Ken Blank, PhD, MS, MHA
What motivated you to get involved with NASS early in your career?
My interest in spine goes way back to when I was 19 and injured myself. I have since been driven to solve the motion preservation problem with spine implants.
What do you see as the most exciting developments in spine care today?
Artificial Disc Replacement Technology
What is the biggest challenge facing early-career spine professionals in 2025?
Finding a job and student loan debt is far more challenging and burdensome than earlier generations.
How do you think the role of technology (AI, robotics, wearables, etc.) will shape the future of spine care?
It is going to keep changing everything and never go away. Time to adapt.
What advice would you give a spine care provider just starting out in 2065?
Stay in your lane.
How has membership in NASS impacted your career so far?
The innovations meeting was the best event I have been to in 10 years. The networking and the collaboration are wonderful.
What's one thing about spine practice in 2025 that you think will surprise physicians in 2065?
I think surgery will go away by then.
If you could leave a one-sentence message for your future colleagues, what would it be?
Remember, all spine scientists are just as important as spine physicians; use their knowledge wisely.