During the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Annual Meeting, University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery Charles A. and Patsy W. Collat Endowed Professor of Neurosurgery Mark Hadley, M.D., delivered a lecture emphasizing the necessity of ethics, patient-centric care and professional integrity in neurosurgery.

His talk, titled, “Conduct, Professionalism, Relationships and the Medical-Legal Arena,” highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards of ethical conduct while prioritizing patient well-being.

Hadley stressed that effective neurosurgical care is not solely about treating a condition or disease; rather, it involves understanding and treating the patient as a whole. He illustrated the philosophy of patient-centric care that guides his practice, noting that a good doctor treats the disease, while a great physician treats the patient with the disease.

One of the key themes in Hadley's talk was the importance of building strong, trusting physician-patient relationships. He discussed how empathy, respect and open communication are critical elements in forming these bonds. According to Hadley, it is the responsibility of neurosurgeons to ensure that their patients feel understood, respected and involved in their care decisions. This, in turn, can lead to better outcomes and patient satisfaction.

In addressing the reality of surgical complications, Hadley spoke about the need for transparency and accountability. He emphasized that if complications arise, the manner in which they are handled—through honesty and timely communication—can significantly impact the patient’s trust and the physician’s integrity.

By combining a focus on technical expertise with a compassionate and patient-first approach, Hadley shared how neurosurgeons can uphold the highest ethical standards while also delivering exceptional care.