CANM Education
As the only professional association representing IONM professionals in Canada, our mission is to promote the field of IONM and foster the development of the profession through education so as to provide optimum patient care. To accomplish this mandate, CANM has enacted a comprehensive educational initiative to better serve the needs of present and future IONM professionals, as well as those of the providers and patients in the Canadian healthcare system.
Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) Graduate Certificate Program
FACT SHEET
Who are we?
The Canadian Association of Neurophysiological Monitoring (CANM) is a national association of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) professionals.
How did we begin?
In 2007, a group of IONM professionals in the Toronto area began planning a gathering of Canadians interested in IONM. At this inaugural scientific symposium in 2008, the concept of a national association was overwhelmingly approved and CANM was officially launched.
Our Mission
To promote the field of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and foster the development of the profession through education and certification, so as to provide optimum patient care.
Our Vision
To be recognized as the united voice for the profession of neurophysiological monitoring in Canada.
What is IONM?
An established field of allied healthcare dedicated to protecting the nervous system function of patients undergoing high-risk surgery. Surgeons utilize IONM to help guide surgical decision-making during procedures such as scoliosis correction, spine surgery, epilepsy surgery, brain, and spinal cord tumors. IONM professionals work in close collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other operating room staff.
How does it work?
IONM professionals utilize a variety of tests, including motor evoked potentials (MEP), somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP), electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG) and more, to assess the functional status of the patients nervous system throughout the surgical procedure while the patient is under anesthesia. The feedback received from the IONM professional can assist in preventing devastating outcomes, such as paralysis.
Who performs IONM?
Currently, Canada has a core group of highly qualified IONM professionals coming from a range of professional and educational backgrounds.