Open Book with Anthony Scaramucci

#1 Brain Surgeon: The Secrets to Saving a Child’s Life — What Every Parent Needs to Know Today

Nov 20, 2025
David I. Sandberg, a leading pediatric neurosurgeon, shares his journey in the field and the emotional toll of operating on children. He discusses how parenthood deepens his empathy, influencing his approach with families. Sandberg reflects on global health missions that shaped his priorities, emphasizing the need for compassion in medicine. He offers crucial safety advice for protecting children from brain injuries and recounts the heart-wrenching moments of delivering bad news. His insights bridge the intersection of medicine, emotion, and mentorship.
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INSIGHT

Humanity Matters In Surgery

  • Neurosurgery requires both technical precision and emotional openness to serve families well.
  • David I. Sandberg argues that showing vulnerability builds trust and connection with parents.
ANECDOTE

Operating Room As Fourth Quarter

  • In trauma cases Sandberg describes an adrenaline-fueled focus like being the quarterback in the fourth quarter.
  • He feels exhilaration when removing a clot and then hopes the child wakes up as expected.
ANECDOTE

Surgery In Resource-Poor Countries

  • Sandberg has done ~20 trips to low- and middle-income countries, often witnessing children die from treatable conditions.
  • Those experiences deepened his gratitude for available resources and highlighted global inequity.
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