A pivotal moment in my career was spending a the summer between my M1 and M2 year conducting research at New England Baptist Hospital under the mentorship of David Kim. It was my first exposure to spine surgery and gave me an early appreciation for the complexity of the field and the impact it can have on patients' lives. Just as importantly, it was where I learned how to conduct clinical research—from asking meaningful questions and analyzing data to presenting findings. Dr. Kim was an outstanding mentor who demonstrated the value of curiosity, rigor, and collaboration. That experience not only sparked my interest in spine surgery but also instilled a lifelong commitment to research and academic medicine that continues to shape my career today.

I initially became involved with NASS after attending my first Annual Meeting, where I had the opportunity to present my work. I was immediately struck by the quality of the people, the collegial atmosphere, and how welcoming and engaged everyone was. That experience made a lasting impression on me and motivated me to become more involved. Over the years, what has kept me engaged is that same sense of community, along with the opportunity to learn from outstanding colleagues and collaborate with others who are passionate about advancing spine care. I’ve especially enjoyed the interactions and exchange of ideas at both the Annual Meeting and the Evidence & Technology Meeting, which continue to be highlights of my involvement with NASS.

One of the most important skills for today’s spine professionals is empathy. While technical expertise and clinical knowledge are essential, spine care is fundamentally a people-centered profession. We often meet patients at one of the lowest points in their lives—when they are dealing with significant pain, disability, uncertainty, and fear about their future. In many ways, spine care is a customer service business, and patients need to feel heard, understood, and supported as much as they need a diagnosis or treatment plan. The ability to listen carefully, communicate clearly, and build trust can have a profound impact on the patient experience and ultimately on outcomes.