STEIN Fireside Podcast: Modeling the Brain: Deep Brain Stimulation with Cameron McIntyre S1-E9

In this episode of the STEIN Fireside Podcast, hosts Bryan Klassen and Kai Miller sit down with Cameron McIntyre, a pioneer in deep brain stimulation (DBS) modeling and neural engineering. McIntyre reflects on his path from fundamental electric field physics to becoming a leader in clinically relevant DBS modeling, including the development of patient specific stimulation models and the widely used concept of the Volume of Tissue Activated (VTA). He discusses the strengths—and limitations—of current clinical models, emphasizing why useful models don’t have to be perfect to meaningfully improve patient care.The conversation explores emerging frontiers in DBS, including: • Moving beyond simple stimulation volumes toward circuit and pathway specific targeting • How temporal patterning, frequency, and stimulation trains may shape neural activity • The role of AI in navigating DBS’s massive parameter space • Bridging engineering rigor with real world clinical practice • Why understanding neural biophysics is essential for the next generation of neuromodulation The episode also offers a personal look at Dr. McIntyre’s career, mentoring philosophy, and life outside the lab—including his passion for auto racing—highlighting the human side of a scientist shaping the future of neuromodulation. 0:00 – Welcome to the STEIN Fireside Podcast 1:10 – Introducing Dr. Cameron McIntyre 2:05 – From Electric Field Physics to DBS 3:20 – Early Days of Deep Brain Stimulation 4:45 – Building the First DBS Field Models 6:00 – What Is Volume of Tissue Activated (VTA)? 7:30 – Clinical vs Scientific DBS Models 9:10 – Directional Leads and Current Steering 10:45 – White Matter, Axons, and Side Effects 12:30 – Glial Encapsulation and Impedance 14:00 – Limits of Today’s Clinical Programming 15:15 – Rethinking DBS Frequency and Patterns 16:45 – Temporal Patterning vs Spatial Stimulation 18:15 – Can DBS Select Specific Cell Types? 20:00 – Learning the Brain’s Language 21:45 – From Modeling Tissue to Mapping Circuits 23:30 – Training the Next Generation of Neural Engineers 26:00 – Life Outside the Lab: Racing Cars 30:30 – The Future of DBS, AI, and Brain Circuits From Mayo Clinic to your inbox (free): https://mayocl.in/3e71zfi Visit Mayo Clinic: https://mayocl.in/2COVmlm Connect with Mayo Clinic: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayoclinic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayoclinic X: https://x.com/MayoClinic Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mayoclinic