Global Spine Collaboration at the Forefront:
NASS to Host Second International Annual Meeting in Taipei
July 21–26, 2025
Cadaver Labs: National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University | Core Meeting: Taipei Marriott Hotel
Following the success of its inaugural International Annual Meeting, NASS will convene its second global gathering this summer in Taipei, Taiwan, in partnership with the Taiwan Neurosurgical Society (TNS), Taiwan Neurosurgical Spine Society (TNSS), and the Taiwan Society of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (TSMISS).
The event, scheduled for July 21–26, 2025, will showcase a robust educational platform blending hands-on learning, cross-border knowledge sharing, and the latest advances in spine surgery and care delivery. According to Meeting Co-Chair Patrick C. Hsieh, MD, MBA, MS, “The NASS International Meeting is a vital platform for engaging our global partners to create a premier educational and scientific environment that will advance spine care worldwide.”
According to Hsieh, this summer’s event is more than a conference, it's a catalyst. “Our mission is to strengthen our partnerships and collaborations with international members and academic partners, facilitating a dynamic exchange of new research, unique experiences, and knowledge from diverse regions,” he said. “This exchange is essential for enhancing surgical and interventional care for patients worldwide today and in the future.”
Participating Societies and International Collaboration
More than a dozen global spine societies are contributing to the program, including:
- AO Spine Asia-Pacific
- Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research (JSSR)
- Association of Spine Surgeons of India (ASSI)
- Korean Society of Spine Surgery (KSSS)
- Spine Society of Thailand (SST)
- Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery – Asia Pacific Chapter (SMISS AP)
- Singapore Spine Society (SSS)
- Italian Society of Spinal Surgery & Italian Scoliosis Study Group (SICV&GIS)
- And many others
Hands-On Learning: Cadaver Labs | July 21–23
Held at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, the premeeting cadaver labs offer focused instruction on core clinical areas including adult deformity, MIS techniques, cervical procedures, lumbar and sacropelvic fixation, SI joint fusion, and endoscopic spine surgery. These non-CME activities are led by expert faculty and provide intensive, small-group learning environments tailored to practicing surgeons.
“Cadaveric lab training… is still the most effective way to train physicians and surgeons in the latest techniques and treatments they can apply when they return home,” Hsieh noted. “Additionally, this training allows physicians and surgeons to get acquainted with some of the newest technologies to enhance the safety and proficiency of spine surgeries and interventions.”
Core Scientific Program: July 24–26 | Taipei Marriott Hotel
The main meeting will feature didactic sessions, abstract presentations, symposia, and a wide range of international panels. Content spans the full continuum of spine care, with an emphasis on collaboration and shared learning.
Hsieh anticipates attendees will find the breadth of content particularly impactful. “We will highlight the advancement of spine surgical techniques and technologies, including endoscopic spine surgery, robotics, augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence,” he said. “These tools will continue to evolve and shape the future of spine surgery.”
Key Program Areas Include:
- Degenerative Spine Care and Deformity
- Endoscopic and MIS Techniques
- Spinal Trauma and Infection
- Biologics, Regenerative Medicine, and Robotics
- Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health
- Global Spine Perspectives from Participating Societies
- Outcome Measurement, Rehabilitation, and Value-Based Care
The program reflects global and regional spine challenges through a rigorous peer-reviewed selection process. “We aim to represent a diverse range of international perspectives… grounded in the latest scientific research,” said Hsieh. “We encourage our attendees to share their innovative findings and evidence, fostering a collective effort to improve treatment outcomes.”
Attendees may earn up to 23.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM for their participation in the core meeting. CME credit is not available for cadaver lab sessions.
International Collaboration and Participation
With participation from more than a dozen global societies, the meeting will amplify global perspectives on the most pressing topics in spine care. “The success of the NASS international meeting heavily depends on our global partners,” said Hsieh. “Taiwan is a leading hub for advanced technology… and Taipei offers a wealth of unique cultural experiences and attractions for international visitors.”
Dr. Hsieh added that the extensive collaboration with regional hosts and 18 academic spine societies ensures “a dynamic and accessible location backed by respected organizations recognized both in the Asia-Pacific region and globally.”
Programming Leadership and Vision
In addition to Dr. Hsieh, the 2025 meeting is chaired by Chiung-Chyi Shen, MD, PhD (Taiwan), with a multinational program committee representing more than 10 countries. This diverse leadership team also curated the Global Perspectives session and the closing symposium on global health delivery models. “I look forward to the discussions in the international symposia… [and] the closing symposium on global health, which will highlight the goals, benefits, challenges, and limitations of varying health delivery systems,” said Hsieh.
Planning such a meeting is not without challenges. “Space and time limitations pose challenges in combining all the expertise necessary to create a balanced program,” he acknowledged. Still, the return on investment is clear: “Cross-border education… will provide physicians and surgeons worldwide with improved training, ultimately leading to better spine care.”
Inspired by Dr. Hsieh’s Global Vision?
There’s more where that came from! Don’t miss the full Q&A in an upcoming issue of NASS Insider, where Dr. Hsieh shares deeper reflections on international collaboration, cross-border education, and the innovations shaping the future of spine care. Make sure you’re subscribed to receive NASS Insider so you can access exclusive interviews, event previews, and global insights from leading voices in the spine community.
Looking Ahead
More than an educational event, this meeting reflects a growing movement to globalize spine care education and innovation. “We remained fully committed to fostering collaboration and educational exchanges,” said Dr. Hsieh, noting that even during the pandemic, NASS sustained its international connections.
His own experience has been transformed by such engagement. “Exploring different perspectives… enhances my personal education and professional development,” he said. “It truly excites me to see how physicians and surgeons with more limited resources… utilize their creativity and ingenuity to deliver high-quality spine care that rivals our results.”
Ultimately, Dr. Hsieh hopes attendees leave Taipei with more than knowledge. “I encourage participants to engage with new colleagues actively, fostering meaningful connections and friendships that will enrich their personal and professional journeys for many years.”
Spine professionals are encouraged to register early for the 2025 NASS International Annual Meeting in Taipei. With participation from global societies, expert faculty, and industry leaders, this event offers a comprehensive view of the current and future state of spine care worldwide.
Visit spine.org/InternationalAM to learn more and register.
Overall Chairs
Patrick C. Hsieh, MD, MBA, MS (USA)
Chiung-Chyi Shen, MD, PHD (Taiwan)
Program Committee
Jean-Jacques Abitbol, MD, Co-chair (USA)
Norman C. Chutkan, MD, Co-chair (USA)
Alan S. Hilibrand, MD, MBA Co-chair (USA)
Scott Kreiner, MD, Co-chair (USA)
John C. Liu, MD, Co-chair (USA)
Hani H. Mhaidli, MD, PhD, Co-chair (Spain)
David R. O’Brien, Jr., MD, Co-chair (USA)
Charles A. Reitman, MD, Co-chair (USA)
Jeffrey C. Wang, MD, Co-chair (USA)
Taiwan Co-Chairs and Committee Members
Wen-Cheng Huang, MD, PHD
Jau-Ching Wu, MD, PHD
Dr. Yang, MD, PHD
Ken Hsuan-Kan Chang, MD, PhD
International Associate Co-Chairs
Jong-Beom Park, MD, PhD (Korea)
Saumyajit Basu, MD, FRCS (India)
Rully Hanafi Dahlan, MD, PhD (Indonesia)
Koji Tamai, MD, PhD (Japan)
Jong-Tae Kim, MD (Korea)
Chang-Il Ju, MD, PhD (Korea)
Seung Hwan Yoon, MD, PhD (Korea)
Ronald P. Tangente, MD, FPOA, FPSS (Phillipines)
Shree Dinesh Kumar, FRCS, MBBS (Singapore)
Yoshihisa Kotani, MD (Japan)
Muhammad Tariq Sohail, MD, PhD, FRCS (Pakistan)
Wicharn Yingsakmongkol, MD (Thailand)
Gad J. Velan, MD (Israel)
Massimo Balsano, MD (Italy)
Hsi-Kai Tsou, MD, PhD (Taiwan)
Verapan Kuansongtham, MD (Thailand)
Wen-Tien Wu, MD, PhD (Taiwan)
Suthipas Pongmanee, MD (Thailand)