Shows
SCI Care: What Really MattersWhy sleep deserves more attention in SCI careSend us a textThe International Spinal Cord Injury Survey (InSCI) found that sleep problems rank among the top six most common and debilitating health issues for people with SCI — and are the second most likely to go untreated. While rehabilitation centres routinely manage issues like pain, spasticity, and bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction, sleep is often overlooked. Risk screening for sleep disorders is inconsistent and typically ad-hoc, and most centres refer suspected cases to sleep specialists for assessment and ongoing management. However, recent research shows it is feasible for rehabilitation centr...
2025-07-2942 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersThe importance of sensory afferent pathways in the assessment and management of the neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury: A conversation with Professor JJ WyndaeleSend us a textKey points:Key sensory afferent pathways from the urinary bladder to the spinal cord often remain intact in spinal cord injuries above the level of the conus medullaris. b) The urinary bladder wall urothelial cells, sensory nerves, interstitial cells, smooth muscle cells and the chemo/mechanosensors in the urethral paraneurons or “brush cells” play a key role in bladder neurophysiology. c) Knowledge regarding the sensory afferent pathways from the bladder could guide future neuromodulation therapeutic options for the neurogenic bladder after SCI.Spinal Cord JournalT...
2025-07-1412 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersMichael Fehlings in discussion with Dr Carlotte Kiekens regarding Dr Kiekens' recent Spinal Cord publicationSend us a textDr. Michael Fehlings - Professor of Neurosurgery, Robert Campeau Family Foundation-Dr. CH Tator Chair in Brain and Spinal Cord Research, Vice Chairman Research), Co-Director Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto and Editor in Chief of Spinal Cord.Dr Carlotte Kiekens - Head of the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Unit at Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS MultiMedica in Milan, ItalyThe opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. You can follow us on Twitter...
2025-06-2219 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersInside ISCoS 2025: Why São Paulo’s Regional Symposia MattersSend us a textIn this episode, Dr François Theron and Dr Federico Montero preview the upcoming 4th ISCoS International Regional Symposia, to be held on 18–19 July 2025 at the Rebouças Convention Center, São Paulo, Brazil.They share what makes this year’s symposia exceptional — from the diversity of its global speaker faculty to the urgent clinical and scientific themes being addressed. Together, they explore how the event will bring together spinal cord injury specialists, researchers, and rehabilitation professionals across Latin America and beyond.Whether you're an...
2025-06-0515 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersDr. Michael Fehlings in discussion with Prof. Ashley Craig regarding Dr Craig's recent Spinal Cord publication.Send us a textDr. Michael Fehlings - Professor of Neurosurgery, Robert Campeau Family Foundation-Dr. CH Tator Chair in Brain and Spinal Cord Research, Vice Chairman Research), Co-Director Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto and Editor in Chief of Spinal Cord.Prof. Ashley Craig - Professor at Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney.The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn...
2025-06-0317 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersPsychosocial support for persons with spinal cord injury in African rural low income settingsSend us a textTraumatic SCI is a relatively common occurrence in rural areas of low income countries. However, rehabilitation services in these areas are either unavailable or inaccessible by the majority. Psychosocial services are scarce and hardly tailored towards a diagnosis such as traumatic SCI. Left with no option, healthcare professionals such as nurses, medical doctors, surgeons and therapists take responsibility of using their general counselling skills to provide some psychological support to persons with SCI, with variable outcomes. Training psychological aspects to healthcare providers at all levels and formal involvement of local social support groups...
2025-05-311h 20
SCI Care: What Really MattersImplementation of WHO:s Rehab 2030, Package of InterventionsSend us a textISCoS OT and PT SIGs SCI Pre Workshop Day“Implementation of WHO:s Rehab 2030, Package of Interventions”How do we implement available research into interventions in our daily work?Speaker details:Guillermo Gomez, Physiotherapist from Buenos Aires, Argentina and Johanna Wangdell OT, PhD. Department of Occupational therapy and Physiotherapy at Sahlgrenska University hospitalGothenburg SwedenCurrent Chairperson of the International Network of Spinal Cord Injury Physiotherapists (SCIPT) and the ISCoS Physiotherapists Special Interest Group.Current ALME – SLAP Vice c...
2025-05-3105 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersWhat Influences Quality of Life During Inpatient Rehabilitation Early After Spinal Cord Injury?Send us a textThe SCI Care: What Really Matters podcast aims to provide valuable insights and the most up-to-date information for those providing care to people with spinal cord injury (SCI) worldwide. The vision of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) is to "facilitate healthy and inclusive lives for people with spinal cord injury or dysfunction globally".The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedInThe SCI Care: What...
2025-04-1458 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersHow to Transfer from being a SCI patient to an Individual with SCISend us a textThe International Spinal Cord Society and Wellspect present a transformative discussion on changing care perspectives for individuals with spinal cord injuries, featuring leading medical experts Dr Charalampos Konstantinidis from the National Rehabilitation Centre and Dr Christina-Anastasia Rapidi from the General Hospital of Athens. Host Kristijan Kesinovic guides the conversation through critical aspects of rehabilitation and long-term wellbeing, with particular emphasis on bladder management during both acute and chronic phases.These experts share valuable insights on transitioning from initial care to long-term independence, including crucial discussions on sexual health and fertility options...
2025-01-2730 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersOptimal care of spina bifida during different stages of lifeSend us a textIn this episode, host Rima Kamal (Wellspect) explores the complexities of caring for children with spina bifida with Dr Fahad Alyami, Head of the Saudi Paediatric Urology Group and Associate Professor at King Faisal Specialty Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh. The discussion delves into the critical aspects of paediatric care for those with spina bifida, from early intervention to adolescent transition. Dr Alyami explains the importance of bladder management from birth, the challenges families face in daily care routines, and the crucial role of...
2024-11-2638 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersKnowledge Sharing is Caring: Improving quality of life for people with spina bifidaSend us a textIn this episode, released to coincide with World Spina Bifida Day, host Anders Tennby (Wellspect) explores the challenges and opportunities in improving life quality for those with spina bifida. Joined by experts Hanna Gabrielsson from Sweden and Pierre Mertens from Belgium, the discussion delves into the complexities of this congenital disorder. Gabrielsson, a registered nurse with a thesis on adults with spina bifida, explains the condition's medical aspects and the challenges individuals face, including the need for consistent self-care and the impact of cognitive impairments...
2024-10-2537 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersThe ISCoS 2024 Antwerp Annual Scientific MeetingSend us a textAs anticipation builds for the 63rd Annual Meeting of the International Spinal Cord Society, Professor Micheal Fehlings shares his excitement with Dr Stolwijk-Swuste, a Rehabilitation specialist and Associate Professor at De Hoogstraat Revalidatie. Our hosts invite the spinal cord community to this unique event, located in a charming and inspiring venue: A Room with a Zoo at Flanders Meeting & Convention Center, Antwerp.This 3 day event unites leading experts in spinal cord injury care and research to share groundbreaking advancements and innovative solutions in the pursuit of bettering the lives o...
2024-07-0804 min
SCI Care: What Really Matters2nd ISCoS International Regional Symposium : Sharing world knowledge for practical advancementsSend us a textThe Vison of ISCoS is to "facilitate healthy and inclusive lives for people with spinal cord injury or dysfunction globally". Partnership and collaboration is key in helping us to realise this vision. We are delighted that we have been able to partner with Wellspect to deliver, in addition to a number of webinars and podcasts, educational support for the ISCoS International Regional Symposia.In this webinar, the 2nd ISCoS International Regional Symposium - Sharing world knowledge for practical advancements will be discussed by the panel:Dr. R...
2024-06-2729 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersThe Future of the Journal: Spinal CordSend us a textWelcome to the future of Spinal Cord. In this episode, our hosts Dr. Fehlings and Professor Anthony S. Burns welcome us to a new era of ISCoS’s flagship journal, Spinal Cord. Conceptualised in 1963, Spinal Cord is a specialised, international journal that publishes peer-reviewed manuscripts, to showcase powerful medicinal insights and support those within the SCI community. Appearing monthly, both online and in print, Spinal Cord invites contributions on spinal cord anatomy, physiology, injury and associated disease management, and importantly, improving the quality of li...
2024-06-1709 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersWhat role does the nurse have for successful bladder and bowel management?Send us a textManaging bladder and bowel health is a critical, yet often overlooked aspect of patient care, especially for those with spinal cord injuries (SCI). In a recent podcast episode host, Tracey Tattam, a Nurse Educator at the Spinal Injuries Unit Queensland, Australia is joined by Josefin Oja, a nurse and urotherapist at the spinal cord injury department Umeå, Sweden and Maria Moschovou, a specialist rehabilitation nurse at the Linköping University Hospital Rehabilitation department. They discuss and explore factors important for being compliant with the therapy and long-term compliance, the possible barriers tha...
2024-05-3030 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersSCI Patient Perspectives: Life Before, During, and After Participation in SCI Clinical ResearchSend us a textIn this episode, guest host Dr Kimberley Monden explores the world of SCI clinical research and rehabilitation medicine, exploring patient perspectives and life before, during, and after participation in SCI clinical research with Dr Trumbower, an associate professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School and Director of the spinal cord injury division at Spalding Rehab Hospital, and the director of the Inspire Lab at Spaulding Rehab Hospital. We also have a participant, Arthur Holt, who will share his experience with Dr Trumbower of the ANEUVO E...
2024-04-2553 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersHow Women Can Support Their Bladder and Bowel Health from Youth to Later YearsSend us a textThis webinar, in partnership with Wellspect, aims to raise awareness of these issues. Originally recorded as a webinar, we decided to release it as a podcast as well. We hope you enjoy listening.This episode will cover bladder and bowel management during the different stages of a woman's life, overcoming barriers to break the taboo in discussing such issues, the challenges and risks of becoming a mother with a spinal cord injury and the importance of a good bladder and bowel routine will have on your self-confidence all leading to empowerment...
2024-03-2835 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersExploring Sexuality and Fertility After Spinal Cord Injury with Dr. Marcalee Alexander and Dr. Gianluca SampognaSend us a textThis episode follows on from our previous webinar "Exploring Sexual Dysfunction," hosted by Francescapaola Polli, Enterology Product Manager for Wellspect in Italy.Returning guests Dr Marcalee Alexander and Dr Gianluca Sampogna provide invaluable guidance on overcoming sexual challenges and achieving fulfilling sexual lives after spinal cord injury.From discussing the role of sex toys in enhancing pleasure to emphasising the importance of bladder and bowel management for sexual activity, Drs Alexander and Sampogna offer practical advice and explore misconceptions surrounding sexual function post-injury.Listeners will...
2024-02-1433 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersLittle Leaks to Big Wins: Paediatric Bladder and Bowel ManagementSend us a textIn this episode of the podcast, in partnership with Wellspect, host Lisa Beauchemin talks to her colleagues Katherine Fernandez and Dr Lawrence (Larry) Vogel about bladder and bowel management in paediatric spinal cord dysfunction.They discuss physical health alongside social health and lifestyle factors that need to be considered, especially when working with children and teenagers. Being a teenager is challenging enough without the disruption of incontinence. Ultimately, the team aims to help their patients achieve a high quality of life and strive for independence as early as possible....
2023-12-1926 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersInterview with SCI Grant recipient about the new work-care rehabilitation pathway for spinal cord patients in BangladeshSend us a textIn this bonus episode, we talk to an SCI grant recipient, Kamrunnaher Koly, from Bangladesh, about her work as a researcher, the new work-care rehabilitation pathway for spinal cord patients in Bangladesh, and how she found her first experience at the ISCoS conference.The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedInThe SCI Care: What Really Matters podcast aims to provide valuable insights and the most...
2023-12-1303 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersIn conversation with Julian Taylor and Kathy Zebracki on setting up the first-ever Paediatrics SIGSend us a textIn this bonus episode, we sit down for a conversation with Kathy Zebracki, a clinical psychologist from Shriners Children's, Chicago, and Julian Taylor from Toledo's National Paraplegic Hospital in Spain to learn all about the first-ever paediatric spinal cord injury Special Interest Group (SIG) for ISCoS.Kathy and Julian reveal their ambitions of gathering an international team of experts to focus on this niche medical field, emphasising the need for a multidisciplinary approach.The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual...
2023-12-1209 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersIn conversation with the Praxis team at ISCoS 2023Send us a textIn this bonus episode, we spoke with Bill Barrable, Vanessa Noonan, John Chernesky and Barry Monroe of Praxis as they discuss the 62nd ISCoS scientific meeting and the role of their organisation in setting best practices for managing spinal cord injury and rehabilitation. They also discuss the challenges and strategies of involving those with lived experience in planning and participation programs, particularly in regions with prevalent SCI. We hope you enjoy listening. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any ind...
2023-10-2708 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersIn conversation with SRI grantees Jacob Schoffl and Kiera TranterSend us a textIn this episode, Christine Hendry, CEO of the Spinal Research Institute, chats with two standout grant recipients for ISCoS 2023, Jacob Schoffl and Kiera Tranter to discuss their research. Jacob discusses research on the effects of spinal cord injury on autonomic and psychosocial health. Meanwhile, Kiera, a physiotherapist shares her invaluable insights on clinical practice guidelines. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedInThe SCI Care: Wha...
2023-10-1703 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersNavigating SCI Care in Conflict with ISCoS Disaster committee members, Eric Weertz and Geraldine JacqueminSend us a textIn this bonus episode, Eric Weertz and Geraldine Jacquemin discuss the work of the ISCOS Disaster Committee and the unique difficulties faced in conflict settings that they support, including developing the ISCoS SCI toolkit. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedInThe SCI Care: What Really Matters podcast aims to provide valuable insights and the most up-to-date information for those providing care to people with s...
2023-10-1708 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersIn conversation with Dr. Haleluya Moshi: Revolutionary Research in SCI CareSend us a textIn this episode, Spinal Research Institute CEO, Kristine Hendry interviews grant awardee Dr. Haleluya Moshi from Tanzania. Dr Moshi discusses his research on traumatic spinal cord injury in rural areas. Listen as he shares his experience at ISCoS 2023.The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedInThe SCI Care: What Really Matters podcast aims to provide valuable insights and the most up-to-date information for those providing c...
2023-10-1603 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersInterview with Nutrition SIG committeeSend us a textIn this episode, Dr Samford Wong, Chair of the newly formed nutrition special interest group, is joined by fellow group members Sharon Lee, Firas Sarhan and Hanne Bjorg Slettahjell as they discuss the plans and developments for this SIG. There will also be a Nutrition SIG workshop to be held in ISCoS 2024, more details to come. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedInThe SCI Care...
2023-10-1608 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersRobert Buren on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on the management of Neuropathic PainSend us a textIn this bonus episode, Kristine Hendry, CEO of The Spinal Research Institute, interviews Robert Buren, a researcher studying at the University of British Columbia, Canada and SRI grant awardee, on his research highlighting the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy in managing neuropathic pain and attending benefits of ISCoS 2023. The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedInThe SCI Care: What Really Matters podcast aims to provide v...
2023-10-1606 min
SCI Care: What Really MattersCandice Care-Unger on attending the pre-conference Psychosocial daySend us a textIn this episode, Candice Care-Unger is a renowned psychosexual therapist and specialist social worker from Sydney. Candice shares her insights on attending the pre-conference psychosocial day.The opinions of our host and guests are their own; ISCoS does not endorse any individual viewpoints, given products or companies. You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedInThe SCI Care: What Really Matters podcast aims to provide valuable insights and the most up-to-date information for those providing care to people with spinal cord injury (SCI) worldwide. The vision of t...
2023-10-1602 min