NASS News: NASS Names New President

William J. Sullivan, M.D., was named president of the North American Spine Society (NASS) during the society’s 34th annual meeting this week in Chicago.
 
“It is an honor and privilege to become president of NASS during the year preceding the 35th Annual Meeting in San Diego in 2020,” Dr. Sullivan said.“The organization represents the many facets of spine care, and is a model for other multidisciplinary organizations. I have been fortunate to have many mentors who have paved my way on the NASS board and presidential line, and am grateful to the true friendships I have made through NASS. During my presidential year, I hope to strengthen the collaboration between different specialties and other societies, while maintaining the high standards set by NASS.”
 
Dr. Sullivan is a physiatrist at Vanderbilt University, where he currently holds an appointment as professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and is service chief of PM&R at Nashville VA/Tennessee Valley Health Care System. Prior to that, he served as PM&R Fellowship director and Musculoskeletal Block director at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and held appointments at University of Colorado Hospital Spine Center and Denver/Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center.
 
Born in Detroit, he earned his bachelor of science degree in biology, magna cum laude, from Michigan State University. He received his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine and completed residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from Northwestern University/Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Dr. Sullivan has given more than 100 presentations nationally and has published more than 40 articles. His extensive NASS involvement has included serving as NASS’ Coding Committee Co-Chair, NASS Advisor to the AMA/RUC Committee and was medical editor of NASS’ membership publication, SpineLine.
 
More than 3,000 spine professionals are meeting in Chicago this week at NASS’ 34th Annual Meeting to share the latest information, innovative techniques and procedures, best practices and new technologies in the spine field. NASS is a multidisciplinary medical organization dedicated to fostering the highest quality, evidenced-based and ethical spine care by promoting education, research and advocacy. NASS is comprised of more than 8,500 members from several disciplines, including orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, physiatry, neurology, radiology, anesthesiology, research and physical therapy.