Moderators: F. Todd Wetzel, MD; William C. Watters III, MD
The history and institutional memory of any viable, worthwhile organization is valuable. The growth and development of NASS from modest beginnings to an inclusive, influential multidisciplinary and multifaceted society is a rich and engrossing history, in which many ways is the history of the development of contemporary spine care, research, education, and advocacy. The role of leadership in such a journey is difficult to overestimate. As such, the concept of this symposium was born, so that we, as a society can continue to draw on the experience and insight of past leaders not only to appreciate the storied history of NASS but to gain invaluable guidance for the present and future.
Upon completion of this session, participants should gain strategies to:
- Become more aware of the “how and why” of the development of NASS into the preeminent spine society;
- Evaluate the role of NASS leadership in forming contemporary spinal care;
- Consider how to further contribute to NASS and contemporary spinal care.
Agenda
Introduction
F. Todd Wetzel, MD
Opening Remarks
William C. Watters, III, MD
Past Presidents Panel Session to Address Below Questions:
- How has spinal care changed during the panel’s career?
- Has spine research made a difference in patient care? Aren't we still often placing major emphasis on who and how to fuse?
- Has the evolution of NASS from a strictly surgical society into a multispecialty society improved or diminished its value to its membership and in improving spinal care?
- With technological improvements in communications such as webinars and interactive video conferencing, do large meetings such as this one still serve a purpose for NASS membership?
- Spinal care, especially interventional and surgical care, have been criticized for a striking increase in cost of this care with little improvements in objective outcomes. What role does industry and industry/physician relationships play in driving this increased cost?
- A professional society (such as NASS) is frequently defined as a “nonprofit organization seeking to further a particular profession, the interests of individuals engaged in that profession and the public interest” How do you see NASS fulfilling each of these requirements of a professional society?
- On a more personal note, each of the panel members around mid-career has chosen a very different pathway beyond simple continued patient care. For each of you, what is that pathway, what motivated you and are you happy with this choice?
- Audience Q&A
Moderator: William C. Watters, III, MD
Panelists:
Ray M. Baker, MD
Gregory J. Przybylski, MD
David A. Wong, MD, MSc, FRCS