NASS DFNS CLASS OF 2026
Manish Kasliwal, MD, MCh
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/Case Wesern Reserve University
Cleveland, OH
Neurosurgeon
NASS Member Since 2015
What originally drew you to the field of spine care?
I trained as a neurosurgeon and did not realize I wanted to become a spine surgeon until the latter part of my residency. Spine surgery presents breadth of challenges from complex clinical decision-making to the precise technical execution required in the operating room. It was these unique challenges and nuances of spine surgery that ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in spine care.
Although the conditions treated by spine surgeons are often "benign," the impact of spine disorders and its treatment can be profound and lifelong. A successful intervention can dramatically improve a patient’s quality of life, while complications may have lasting consequences. For this reason, the technical skill, precision, and judgment required of spine surgeons are invaluable and makes the field very challenging but at the same time very gratifying.
I consider it a tremendous privilege to be a spine surgeon and the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference in patients’ lives is what drew me to the field of spine care and continues to inspire and motivate me every day.
What initially inspired you to become involved with NASS, and what has kept you engaged over the years?
My involvement with NASS began during my residency and fellowship training and has continued throughout my career. What initially drew me to NASS was how welcoming and accessible the organization was to young physicians. As a junior attending, I found numerous opportunities to become involved in committees and work alongside leading experts in spine care from across the country and around the world. These experiences provided invaluable mentorship and allowed me to learn from some of the most accomplished clinicians, educators, and researchers in the field. Over time, NASS provided various teaching and research opportunities that aligned closely with my professional passions and have kept me actively engaged for many years. Beyond that, the friendships, collaborations, and professional connections I have developed with spine specialists from around the world have been truly invaluable.
What skills do you believe are most important for today's spine professionals to develop?
Decision-making and ability to execute an appropriate surgical plan is what truly sets spine surgery apart from many other surgical specialties. Spine professionals must also develop the skills to understand the strengths and limitations of current evidence and technology and integrate new knowledge/technology into practice. Technological innovations such as advanced imaging, endoscopic spine surgery, robotic and advanced navigation systems, minimally invasive techniques, and artificial intelligence have made execution of a well-developed surgical plan safer and more predictable with significantly lower complication rates and improved patient outcomes. However, these advancements have not eliminated the inherent complexity and nuances of spine care and cannot replace the most important and intangible aspect of spine surgery: clinical judgment and decision-making. Developing strong decision-making skills coupled with ability to use appropriate technological innovations are very important for today’s spine professionals especially young trainees.