Nobody has spine care completely figured out, no matter how confidently it may be presented, delivered, or supported. I remember walking through an annual meeting nearly 20 years ago and being struck by the amount of resources dedicated to spine care. There were talks, sessions, devices, debates, research, time, effort, and incredibly smart people all trying to move the field forward. But what stood out to me was that everyone was not saying the same thing. The best thought leaders in the field had not arrived at one definitive method for spine care. That realization stuck with me. Spine care is a work in progress. If everyone had been saying the same thing, that would have been different. But they weren’t. In a way, that gave me permission and the confidence to search for my own truth, because there clearly was not one definitive truth. It allowed me to follow the direction that inspired me, keep asking questions, and try to contribute something meaningful.

I think one of the most important skills spine professionals can develop is the ability to truly listen and be present with the patient. A thorough history and physical exam will always matter. We need to be careful not to make up our minds before we have all the information. I’ve had many patients describe visits where the clinician walked in and essentially said, “This is what you have, and this is what I can do about it. Do you have any questions?” But there was no real history, no meaningful physical exam, and no trust built in the process. Earn trust before deciding what comes next.

NASS has had a real impact on my professional growth. One of the things I’ve appreciated most is that there are so many ways to get involved if you’re willing to step in and do the work. I started with committee membership, and over time, that led to opportunities to give talks, chair a committee, and participate in a clinical practice guideline. Each step came with more responsibility, preparation, and a higher level of accountability, and those experiences have stayed with me throughout my career. Another significant impact has been the people. The clinicians, researchers, and leaders I’ve worked with through NASS have shaped how I think, how I practice, and how I see my role in the spine care community.