important that we create a diverse environment open to all our medical and scientific colleagues .”
Deer says he has been blessed by his peers in the medical field . As the recipient of numerous awards and board selections , he is most proud of the Career Achievement Award from Thomas Health . Deer is also an award-winning triathlete who has participated in numerous marathons , including the Boston Marathon ; ultramarathons ; and Ironman competitions and has been named Male Triathlete of the Year for West Virginia by the Aero Hills Triathlon Club .
“ Coincidentally , in 2019 I worked with Ironman to co-found a charity called IRONAID to help those with medical needs in the U . S . and worldwide ,” he says . “ Since the coronavirus pandemic started , IRONAID has proven to be the main point of fundraising for many needing help in communities around the globe , including personal protective equipment , food for the elderly who are quarantining ,
medical equipment and health care clinics in poor areas .”
Deer is currently working on new devices to treat nerve injuries related to chemotherapy and diabetic neuropathy . He is also leading an international study to help reduce the energy requirements of spinal cord stimulation , which could reduce costs and increase access for developing countries . As a young man , he was influenced by his uncle and fellow West Virginian James Cottrell , M . D ., who became a leader in the field in neuroanesthesia in New York City . However , Deer didn ’ t have any big city dreams .
“ I am the son and grandson of coal miners , so you may say I have West Virginia in my blood ,” he says . “ My wife , Melissa , and I have been blessed to raise a great family here and be surrounded by our parents . In addition , once a Mountaineer always a Mountaineer . I can ’ t imagine living anywhere else that would have the beauty of the land and the people .” •
Treating Chronic Pain Without Opioids
According to Timothy Deer , M . D ., president and CEO of The Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias , there is still a lot of work to do collectively to fight the opioid crisis in West Virginia . Deer has been involved in the development of several therapies that studies have shown to reduce or eliminate the need for opioids and other addictive substances , and The Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias offers a range of treatments for chronic pain , including epidural steroid injections , intrathecal pumps and radiofrequency ablation .
Deer is currently working on several new devices to treat nerve injury related to chemotherapy and diabetic neuropathy and leading an international study to reduce the energy requirements of spinal cord stimulation , which he is hopeful will reduce costs and potentially increase access for developing nations .
At The Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias , Deer treats thousands of patients with chronic pain . In his work , he has been fortunate to work on several projects and watch them grow from ideas to FDA approved treatments .
“ I have been able to work with a great team of physicians , advanced practice providers , nurses and others to deliver the newest of advances to our patients ,” he says . “ We have been involved in many FDA pivotal studies for new devices , and working closely with Dr . Christopher Kim , we have offered the first in human implants for several treatments that have become internationally standard of practice . I am proud we have led the world in new technology and have been on a par with institutions like Stanford , Harvard , Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic when new studies are offered to patients .”
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