Here are 11 spine and neurosurgeons making the news this week.
Alok Sharan, MD, was appointed to the scientific advisory board at NanoFUSE Biologics. NanoFUSE Biologics is a bioactive glass designed for use in combination with demineralized bone matrix. Dr. Sharan is co-director of the Westmed Spine Center in Yonkers, N.Y., and deputy editor of Clinical Spine Surgery.
Neurosurgeon Merylee Werthan Jost, MD, died of pancreatic cancer on Nov. 13. Dr. Jost, 88, was former chief of neurotrauma at Frankford Hospital in Philadelphia, which now operates as Aria-Jefferson Health. She opened a private practice in Philadelphia with two other female neurosurgeons in 1968, which was believed to be the only such group in the U.S. at the time.
Four spine surgeons — Rafe Sales, MD, Brian Gill, MD, William Rambo, MD, and Robert Brady, MD — discussed the new CMS final rule removing six spinal procedures from the hospital inpatient-only list and what impact it will have on the field.
The New Hampshire Union Leader honored the late spinal cord specialist William "Ed" Kois, MD, with its 17th annual Nackey S. Loeb First Amendment Award. Dr. Kois filed a whistleblower complaint in 2016 about poor conditions and substandard care at the Manchester (N.H.) VA Medical Center.
Fernando Silva, MD, joined the neurosciences team at Houston Methodist The Woodlands (Texas) Hospital. Dr. Silva specializes in neurosurgery and spine surgery with over 20 years of experience. His areas of expertise include minimally invasive spine surgery, adult deformity surgery and scoliosis.
The Westside Cultural Arts Center, founded by James Chappuis, MD, was recognized in a recent feature on global warehouse venues by The Venue Report. Dr. Chappuis, founder of Spine Center Atlanta, established The Westside to provide a space for all cultures in his community to connect through art.
Ashley Strickland, MD, joined UNC Orthopedics at Nash in Rocky Mount, N.C. Dr. Strickland is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal surgery. His other clinical interests include scoliosis management, pediatric orthopedic care and upper extremity orthopedic care.
Eddie Van Halen paid a visit to Todd Lanman, MD, a spinal neurosurgeon known for his work on advancing total disc replacement surgery and motion preservation. Dr. Lanman and the Van Halen guitarist posed together for a photo, which was posted on social media. It's unclear why Mr. Van Halen visited Dr. Lanman's Beverly Hills, Calif., office.