STEIN Fireside Podcast: Dr. Jeffrey Raskin on Advancing Pediatric Pain Surgery and Neuromodulation, S1-Ep15 In this episode of the STEIN Fireside Podcast,

Drs. Klassen and Miller sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Raskin, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and pediatric neurosurgeon at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

Dr. Raskin shares his journey from Las Vegas to becoming a leader in pediatric neurosurgery, epilepsy surgery, and pediatric pain neuromodulation. The conversation explores how chronic pain affects children differently than adults, the challenges of developing evidence-based therapies for pediatric patients, and the growing role of spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, pain pumps, and other neuromodulation technologies.

They also discuss multidisciplinary pain care, barriers to insurance approval for pediatric therapies, the future of brain and spinal stimulation for pain management, and the emotional realities of caring for children with complex neurological conditions. Whether you're interested in pediatric neurosurgery, functional neurosurgery, epilepsy, pain medicine, or medical innovation, this episode offers a fascinating look into a rapidly evolving field. Subscribe for more conversations with leading neurosurgeons, scientists, and innovators.

00:00 Introduction & Meet Dr. Jeffrey Raskin
01:00 Growing Up in Las Vegas & Finding Neurosurgery
03:00 Why Pediatric Neurosurgery? 04:45 A London Love Story
06:30 Discovering Neuromodulation & Pain Surgery
08:45 Building Programs in Indiana and Chicago
11:15 Transitioning Children to Adult Neurosurgical Care
13:05 Understanding Chronic Pain in Children
18:05 How Pain Evolves Through Childhood and Adolescence
20:15 The Multidisciplinary Approach to Pediatric Pain
21:40 The Pain Treatment Ladder: From Medication to Surgery
23:15 Neuromodulation vs Ablative Procedures
26:15 Insurance Challenges and Pediatric Device App