Luiz Vialle, MD
What first brought you to NASS, and what do you remember about the early years?
I was attracted by a multidisciplinary society, which could clarify the doubts that exist in the world of the spine.
Can you share your favorite NASS memory?
The meeting in Curitiba, Brazil (my city), which brought together some of the past presidents of NASS: Tom Mayer, Casey Lee, JJ Abitbol, Bruce Northrup. Protocols for the relationship between NASS and Brazilian Spine Society were discussed.
What was spine care like when you entered the field and how did it evolve throughout your career?
There were only a few preliminary concepts about conducts to be taken. And there were no implants to solve most spinal problems.
Was there a particular project, committee, or initiative you were proud to be a part of? What made it memorable?
I was a member of the International Committee on Education. Also, together with John Kostuik, and representing the Brazilian Spine Society, we organized two combined meetings, one in Miami and one in New York.
Who were some of the people who shaped your experience in NASS?
Some of the past presidents, especially Steve Garfin. But also Rick Gayer and John Kostuik.
What did it feel like to be a part of building NASS into what it is today?
The sense of having collaborated in the dissemination of modern diagnostics and methods to help young doctors to deal with spine. In special in Brazil.
Looking back, what was one of the biggest challenges the spine field faced during your active years, and how was it addressed?
The biggest challenges, which exist to this day, are to guide young doctors to carefully interpret new technologies, some of which have not yet been proven.
If you could preserve one lesson or philosophy for future generations of spine care providers, what would it be?
Emphasizing the origins of medicine: patients first!
What does "service to the profession" mean to you, and how did you try to live that out?
From Latin: Primum non nocere (do not harm). I tried to live following it. I practiced and I have taught resident students and fellows to follow this policy.
In your view, what role should professional societies like NASS play in shaping the future of medicine?
Continue to create Guidelines and opportunities to share opinions through congresses and courses.
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 were dedicated to learn and teach spine topics for the benefit of patients.
What do you believe is NASS' greatest legacy to the field, and what do you hope future members carry forward?
Centralized forum for spine care
If someone in 2065 is reading this and just starting their career in spine, what do you want them to know?
Be aware of innovations through continuing medical education. Remember: primum non nocere!