NASS DFNS CLASS OF 2026
Andrew Schoenfeld, MD, MSc
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, MA
Orthopedic Surgeon
NASS Member Since 2012
What was a pivotal moment in your career that shaped the professional you are today?
After four years of clinical work as an attending, I completed the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars program at the University of Michigan. This training program in health services research allowed to be become the academic physician and clinician scientist that I am today.
What is your favorite memory from a NASS Annual Meeting or other event?
In 2012, at the Dallas Annual Meeting, I was able to attend the The Spine Journal Editorial Board Dinner with Chris Bono. It was an eye-opening experience and one of the most delightful gatherings I have ever had the experience to attend, with very meaningful conversations on academic, research and publishing. It was a foundational experience for my future work with The Spine Journal and in other publishing endeavors including at Spine and JBJS.
Looking back on your own experience, what advice would you give to members seeking a more active role in NASS?
Say yes to opportunities that come your way, even if it is a bit outside your scope or your comfort zone. I see many volunteers get fixated on specific opportunities and pass up others because they don’t see it as an exact fit. NASS is a large organization and taking on a position that is offered may allow the volunteer to grow in a different area of the spine discipline and may also open up future doors to engage in the area/committee/council that they desired in the first place.