North American Spine Society named F. Todd Wetzel, MD, president at their annual meeting in Boston.
Dr. Wetzel's goals for his one-year term as NASS president include:
· Advance the organizations reputation as a premier spine society
· Maintain leadership on ethical issues
· Improve services provided to members
· Expand NASS' international reach
· Grow the organization's advocacy efforts
Dr. Wetzel is a professor of orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery at Temple University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., and a spine fellowship under Henry LaRocca, MD.
Throughout his career, Dr. Wetzel has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications with a research interest in disc biomechanics, influence of activating factors on degeneration, ethics and conflict of interest in medical decision-making. He also has an interest in evidence-based assessments of diagnostic therapeutic spine care and received the NASS Henry Farfan Award.
Dr. Wetzel has been a NASS member for 28 years and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "Many years ago, I made the decision that NASS would be my 'primary society due to its incredible diversity and overall excellence," said Dr. Wetzel. "I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to lead this truly remarkable organization."