Management of patients with spinal disorders is complex, and requires interdisciplinary collaboration. As a team-oriented person, I have learned the value of building teams that include contribution from surgical subspecialties, interventionalists, radiologists, and non-operative care providers. Engagement of an interdisciplinary community for the appropriate and evidence-based care of patients with spinal disorders empowers lifelong learning and optimal patient care. NASS is the organization that most effectively brings together the multiple disciplines of spine care providers and creates a supportive and collaborative community.

NASS engages and embraces the broad community of physicians, researchers and care providers who provide care for patients with spinal disorders. As a teaching organization, our society provides the highest quality teaching programs internationally. As a research organization, funding opportunities and opportunities to present and discuss research is terrific. As an advocacy organization, NASS has contributed significantly to guidelines regarding evidence-based care and appropriate use of care. Overall, NASS is and will be the most significant and credible organization to guide spine care and spine policy nationally and internationally.

Mentorship is critical to career development. I will always be grateful for the mentorship that I have had during my residency, fellowship and beyond. Mentorship can be intramural or extramural, including international. Some of my most valued mentors include surgeons with whom I have worked in study groups and through societies including NASS, SRS, and AO Spine. NASS includes most of the important thought leaders in clinical work, research, and education in the spine community, and I encourage members to seek mentorship from experts who may be outside of your immediate clinical workplace. The best advice from my mentors that I may pass to spine surgeons early in their career is to place the patient first, collect information on outcomes, collaborate with providers from other disciplines, and engage in multicenter research opportunities.