I became interested in in NASS as my fellowship mentor was John Kostuik, a past president of NASS. Orthopedic spine specialists make up 50% of NASS membership and it is one of the largest, most respected professional societies in the world. I get invited to speak at meetings around the world and it has everything to do with my association with NASS.

I am most proud of my ability to get the Advocacy Council placed on the NASS Board of Directors. Advocacy for our profession is difficult and time consuming but so essential to improving the quality of spine care for our patients and creating the best career opportunities for spine surgeons in the USA. I am also very proud of having the privilege and opportunity to lead NASS in a direction that assured its viability for future generation of spine surgeons and spine healthcare professionals.

Growing up I was always told that I was not doing my part unless I was committed to doing more than my share. Following that rule has been one of the reasons why I have been given so many special opportunities in life. If this attribute is shared among all of our profession our ability to improve healthcare for our patients and colleagues will be an easy “lift.”