Bernard Cohen, PhD
What first brought you to NASS, and what do you remember about the early years?
I have been a progenitor of neuromonitoring dating back to 1973. Most of our earliest cases were for Scoliosis but occasionally other spine cases.
What was spine care like when you entered the field and how did it evolve throughout your career?
Difficult at best. Mostly pediatric cases were done.
Who were some of the people who shaped your experience in NASS?
Bernie Huizenga, MD
Looking back, what was one of the biggest challenges the spine field faced during your active years, and how was it addressed?
Reimbursement for appropriate services. Insurance companies have taken over patient care.
What did you learn from patients that changed how you approached your work or saw your role in the field?
Empathy for patient care and concern for their pain is paramount.
What do you see as the most important challenge or opportunity facing the future of spine care?
Insurance companies.
What emerging innovations do you think will have the most impact on patient care?
Minimally invasive procedures.
In your view, what role should professional societies like NASS play in shaping the future of medicine?
Max! We have power with numbers.
What would you most like to be remembered for in your career?
One who originated many neuromonitoring services.