Richard Nasca, MD
What first brought you to NASS, and what do you remember about the early years?
Founding member, Past President, American College of Spine Surgeons
Can you share your favorite NASS memory?
Meeting of Amalgamation at Laguna Nigel in July of 1985
What was spine care like when you entered the field and how did it evolve throughout your career?
Very poor and disorganized
Was there a particular project, committee, or initiative you were proud to be a part of? What made it memorable?
Founding member. First Secretary Treasurer, named NASS, Created first NASS logo
Who were some of the people who shaped your experience in NASS?
Leon Wiltse, James Walt Simmons Elmer Nix, David Selby, Dr KW, Harry Farfan
What did it feel like to be a part of building NASS into what it is today?
NASS would not exist today if not for the cooperation of many mentioned in my previous response.
Looking back, what was one of the biggest challenges the spine field faced during your active years, and how was it addressed?
Most wanted a lumbar spine society and were not interested in global spine care.
If you could preserve one lesson or philosophy for future generations of spine care providers, what would it be?
Listen to the patient.
What does "service to the profession" mean to you, and how did you try to live that out?
Service to the patient and offering your time and talents to professional organizations like NASS.
What do you see as the most important challenge or opportunity facing the future of spine care?
Cost containment in providing care. More efficient treatments, many nonsurgical, better diagnostics.
What emerging innovations do you think will have the most impact on patient care?
Motion-sparing for treatment of scoliosis and possibly adult deformities with out need for fusion.
If you were entering the field today, what area would you be most excited to pursue?
Endoscopy and robotics.
In your view, what role should professional societies like NASS play in shaping the future of medicine?
Should organize patient care protocols, teach new techniques, support members in the areas of reimbursement and dealing with insurance companies and CMMS, publish in NASS journals, organize podcasts, continue to hold international and national meetings.
What's one hope you have for the spine community 40 years from now?
Provide efficient and humane spine care with good patient outcomes a major priority
What would you most like to be remembered for in your career?
Founding member and one who devoted a lot of time to move NASS along from 1985-1989.
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?
All great people with a keen interest in making spine care better.
What has being part of NASS meant to you personally?
Similar to raising a child.
What do you believe is NASS' greatest legacy to the field, and what do you hope future members carry forward?
NASS' legacy is the product of its members contribution to better spine care
If someone in 2065 is reading this and just starting their career in spine, what do you want them to know?
You stand on the shoulder's of pioneers in spine education and care.