NASS DFNS CLASS OF 2026
Stephanie Plummer, DO
Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine
Charlotte, NC
PM&R
NASS Member Since 2013
What originally drew you to the field of spine care?
I was originally drawn to the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation as a natural extension of my training as an osteopathic physician combined with my enthusiasm, both personally and as a fan, of sports performance and endurance athletics. From there, I gained exposure to interventional spine and found that as much as I truly enjoy the procedural aspect, I also am passionate about helping those with degenerative spinal conditions improve their pain and quality of life through lifestyle change, physical therapy, exercise, and other non-surgical modalities.
How has your involvement with NASS influenced your professional growth or career journey?
NASS has had a pivotal role in shaping my professional career, beginning early in fellowship where I was encouraged to take an active role not only in attending educational events and meetings, but also to take on instructional and educational roles. Giving back through instruction and connecting with other experts in the field of interventional physiatry has made me a more confident clinician and has also honed my ability to better educate my patients.
Looking back on your own experience, what advice would you give to members seeking a more active role in NASS?
I would highly encourage members seeking a more active role in NASS to experience some of the smaller meetings throughout the year in addition to the annual meeting. These meetings have the same high quality educators and leaders in our field, but in more intimate settings - perfect for networking and exploring opportunities to be more involved in NASS. Opportunities exist on many levels from lectures and hands-on instruction to policy and guideline-development.