Brian Hoeflinger, MD
Join 24,000+ readers of my free weekly newsletter, where I use my 25 years of experience as a board-certified neurosurgeon to simplify the complex world of medicine, health, and fitness. Plus, get unique insights into my life and work as a neurosurgeon and passionate advocate against drunk driving.
What It Means to Be a “Carrier” of a Genetic Disease
What It Means to Be a “Carrier” of a Genetic Disease By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD May 11, 2025 | #46 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which organelle contains its own DNA and is inherited exclusively from the mother? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Mitochondria B) Nucleus C) Ribosome D) Endoplasmic reticulum Genetic Mutations and Inheritance A genetic mutation is a change in the sequence of your...
A Story of Extraordinary Courage
A Story of Extraordinary Courage By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD May 5, 2025 | #45 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week What is the most common site of distant metastasis in prostate cancer? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Liver B) Lung C) Brain D) Bone Quality vs Quantity of Life Today’s newsletter will be one of my most important newsletters that you can read. It is about courage. And it’s not the...
TO THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2025
TO THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2025 By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD April 27, 2025 | #43 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. The following is an article I wrote in our local newspaper a few months after my son died in 2013 in the hopes of spreading awareness about drunk driving and keeping young people safe, especially during Prom season. I like to share it again every year because it remains just as important. Please share it with your children, your...
Understanding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - "Lou Gehrig's Disease"
Understanding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD April 13, 2025 | #42 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which part of the nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Autonomic Nervous System B) Central Nervous System C) Peripheral Nervous System D) Somatic Nervous System What is ALS? Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS),...
The Different Types of Neurosurgeons & Revisiting my Neurosurgery Training Program
The Different Types of Neurosurgeons & Revisiting my Neurosurgery Training Program By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD April 8, 2025 | #41 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Although the human brain makes up only about 2% of the body’s weight, it consumes a disproportionate amount of the body’s energy. What percentage of the body’s total energy does it typically use? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) 10%...
To My Younger Self
Note to My Younger Self By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 30, 2025 | #40 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. These are the most important things I've learned in life that I would share with my younger self if I could. Parents won’t always be there. Money and stature don’t buy happiness. Tomorrow is not promised. Make the most of today. Spend a good part of your life helping others and see how life rewards you in return. You can’t control what...
How to Build a Healthier Brain: Daily Habits That Make a Difference
How to Build a Healthier Brain: Daily Habits That Make a Difference By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 23, 2025 | #39 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week What neurotransmitter, often referred to as the “learning chemical,” increases with mental stimulation and novelty? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Serotonin B) Acetylcholine C) GABA D) Melatonin Building a Healthier Brain Brain health is no less...
How Coffee Affects Your Brain
Your Brain on Coffee By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 16, 2025 | #38 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which organ is primarily responsible for metabolizing caffeine? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Brain B) Kidneys C) Stomach D) Liver Coffee, Caffeine, & Your Brain What is it about coffee that leaves you dreaming about that first cup in the morning? Is it the tantalizing aroma, the bold taste,...
The Heartbreaking Reality of Losing a Child: My Perspective as a Neurosurgeon & Father
The Heartbreaking Reality of Losing a Child By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 9, 2025 | #37 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which imaging modality is considered the gold standard for diagnosing acute intracranial hemorrhage following head trauma? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Non-contrast CT scan B) Ultrasound C) MRI D) PET scan Bearing the Weight of Loss As a neurosurgeon, one of the most...
Making Difficult Decisions & The Art of Medicine
Making Difficult Decisions & The Art of Medicine By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 2, 2025 | #36 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which vitamin is ascorbic acid? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Vitamin A B) Vitamin E C) Vitamin C D) Vitamin D The Art of Medicine I have spent many sleepless nights wondering if my capabilities as a brain and spine surgeon outweigh a patient’s right to choose...
Join 24,000+ readers of my free weekly newsletter, where I use my 25 years of experience as a board-certified neurosurgeon to simplify the complex world of medicine, health, and fitness. Plus, get unique insights into my life and work as a neurosurgeon and passionate advocate against drunk driving.