NASS DFNS CLASS OF 2026
Michael Klein, MD, MS, FACS
Michael R. Klein, Jr.,M.D., Inc.
Gold River, CA
Orthopedic Surgeon
NASS Member Since 2009
What accomplishment are you most proud of, and why?
Having the opportunity to provide care on a daily basis. I facetiously remark, “I haven’t worked a day in my life, as I don’t consider what I do as work.” I just love the challenge of meeting a new patient either in the ER or clinic and working together to resolve the problem(s). I also take significant pride in the twenty years as a member and then chairperson of the Physician’s Health and Wellness Committee at my Level II Trauma Center. I was instrumental in saving the careers of many physicians who had chemical dependency issues and burnout, leading to severe disruptive behavior in the medical center.
How has your involvement with NASS influenced your professional growth or career journey?
Since 2009 I have benefited immensely from an educational standpoint and my involvement with NASS Advocacy. NASS recognized my contributions with the David O.Selby and Advocacy awards. I have learned a great deal from my committee work and hearing ideas from other NASS members from around the world. As an educator, it stimulated me to interact with residents and fellows focusing on a spine care career, stressing the importance of being a member of NASS.
What originally drew you to the field of spine care?
I became interested in juvenile and adult scoliosis during my residency from 1971-1975. I also learned that LBP is the number one complaint shared by patients to their PCPs. I wanted to be part of both the solution to the problem via the sharing of ideas with my patients and offering state of the art spinal reconstruction techniques.
What skills do you believe are most important for today's spine professionals to develop?
Care, concern and commitment to your specialty, family and specialty organizations. Get involved in your local community. Volunteer at indigent clinics, medical schools and residency programs. Get involved in staff activities at your primary hospital. Get involved in your county and state medical societies. Always remembering that FAMILY COMES FIRST.