Joseph Canderlario

Joseph Canderlario is an inspiring Nurse Specialist in Surgical Movement Disorders - Deep Brain Stimulation and supports the full patient journey at University College of London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

He studied our MSc in Nursing at City and credits the Masters programme in growing his professional specialist career. Joseph continues to further his contribution to DBS by fulfilling nurse-led research in his area of expertise.

Where and when did you achieve your first registration and what further training or education have you done?

I trained as nurse in the Philippines - I then graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

What is your current job title and what does it involve?

My current job title is a Nurse Specialist in Surgical Movement Disorders - Deep Brain Stimulation. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) nurses’ role is central throughout the patient journey, from the assessment and selection of patients for DBS, all the way throughout the surgery.

Furthermore, their role extends to the life-long care required for DBS implanted patients, by providing support for patients, carers and family. DBS nurses are advanced expert practitioners with specialized skills and knowledge in DBS nursing care.

Who and where are your clients/patients?

Our patients have movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dystonia and tremors. As a specialist tertiary hospital, our referrals are from around UK.

The DBS nurses service runs regular face to face clinics and, as an independent practitioner, part of my role is to manage in-patient pre-op, post-op and follow up DBS nursing care for DBS patients. We also provide telephone and email advice and consultations.

Do you work full time, part time and any particular pattern of hours?

I work full time hours.

What are the best things about your job?

The best thing about my job is that I love my day to day interaction with my patients. It is so rewarding to see the difference it makes for patients after the surgery. I also enjoy the part where I can collaborate in research projects in Neuromodulation and DBS.

Do you have any thoughts about your future career?

I am currently liaising with the Trust regarding developing my role as nurse consultant. I am also currently working in developing a standard competency for DBS nurses as part of my role in the DBS Nurses Association (DBSNA). I would like to work more on nurse-led research in my speciality.