Educational Sessions
Special Sessions for Residents and Fellows
Gain valuable advice related to career advancement, transitioning to practice, and areas not widely covered during residency and fellowship. Delve into topics relevant to both spine surgery and interventional spine fellowship training. Network with leaders in spine and collaborate with colleagues at special receptions and roundtable discussions.
Debating Controversies in Fellowship Training and Education Friday, September 27, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. This session will address current controversies in fellowship training for spine surgery and interventional spine. Learn how to identify the most important features of a prospective fellowship program and recognize how to value and leverage characteristics of particular fellowship programs for future success post-training.
Research 'Shark Tank': Selling Your Study to Journal Editors in Chief Friday, September 27, 1:30-3:00 p.m. Gain strategies and know the main considerations for success in publishing at spine-specific journals. Recognize potential pitfalls in study composition that may impair acceptance at spine-specific journals and understand the thought process behind how editorial boards evaluate and rate potential submissions.
A Primer on the Fellowship Match Saturday, September 28, 8:35–10:00 a.m. This session will provide essential information and a highly interactive discussion on the Fellowship Match to help you identify programs and develop an application strategy. Additionally, you will learn tips for vetting programs, interviewing, implementing strategies for your rank list, and how to parlay your fellowship choice to your ultimate practice goals.
Early Career Advisory Council Roundtable Discussions
During these sessions, spine professionals who are currently in, or have recently completed a spine-related training program, will meet in informal small groups to discuss topics related to career advancement, transitioning to practice, and areas not widely covered during residency and fellowship. Discussion groups will be led by a member of the Early Career Advisory Council and mid- to late-career spine care providers and researchers who have experience in the group’s discussion topic. Roundtable discussions include Building a Spine Practice and Working with Partners.
Best Papers
Join the Best Paper sessions Wednesday-Friday morning, where the top 30 papers are presented on topics such as: lumbar spine surgery outcomes, neurologic events post-osteotomy, cannabis impact on post-op complications, obesity's effect on fusion outcomes, predictors of clinical failure in spine surgery, and long-term outcomes of spinal deformity surgery.
Abstract Podium Presentations
Abstract presentations are happening daily organized by topic to ensure you are hearing the top research on areas of the most interest to you. All podium presentations include opportunities for discussion. Session topics include:
Network with Colleagues
Reconnect with friends and network with colleagues at the NASS 2024 Social Hour on Wednesday, September 25, after the day's sessions have ended. Relax and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages. It's the perfect way to kick off your NASS 2024 Annual Meeting experience.