Hoon Choi, MD, PhD
What motivated you to get involved with NASS early in your career?
Largest spine society in the world!
What do you see as the most exciting developments in spine care today?
Multidisciplinary approach. Technological advancements. We understand more, we can do more with less collateral damage through smaller incisions.
What is the biggest challenge facing early-career spine professionals in 2025?
Insurance companies. Health system challenges.
How do you think the role of technology (AI, robotics, wearables, etc.) will shape the future of spine care?
Education with less adverse impact on safety.
What advice would you give a spine care provider just starting out in 2065?
Learn from the past. Learn from others. Learn from your mistakes. Patient always comes first. It is an honor and a privilege to be doing what we get to do.
What do you wish had been different about your training? What do you hope training looks like for 2065 providers?
More education on various extrinsic factors that affect spine practice such as insurance, hospital systems and AI.
What values or principles do you hope will continue to guide NASS over the next 40 years?
Patient comes first.
How has membership in NASS impacted your career so far?
Interdisciplinary networking.
What's one thing about spine practice in 2025 that you think will surprise physicians in 2065?
AI is just emerging!
If you could leave a one-sentence message for your future colleagues, what would it be?
Patients put their trust in us - it is an honor to be a physician!