At Lucens, we believe that every medical professional has a unique story worth sharing. Our "Behind the Scrubs" series pulls back the curtain on the diverse journeys of remarkable individuals in healthcare. Through candid interviews, we explore the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that shape careers in medicine.
These stories embody the Lucens philosophy: there's no one "right" way to build a fulfilling medical career. By showcasing various paths, we aim to inspire, guide, and connect the next generation of practitioners. Whether you're a student, resident, or established professional, these insights offer valuable lessons and fresh perspectives on the ever-evolving world of medicine.
The work of Nina Bradley DO as a telespecialist neurologist reflects the changing landscape of modern medicine. From her early exposure to healthcare through her physician parents to her current role providing remote neurological care across 47 states, Nina offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of telemedicine, as well as the realities of balancing a medical career with family life.
When did the world of medicine first enter your life?
For me, medicine was always there. My mother was a doctor in internal medicine, and my biological father was a surgeon. But the reality of wanting to do this myself hit when I was 17. I had bilateral optic neuritis from mono, and I was started being tested for MS, West Nile, Lyme’s disease… everything you could imagine.
Before that, I actually wanted to go into psychology. But when I was in the hospital, surrounded by all these different doctors - neurologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, infectious disease doctors - I was exposed to lots of different specialties and settings. That's when I realized what my parents actually did and where they worked. The doctors and nurses weren’t saying, "You're going to be blind for the rest of your life.". Instead, they were optimistic and helped me believe I could improve and get my vision back. That experience really showed me the impact doctors can have.
When did you decide to pursue medicine as a career?
After my experience with optic neuritis, I started thinking about medicine more seriously. But my path wasn't straightforward. I actually got my PhD in neuroscience first, focusing on stroke research. I wanted to do clinical research - I liked writing, researching, and communicating with other scientists. But a couple of experiences pushed me towards becoming a doctor.
One was learning the truth about my aunt, who was a psychiatrist. I'd thought she committed suicide by jumping off the building where she worked, which made me hesitant about becoming a physician. But later, I found out she was actually pushed. It wasn't stress or her mind that caused it.
The second push came after I finished my PhD. I was engaged to a guy in computer science, and he fell off a cliff, several hundred feet. He had a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for about two weeks. During that time, I met the neurosurgeon, the neurologist, the pulmonary doctor - I was exposed to all of that again. He recovered about 90%, but had some personality changes due to the frontal lobe injury.
These experiences made me think, "If I could do something about this, I have the chance. Why don't I?" That's when I decided to go to medical school.
What does your work look like now?
Today, I work as a telespecialist neurologist. I'm on video for 12-hour shifts, and I connect with 47 states to see patients in emergency rooms and hospitals. I mainly see emergency cases - stroke patients, seizure patients, migraine patients. If an emergency room doctor wants a stat consult, or any of the doctors in the hospital want a stat consult, we're on call.
Our schedule is usually 12-hour shifts, typically during the day, but I also do night shifts. It's basically zooming in to see neurology patients in the emergency room or the hospital. I'm always remote, always from home. We typically work about 15 days a month, including two weekends and at least three night shifts.
One of the great things about teleneurology is that I can see more patients and help more patients than I would if I were in a hospital running around by myself. I can get on camera within four minutes of when a seizing patient or a stroke patient comes in. I see the scans and can make decisions quickly about treatments.
But it's not without its challenges. You don't move much - I'm stuck to my chair. I've had to adapt by using a desk that rises up and down, and I'm planning on getting a walking treadmill. The lighting has to be particular because there's a difference if you're on in day and night. And sometimes, it can be tough convincing patients that yes, we're working with your emergency room doctor in the same way as if we were there in person.
What's next in telehealth for neurology?
We're working on expanding beyond emergency rooms and hospitals into outpatient practices. This could be a game-changer for patients with transportation issues or disabilities, like those with MS. Imagine being able to assess a Parkinson's patient's tremor or gait remotely, or handle a migraine emergency without the patient needing to come to the ER.
We're also looking at getting involved earlier in the care process, potentially integrating with EMS. There are efforts to set up cameras in ambulances so we could be involved right away in emergencies like strokes or seizures. Some ambulances are even being equipped with CAT scans and ultrasounds. This could dramatically speed up treatment decisions and improve outcomes.
What makes neurology unique as a specialty?
Neurology requires a unique blend of compassion, empathy, and abstract thinking. We're dealing with the brain - this complex organ that you can't directly see or manipulate like other body parts. There's always more to learn and discover.
Unlike many specialties, neurological conditions are often chronic. We can't always "fix" things, but we can improve a person's quality of life. And it's not just about the patient - family members play a crucial role.
So we always want to hear from family members. With conditions like dementia, you have to hear from the patient's family about what their baseline was. Like, "He was a nuclear physicist, but now he can't tinker with his little cars like he used to." To most people, that might not seem significant, but for that patient, it's a big change.
It's an interesting middle ground between a lot of specialties, which is what makes it so fascinating to me.
How do you balance being a parent and a physician?
If I could do it over, I would have had kids younger. There's never a perfect time to have children, especially in medicine. You're always going to face challenges, but I think it's easier to keep up with kids when you're younger.
As a female doctor with kids, there's always worry about managing everything. But somehow, you figure it out. It's like learning in medical school - you adapt and prioritize. I think being a parent actually helps you be a better doctor, although it might make you overthink every little thing with your own kids!
The key is to remember that everything is always changing. The challenges you face with a newborn are different from those with a toddler or a teenager. If you can get through med school, MCATs, and residency, you can get through parenting.
One crucial lesson I've learned is the importance of self-care. It's easy to burn out trying to take care of everyone else. You have to prioritize your own health - eating well, sleeping enough, exercising. You can't take care of others if you're not taking care of yourself first.
