David Cavanaugh, MD
What first brought you to NASS, and what do you remember about the early years?
As a neurosurgeon, I was involved with the AANS and CNS. Volker Sonntag encouraged neurosurgeons to become more involved in spinal fusion procedures. I joined a fellowship-trained orthopedic spinal surgeon and the collaboration was mutually beneficial and provided better care to our patients. At this time I joined NASS.
Can you share your favorite NASS memory?
I enjoyed the first meeting I attended in Seattle. I also presented at the World Spine Society Meeting in Rio when NASS was involved with the WSS.
What was spine care like when you entered the field and how did it evolve throughout your career?
I entered practice in 1987. I saw cervical spine instrumentation evolve as was active in that. CD rods were just available. I later became involved in lumbar instrumentation.
Looking back, what was one of the biggest challenges the spine field faced during your active years, and how was it addressed?
It was difficult for neurosurgeons to break in to the lumbar fusion/instrumentation field.
If you could preserve one lesson or philosophy for future generations of spine care providers, what would it be?
Cooperation over competition provides better patient care.
What did you learn from patients that changed how you approached your work or saw your role in the field?
Patients don't care if you work together or not, they just want the best result.
What does "service to the profession" mean to you, and how did you try to live that out?
Our motto from San Antonio was "Honor the tradition, serve the sick, and advance the field." I feel that says it all.
What's one hope you have for the spine community 40 years from now?
I hope we continue to make similar advances as we have over the past 40 years.
What would you most like to be remembered for in your career?
For my patients to feel I was compassionate.
If someone finds your message in this time capsule decades from now, what would you want them to know about the people who built NASS?
They worked to "Advance the field."
What has being part of NASS meant to you personally?
Expanded my field of view from just neurosurgery
What do you believe is NASS' greatest legacy to the field, and what do you hope future members carry forward?
Advance the field.
If someone in 2065 is reading this and just starting their career in spine, what do you want them to know?
Be compassionate and listen to your patients.