One of the defining challenges early in my career was developing a new percutaneous pedicle screw system. I had the clinical vision but not the engineering resources or capital needed to bring the idea to life. I approached a design company about helping develop the prototype. Initially, they were not interested because they had their own projects and required funding that I did not have.

Instead of giving up, I proposed a partnership. If they invested enough time to help develop a working prototype, I would secure industry interest, pay the development costs, and share in any proceeds. Together, we rapidly developed and tested the device in cadaver laboratories and prepared it for presentation to industry.

The technology ultimately became the MANTIS Percutaneous Spinal System, which was later acquired by Stryker. While the transaction validated the innovation, I learned a difficult lesson about ownership, alignment of interests, and long term vision. I had signed away control of the negotiations and found myself with limited influence over the outcome. Although the sale was successful, I realized that my passion was not simply inventing technologies but helping guide their development to improve patient care over time.

That experience became a turning point in my career. It inspired me to learn the business side of innovation, build organizations around new technologies, and create sustainable platforms for growth. That journey ultimately led to the formation of KIC Ventures, where we have focused on advancing technologies across the spine continuum. Today, that includes AxioMed's viscoelastic disc replacement platform, which seeks to preserve motion and restore biomechanics, and NANISX's portfolio of LESS Exposure Spine Surgery technologies designed to expand outpatient and interventional spine treatment options.

The lesson I carry with me is that innovation requires more than a good idea. It requires perseverance, collaboration, ownership, and the willingness to build for the long term. Many of the most meaningful advances in spine care take years, and sometimes decades, to realize their full potential. Success often belongs to those who remain committed to the vision through the inevitable challenges along the way.

As an orthopedic resident at Harvard Medical School, I attended a NASS meeting and heard a presentation on facet replacement. That lecture changed the trajectory of my career. It helped me appreciate the facet joint as a critical structure in preserving healthy spinal biomechanics and inspired me to think beyond treating spinal disorders toward developing technologies that could restore function while preserving anatomy.

The experience motivated me to begin filing patents for facet replacement concepts before I completed my training and ultimately launched my journey into spine innovation. Looking back, that moment at NASS helped set me on a path that would lead to more than two decades of innovation, entrepreneurship, research, and collaboration across motion preservation, biologics, and LESS invasive spine technologies.

Over the years, NASS became much more than a professional society. It became a platform where I could present research, exhibit innovations, participate on committees, and collaborate with colleagues who shared a passion for advancing spine care. NASS has connected me with surgeons, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs from around the world, allowing me to exchange ideas and learn from diverse perspectives. What has kept me engaged is the Society's commitment to education, research, innovation, and improving patient outcomes. It remains one of the most important forums for advancing the future of spine care.

Get involved early and contribute wherever you can. Looking back, one of my few professional regrets is that I did not devote even more time to leadership opportunities within NASS. The Society is strongest when members bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas to the table.

Volunteer for committees, participate in research initiatives, present your work, and build relationships with colleagues across specialties and disciplines. These experiences not only help advance the profession, they also help shape your own growth as a leader. Some of the most valuable lessons and relationships in my career came from collaborating with others who shared a commitment to improving spine care.

As our field continues to evolve, NASS will benefit from members who are willing to contribute to education, innovation, research, and advocacy. I believe strongly that the future of spine care is strengthened when talented individuals step forward to serve. Given the opportunities NASS has provided throughout my career, I hope to continue contributing even more through leadership, innovation, and research in the years ahead.