Dr. DJ Cook is a Neurosurgeon at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at Queen’s University. In 2018, he was named Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and recognized for his work in developing minimally invasive surgical procedures for complex brain disorders and for his innovative research focusing on therapy and treatments to enhance recovery for patients who have suffered a stroke. His Translational Stroke Research Lab has received funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation. In his spare time, he runs Otter Creek Farms where he incorporates a scientific approach to raising Japanese wagyu cattle. 

In this episode, Dr. Cook discusses what happens to the brain after a stroke and the treatments and strategies for recovery. He also describes the interdisciplinary components of this field of research and how his lab focuses on the brain’s response to injury and the changes in its process of recovery through such methods as multimodal MRI. Dr. Cook also discusses his work with elite athletes as his research helps them overcome neurological shortcomings through training of the brain. 

Please visit the School of Medicine for more information about Dr. Cook's research.