08.17.2007

Kennewick, WA, August 17, 2007 – Cadwell Laboratories’ Neuromonitoring Product Manager Ky Calder was elected to The American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring (ASNM) board of directors for the 2007-2008 term.

The ASNM benefits patients by fostering the growth and stature of neurophysiological monitoring, representing and serving as advocates within the medical community on behalf of members, providing a forum for education and dissemination of knowledge in the field, developing quality standards for practice and training, promoting the highest standards of neurophysiological monitoring through research, and building partnerships and coalitions with allied professionals, according to the ASNM Mission found at www.ASNM.org.

The Society’s vision is to serve “as the leading organization for the field of interventional neurophysiological assessment and monitoring,” according to www.ASNM.org. Founded in 1990, the Society promotes the interests of neurophysiological monitoring, defined as “any measure that is used to assess the functional integrity of the peripheral or central nervous system either in the operating room, the intensive care unit, or other acute care setting.”

“Quality neuromonitoring can prevent permanent and catastrophic damage to a patient’s brain and spine during so many types of surgery. Despite this, there are many surgeries that are not monitored, resulting in too many catastrophic and life-altering outcomes,” Calder said. “I hope my time on the board will help improve the overall quality of care and improve patients’ lives.” At Cadwell, Calder’s role allows him to “communicate and collaborate with thought leaders and caregivers around the world to keep up with the changing landscape of neuromonitoring and the changing needs of neuromonitoring professionals,” he said.

Calder’s experience at Cadwell, as well as eight years of direct patient care, and directing a small monitoring company, and personal experience has allowed Calder to develop “a broad base of clinical knowledge and a thorough understanding of the field of neuromonitoring.” Calder has also presented scientific lectures, was a member and vice president of the Texas Society of END Technologists, and provided neuromonitoring for children in Africa and in the Caribbean through the volunteer group Foundation for Orthopedics and Complex Spine. Calder earned a Masters from the University of Texas at Austin.

Society President Mark Stecker, M.D., Ph.D. notified Calder of his acceptance. The Society’s executive committee, board members and officers each serve a one-year term, and are elected by the current society members. For the year 2006-2007, only 12 individuals comprised the ASNM board members and officers. “It is an honor to be elected to serve with such a distinguished group of individuals,” Calder said. Calder’s term began May 5, after the ASNM’s business meeting in Chicago.

Cadwell’s Cascade and the up-coming Cascade Elite are intra-operative monitoring systems for evoked potential, transcranial electrical motor evoked potential, EMG and EEG signals. Intra-operative monitoring is a means of reducing the risk of permanent injury to neural structures by monitoring and testing muscles, nerves and brain activity during surgical procedures. 

Cadwell Laboratories was conceived by John Cadwell, BSEE, MD, and his brother Carl Cadwell, DDS, in John’s Seattle basement in 1979. The company moved to Kennewick in 1980, and has spent nearly 30 years developing, manufacturing and distributing advanced neurodiagnostic and monitoring instruments across the world.

For more information about The American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring, call 800.479.7979 or visit their website at www.ASNM.org. For more information about Cadwell Laboratories, call 509.735.6481 or visit www.Cadwell.com.

Ky Calder graduated the MSSTC Program in 2003.