NASS Chosen as Guest Clinical Society at ORS 2024
NASS and the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) have long been pillars in their respective fields, fostering advancements and collaboration among spine professionals and orthopedic researchers. In a significant milestone in the organizations’ ongoing collaboration, NASS was honored to be selected as the Guest Clinical Society at the ORS 2024 Annual Meeting. This partnership aims to emphasize the strengths of both organizations, driving innovation, and improving patient outcomes in spine care and orthopedics. Eric Muehlbauer, NASS CEO said, “NASS is thrilled to have been selected as the Guest Clinical Society at the ORS 2024 Annual Meeting. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and improving spine care. We look forward to continuing our work with ORS and building on this partnership to achieve our common goals. The ORS 2024 Annual Meeting, held from February 2-6 in Long Beach, California, provided a unique platform for NASS to showcase its contributions to the spine community. As the Guest Clinical Society, NASS had the opportunity to bring its expertise to a broader audience, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. The goal of this partnership was to enhance the exchange of knowledge and to work towards common goals that benefit both organizations and their members. The meeting featured numerous abstracts submitted by NASS members, highlighting cutting-edge research and clinical advancements. These abstracts were prominently showcased in a dedicated Guest Clinical Society-focused podium session, while additional submissions were featured in ORS' interactive poster sessions. This spotlight on NASS' work underscored the high caliber of research and innovation being driven by its members.
NASS Representation at ORS 2024
Key leaders from NASS played a pivotal role in the event, each bringing their unique insights and expertise to the forefront: Richard L. Skolasky Jr, ScD, the Lewis Cass Spencer Professor and Vice Chair of Research in Orthopaedic Surgery at Johns Hopkins University, and NASS' Research Funding Committee Chair, delivered a spotlight presentation on patient-reported outcome measures in spine surgery. His work emphasized the importance of tracking recovery and identifying risk factors to improve patient care. Zorica Buser, PhD, MBA, Director of Research and Regenerative Medicine at the Gerling Institute, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, participated in a collaborative symposium on innovative solutions to unmet clinical needs in spine care. Her insights into regenerative medicine highlighted potential breakthroughs in treating spine conditions.
Steven W. Hwang, MD, Director of Neurosurgical Spine at Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, represented NASS during the Opening Welcome Session and presented on vertebral body tethering during an ORS Research Section Scientific meeting.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans
Throughout the meeting, NASS representatives engaged with ORS leaders to discuss potential future collaborations. These discussions highlighted the shared commitment to advancing spine care and orthopedic research. Dr. Hwang remarked, "ORS 2024 was a great meeting. The international multidisciplinary and diversity focus of the meeting really stood out. We appreciate this opportunity and look forward to future collaborations to strengthen both societies." NASS' involvement as the Guest Clinical Society at the 2024 ORS Annual Meeting marks a significant step towards enhancing collaboration between two leading organizations in spine and orthopedic research. This partnership not only underscores the value of interdisciplinary efforts but also sets the stage for future innovations and improvements in patient care. Sharon Smith-Terry, CEO of the ORS states, "ORS values the collaboration with NASS and looks forward to our continued engagement to meet our mutual goals of improving musculoskeletal spine health.”
To learn more about the ORS, the Annual Meeting, other events, or the benefits of membership, please visit www.ors.org.
(L to R) NASS representatives Zorica Buser, PhD, MBA; Richard L. Skolasky Jr, ScD; and Steven W. Hwang, MD, at the 2024 ORS Annual Meeting.
Richard L. Skolasky Jr, ScD takes the podium to discuss patient-reported outcome measures in spine surgery.
NASS Evidence Analysis & Research Council Director Steven W. Hwang, MD, represents NASS at the session on vertebral body tethering.