From the Desk of the President
Presidential Guest Speaker: Dr. Bob Rotella — Unlocking the Mental Game at the 2025 NASS Annual Meeting
Scott Kreiner, MD
President, North American Spine Society Barrow Neurological Institute Phoenix, AZ
It is my great pleasure to share that this year’s Presidential Guest Speaker at the North American Spine Society (NASS) Annual Meeting will be none other than Dr. Bob Rotella, one of the world’s most celebrated sports psychologists. Dr. Rotella will join me on Saturday, November 15, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
This will be a rare opportunity for NASS members to hear directly from a man whose wisdom has influenced some of the greatest athletes of our time—and whose lessons on mental focus and resilience extend far beyond the golf course.
A Legend in Sports Psychology
Widely known as “Dr. Bob,” Rotella has become the go-to resource for athletes seeking the mental edge that separates good from great. His roster of golf clients reads like a Hall of Fame list: Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Ernie Els, Tom Kite, and countless other champions who, under his guidance, have collectively won over 75 Major Championships. Beyond golf, he has served as a personal consultant for the NBA, NFL, and MLB, and has worked with many teams individually such as the New York Yankees and San Francisco 49ers.
As Rory McIlroy recently shared after a strong round at the Masters: “I had a good conversation with Bob Rotella about not pushing too hard too early, just tried to stay really, really patient and that was rewarded with a nice little stretch in the middle of the round.”
Another recent success story is Tommy Fleetwood, who has been a fixture in contention on the PGA Tour for many years. But what stood out was how often he almost won, having more top-10 finishes than any other player, several times leading into late rounds, only to fall short. This year he finally broke through, winning the Tour Championship. Dr. Rotella’s coaching on belief, focus, and handling pressure has been considered by many to be instrumental in the victory.
Dr. Rotella has a gift for reframing setbacks, managing pressure, and helping competitors access their best performance in the moments that matter most. His books—including Golf is Not a Game of Perfect and Putting Out of Your Mind—are considered required reading for anyone serious about understanding the psychology of performance.
Lessons That Translate to Spine Care
At first glance, one might wonder: What can a sports psychologist teach spine surgeons, interventionalists, and researchers? The answer is quite a lot.
Spine professionals, like elite athletes, face extraordinary levels of pressure. Whether it’s the intensity of a complex surgical case, the scrutiny of research presentations, or the challenge of leading a care team, success often depends on clarity, focus, and composure under stress.
Dr. Rotella understands the power of mindset—how to move past mistakes quickly, how to anchor positive outcomes, and how to maintain confidence in high-stakes environments. These are skills that can benefit every member of our society, from seasoned surgeons to trainees just beginning their careers.
His message is clear: if you want to elevate your performance, you must master the mental game.
Why You Can’t Miss This Session
This Presidential Guest Speaker session is designed to be more than an inspirational talk—it’s an interactive conversation about resilience, performance, and leadership. Together, Dr. Rotella and I will explore the parallels between elite athletes striving for victory and spine specialists striving for excellence in patient care.
Following the session, I encourage you to continue the discussion and network with colleagues from across the globe and reflect on the insights shared.
Join Us in Denver
The 2025 NASS Annual Meeting, November 14–16 in Denver, Colorado, promises to be one of our most dynamic gatherings yet, and Dr. Rotella’s session will undoubtedly be a highlight. His wisdom, energy, and practical strategies will leave you with tools to strengthen not just your practice, but also your mindset, your leadership, and your impact.
I invite every NASS member to be part of this unique opportunity to learn from one of the most influential voices in performance psychology.
I look forward to welcoming you to Denver.