North American Spine Society10.28.16
The North American Spine Society (NASS) named F. Todd Wetzel, M.D. its president during the organization's 31st Annual Meeting in Boston, Mass.
Wetzel is an orthopedic surgeon who lives in Wilmington, Del., and practices medicine in Philadelphia, Pa.
"As a NASS member for 28 years, I have seen this organization expand and mature to become the leading spine society in the world," Wetzel said in prepared remarks. "Many years ago, I made the decision that NASS would be my 'primary' society due to its diversity and overall excellence. I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to lead this organization."
Wetzel identified several goals for the coming year that will help improve spine care globally and support NASS members:
Wetzel is currently professor of orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery at Temple University School of Medicine. He has an A.B. from Harvard University and a doctor of medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. His postgraduate training included an orthopedic residency at Yale University, a postdoctoral fellowship in reseach (biomechanics) with Manohar Panjabi, Ph.D., also at Yale, and a spine fellowship under the direction of the late Henry LaRocca, M.D., in New Orleans, La.
Wetzel is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and a member of numerous societies, including the American Osteopathic Association, Cervical Spine Research Society, APS, APM, and NASS. He was awarded the NASS Henry Farfan Award for outstanding contributions to the field of spine care, in the areas of conservative care and biomechanics. Wetzel is the author of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and numerous texts and chapters. His current research interests include disc biomechanics, the influence of activating factors on degeneration, ethics and conflict of interest in medical decision-making, and evidence-based assessment of diagnostic and therapeutic spine care. Wetzel most recently served on the NASS Board of Directors as the first vice president.
The North American Spine Society is a multidisciplinary medical organization dedicated to fostering high-quality, evidence-based and ethical spine care through education, research and advocacy. The organization is comprised of more than 8,000 members from various disciplines, including orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, physiatry, neurology, radiology, anesthesiology, research, and physical therapy.
Wetzel is an orthopedic surgeon who lives in Wilmington, Del., and practices medicine in Philadelphia, Pa.
"As a NASS member for 28 years, I have seen this organization expand and mature to become the leading spine society in the world," Wetzel said in prepared remarks. "Many years ago, I made the decision that NASS would be my 'primary' society due to its diversity and overall excellence. I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to lead this organization."
Wetzel identified several goals for the coming year that will help improve spine care globally and support NASS members:
- Advance NASS' reputation as the premiere spine society
- Maintain its leadership on ethical issues
- Continuously improve the services NASS provides to members
- Expand NASS' widening international reach
- Grow NASS' advocacy efforts on behalf of patients and members.
Wetzel is currently professor of orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery at Temple University School of Medicine. He has an A.B. from Harvard University and a doctor of medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. His postgraduate training included an orthopedic residency at Yale University, a postdoctoral fellowship in reseach (biomechanics) with Manohar Panjabi, Ph.D., also at Yale, and a spine fellowship under the direction of the late Henry LaRocca, M.D., in New Orleans, La.
Wetzel is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and a member of numerous societies, including the American Osteopathic Association, Cervical Spine Research Society, APS, APM, and NASS. He was awarded the NASS Henry Farfan Award for outstanding contributions to the field of spine care, in the areas of conservative care and biomechanics. Wetzel is the author of more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and numerous texts and chapters. His current research interests include disc biomechanics, the influence of activating factors on degeneration, ethics and conflict of interest in medical decision-making, and evidence-based assessment of diagnostic and therapeutic spine care. Wetzel most recently served on the NASS Board of Directors as the first vice president.
The North American Spine Society is a multidisciplinary medical organization dedicated to fostering high-quality, evidence-based and ethical spine care through education, research and advocacy. The organization is comprised of more than 8,000 members from various disciplines, including orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, physiatry, neurology, radiology, anesthesiology, research, and physical therapy.