Philip Maurer, MD
What first brought you to NASS, and what do you remember about the early years?
As probably one of a hand-full of early members both as an anesthesiologist, interventional pain, and associate of a university orthopedic department, I was interested in novel technology for minimal invasive spine procedures/surgery and the direction of comprehensive spine care. I got to present papers and had posters representing independent and collaborative multi-center studies. I made many contacts and developed friendships with both domestic and international physicians, company executives, investors, and entrepreneurs advancing spine care for patients. the early years allowed us closer relationships and collegial relationships advancing many interdisciplinary approaches and development of novel procedures often with NASS meeting beginnings.
Can you share your favorite NASS memory?
Many memories involve my key presentations and panel representations. Walking the exhibit floor and seeing many friends and company representatives, following their careers and developments, is where most of my fond memories started.
What was spine care like when you entered the field and how did it evolve throughout your career?
NASS initially had a lot of legal issues to resolve and developed political action around spine instrumentation. The early years were dominated by the use and studies on spinal instrumentation. Over my 25 years the meeting became more broad and more evidence based presentations, and company support of clinical trials.
Was there a particular project, committee, or initiative you were proud to be a part of? What made it memorable?
I got to be involved in many new spine procedures and device developments, which many became part of regular use to treat patients. From disc treatments for pain and degeneration, novel biomarker and imaging studies for disc -related back pain, compression fractures, injections, minimal spine surgery devices for spinal stenosis and total disc replacement devices. So much was happening every meeting.
What did it feel like to be a part of building NASS into what it is today?
It was rewarding to be part of the entrance and acceptance of pain physicians' participation and the development of minimally invasive tissue sparing surgeries.
Looking back, what was one of the biggest challenges the spine field faced during your active years, and how was it addressed?
Legal issues, FDA approvals, and company-supported studies with good data and submissions. Also, the early development of private investments I participated in bringing novel devices to the market.
If you could preserve one lesson or philosophy for future generations of spine care providers, what would it be?
Be open to new treatments, less relying on physician monetization as reason to present and develop devices, and continuing elevating the field by properly designed and implemented clinical trials. Publishing evidence based studies inclusive from universities, companies, and individual practitioners.
What did you learn from patients that changed how you approached your work or saw your role in the field?
Patients need honest interest by physicians to support and present many and all the available treatments for spine problems, and be an ambassador of the future of comprehensive spine health, including discussing treatments and surgeries that the patient may of found by social media, internet, or advertisements and point out the lack of evidence when appropriate. It is more difficult to practice these days because patients present with their own research and ideas of what they are seeking. Learning to be an educator /physician without bias will be appreciate both patients and referrals. I think we all advanced this concept, and NASS has been at the forefront of helping all spine-related disciplines in these regards.
What does "service to the profession" mean to you, and how did you try to live that out?
Make treatments, both standard and novel, available. Personally support and participate in research. Be influential to spine companies by being patient-focused and responsive to the future of spine-care as technology rockets forward. Young physicians will have new challeges navigating all the changes, but remaining as centered on the hope of making people live better funtional lives should remain the universal guide that the early years with NASS provided to us/me.
What emerging innovations do you think will have the most impact on patient care?
Emerging intelligence technologies with deep data analysis to diagnose and treat patients. Also, integrative imaging technology guiding surgery.
If you were entering the field today, what area would you be most excited to pursue?
Clearly novel therapeutics both drugs and cellular to treat conditions without need for surgery.
In your view, what role should professional societies like NASS play in shaping the future of medicine?
Continue with data presentations, nonbiased panel discussions, and creating information with direct availability to patients and physicians having diverse needs to be involved in spine care.
What's one hope you have for the spine community 40 years from now?
Advances unrecognizable to us now for the better. Even eliminating the many spine problems we face with developments in cell and gene therapy, biomarkers allowing precision treatments, and affordable ways to make lives more functional and without pains.
What would you most like to be remembered for in your career?
Creating novel pain treatments as well as minimally invasive surgery and procedures.
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?
Dedicated to new frontiers in spine care.
What do you believe is NASS' greatest legacy to the field, and what do you hope future members carry forward?
Diligence and understanding disease and supporting evidence-based treatments.
If someone in 2065 is reading this and just starting their career in spine, what do you want them to know?
The future can't be predicted, but the pursuit of knowledge is a generational endeavor. Building on the past, understanding technology of the present, and empathy for conditions disrupting individuals and families should be a constant.