NASS DFNS CLASS OF 2026
Richard Guyer, MD
Texas Back Institute
Plano, TX
Orthopedic Surgeon
NASS Member Since 1986
Tell us about one of your mentors and the best piece of advice they gave you.
I was fortunate to complete my fellowship under Dr. Leon Wiltse, who embodied the principle that a true surgeon never stops learning. Even in his seventies, he would bring me to the cadaver lab to dissect specimens so we could better understand the anatomical mechanisms behind nerve root compression in high-grade spondylolisthesis—effort that ultimately helped define the "Far Out" syndrome. Dr. Wiltse taught me that meaningful progress in our specialty only happens through relentless questioning, research, and hard work in service of our patients. The single most enduring lesson I took from him—and one I strive to instill in every fellow who passes through our program—is that if you stay curious, you will learn something new every single day.
What initially inspired you to become involved with NASS, and what has kept you engaged over the years?
I joined NASS at its very inception, recognizing it as an unparalleled forum where I could learn from the leaders in spine care, expand my knowledge, and build lifelong friendships. Over the years, I had the privilege of serving on numerous committees and leading the organization as NASS President in 2008. I remain deeply engaged today as NASS continues to drive innovation and prepare our field for the challenges of the future.
What originally drew you to the field of spine care?
I was initially drawn to spine surgery because it stood out as one of the most intellectually demanding disciplines in orthopaedics. Early in my career, specialized spine organizations were rare and there was only a single dedicated journal. The contrast between what I learned during my fellowship in the 1980s and what we teach our fellows today at Texas Back Institute is night and day. The constant stream of clinical and technological advancements keeps me just as excited to be a spine surgeon today as I was when I started. If I had to do it all over again, I would choose this exact same path without hesitation.