The History of NASS: The First Ten Years
By John D. Schlegel, M.D. (1994)
This year, the North American Spine Society celebrates its 10th anniversary. In a mere decade the society has exponentially expanded; addressing and confronting the clinical problems faced by spine patients and their physicians. The society's history mirrors the history of spinal disease itself, being both complex and controversial. Certainly, as we look back into history, it is apparent that despite centuries of research and treatment, much of spinal disease is still misunderstood; though we may approach spinal problems more prudently, in fact our impotence is still quite obvious. At this 10-year mark of the North American Spine Society, we should remember the long colorful past of bipedal man's relationship with his vertebral column and to marvel at what has been accomplished to propel us to the present.
This historical perspective allows for a gracious celebration of our peers, mentors and colleagues who forged the foundation of modern spinal medicine and this Society. Though a complete listing is impossible, some names must be recognized: Drs. Charles Burton, Edmund T. Dombrowski, David Duffner, Edward Froning, William Kirkaldy-Willis, Casey Lee, Vert Mooney, Robert Morrow, Richard Nasca, Elmer Nix, Charles