The North American Spine Society honored five people with recognition awards at the recent annual meeting in Chicago.
There were two new awards added to the three long-standing awards NASS gives for contributions to the spine field. This year's award winners include:
1. Frank J. Eismont, MD, who received the Leon Wiltse Award for leadership and/or clinical research in spine care. Harry Herkowitz, MD, nominated Dr. Eismont for the award, saying, "Dr. Eismont's contributions to the field of spinal surgery over the last 30-plus years have been extraordinary. His research in spinal trauma and infection has changed many traditions and has advanced methods of treatment and improved patient outcomes. His commitment to education and furthering the excellence of orthopedic surgery for our trainees and practicing physicians has been well-documented."
2. Donna M. Lahey, RNFA, received the David Selby Award given to the NASS member who contributed greatly to the art and science of spine care through NASS service. Charles Mick, MD, Christopher Kauffman, MD, Edward Dohring, MD, Christopher Bono, MD, and Gregory Przybylski, MD, nominated her. They wrote, "She has devoted countless hours offering her time in service to NASS, commands the utmost respect from physician leaders of NASS and is truly a role model for all our members. Donna's comprehensive compendium of NASS volunteerism demonstrates her commitment and dedication to the educational, patient care and service mission of NASS."
3. James C. Iatridis, PhD, received the Henry Farfan Award for contributions to spine-related basic science research. Christopher Bono, MD, nominated Dr. Iatridis, noting he "has been extremely forward-thinking and productive in his basic science research of disc biomechanics and biochemistry. His work is in many respects leading the field, combining the two sub disciplines of basic science in order to lead disc repair." Andrew Hecht, MD, also nominated Dr. Iatridis for the award.
4. David A Wong, MD, received the Past President Award to recognize a former NASS president who made exceptional contributions to the society and its mission, and continues to provide service to the society. This is one of the new awards in 2015. Charles Reitman, MD, nominated Dr. Wong, saying, "He is selfless, tireless, reliable, articulate and very productive. He is always helping with committee work or education and exhibits extraordinary professionalism with his interactions. His dedication to the society has contributed greatly to its overall mission. Through all of his accomplishments, he has remained humble and an exceptional ambassador for NASS."
5. Jeffrey J. Wise, MD, received the Spine Advocacy Award for the NASS member who made exceptional contributions to federal advocacy efforts on behalf of patients and society members. Dr. Wise was nominated by the NASS Board of Directors and Advocacy Council. "Dr. Wise secured Advocacy's legacy as a fixture of NASS by leading efforts to formalize the Advocacy Committee (now Council) and becoming its first official chairman," read the nomination.