William Taylor, MD
What first brought you to NASS, and what do you remember about the early years?
I was a Wiltse fellow and knew David Shelby from my orthopedic residency in Dallas. They both mentioned a new spine organization being formed.
Can you share your favorite NASS memory?
The early meetings were relatively small & gave everyone a chance to talk one-on-one with the pillars of early spine surgery, and hear about exciting advancements being made.
What was spine care like when you entered the field and how did it evolve throughout your career?
Never used any magnification with early surgery. By the time I retired, I was used operating microscope on all my procedures. Also had no instrumentation enhancement fusion at the beginning of my career, and no MRI scans.
Was there a particular project, committee, or initiative you were proud to be a part of? What made it memorable?
Was part of study to see if pedicle screws were safe and effective. Visited Art Steffee in Cleveland (and heard about his hurdles to get them approved).
Who were some of the people who shaped your experience in NASS?
Far and away Lee Wiltse. Technically excellent. He was always willing to hear new ideas & be open minded and honest with his results. Also have high regard for Vert Mooney.
What did it feel like to be a part of building NASS into what it is today?
Proud to be a member of a society that has attained such stature in the spine field.
Looking back, what was one of the biggest challenges the spine field faced during your active years, and how was it addressed?
The early years (for me) were the turf wars between neurosurgeons & orthopedic spine surgeons. When they both agreed each had something to offer that melted away.
If you could preserve one lesson or philosophy for future generations of spine care providers, what would it be?
Always do what is best for the patient (keep politics & finances out of the equation), and let patients know you will do everything reasonable to find a solution to their problem
What did you learn from patients that changed how you approached your work or saw your role in the field?
They are forgiving if they know you are sincere with your care.
What does "service to the profession" mean to you, and how did you try to live that out?
Always be willing to see and treat even the downtrodden. Even they have pride and are most thankful
What do you see as the most important challenge or opportunity facing the future of spine care?
Loss of some of the independence of patient care.
What emerging innovations do you think will have the most impact on patient care?
AI for interpretation of studies & decision making.
If you were entering the field today, what area would you be most excited to pursue?
Would still be spine surgeon.
In your view, what role should professional societies like NASS play in shaping the future of medicine?
Try to incorporate all the treating groups in the management of spine care.
What's one hope you have for the spine community 40 years from now?
Less invasive treatment for spine condition.
What would you most like to be remembered for in your career?
Honest and caring & made a difference in spine care in the community.
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 energetic! They knew they were laying groundwork for later generations of spine surgeons.
What has being part of NASS meant to you personally?
Proud to have been part of the building block at its inception.
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?
Always put the patient first & success will follow.