ensure the best possible outcome for our patients. We have developed streamlined protocols and a multidisciplinary team approach to help manage this challenge.
With stroke, what is something you believe the general public needs to be more aware of?
The general public needs to be more aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention. The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time to call 911) is an easy way to remember the warning signs of stroke.
What is something you have done in the field of stroke that you are most proud of?
One of the things I am most proud of is developing the Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island and making it the only comprehensive stroke center on the south shore of Long Island. We have built a team of highly skilled professionals and implemented cutting-edge technology and treatment protocols to provide the best possible care for our stroke patients every single time.
What is the best quality someone working with stroke can have?
The best quality someone working with stroke can have is compassion. Stroke can be a devastating experience for patients and their families, and it’s crucial to approach each patient with empathy and understanding. A caring and compassionate approach can make all the difference in a patient’s recovery journey.
Dr Kimon Bekelis is the Chairman of Neurointerventional Services at Catholic Health
