The North American Spine Society has three awards available to recognize unique and outstanding contributions to the field of spine care and research: The Leon Wiltse Award, the Henry Farfan Award, and the David Selby (formerly Key Service) Award. All of the awards were named for founding members of NASS who not only made outstanding contributions to the field of spine care and research, but also played key roles in the early success of NASS.
Congratulations to the 2012 Recognition Awards Winners
| Henry Farfan Award – Helen Gruber, PhD |
| To recognize outstanding contributions in spine related basic science research. |
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| Dr. Helen Gruber is an obvious recipient of the NASS Henry Farfan Award recognizing her outstanding contributions in spine related basic science research. Dr. Gruber's research interests have been primarily in the areas of bone, cartilage and currently focus upon the intervertebral disc. She has authored 138 peer-reviewed scientific articles, has numerous chapters and articles that have made significant contributions to understanding of disc disease. She has been both principle- and co-investigator on multiple research grants including a prestige NIH-funded RO1 award. Her current research efforts focus primarily upon intervertebral disc degeneration and changes in the aging disc. She has worked closely with clinicians and other basic scientists, and has earned the respect of her colleagues in the scientific community. |
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Alexander J. Ghanayem, MD |
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David Selby Award – Tom Faciszewski, MD |
| For a NASS member who has contributed greatly to the art and science of spinal disorder management through service to NASS. |
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Thomas Faciszewski, M.D., is a highly deserving recipient of the North American Spine Society's 2012 David Selby Award for contributing greatly to the art and science of spinal disorder management through service to NASS. Dr. Faciszewski is an orthopaedic spine surgeon, practicing at the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin.
Dr. Faciszewski has been a member of NASS since 1994. His early years at NASS set the tone for our current health policy efforts with Congress, CMS and the AMA. These efforts were instrumental in establishing NASS's credibility and advocating for appropriate reimbursement for spinal procedures. He was a strong proponent for a more active role for NASS in educating members of Congress on the need for high quality specialty care in the US. Dr. Faciszewski became president of NASS in 2007. Sensing the winds of change in governmental oversight of physician-industry relationships, Dr. Faciszewski led efforts that culminated in complete disclosure and transparency among the board of directors of NASS, and led to NASS being widely recognized for its proactive efforts in this area.
In addition to these direct efforts on behalf of NASS members, Dr. Faciszewski has mentored and energized many others into taking on leadership roles within the society. He has been a passionate believer in the very core concept of NASS - that of a multidisciplinary specialty society, where physicians from different specialties get together with a common mission of delivering high quality spine care for our patients. |
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Raj Rao, MD
Charles Mick, MD |
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| Leon Wiltse Award – Marcel Dvorak, MD, FRCSC |
| To recognize excellence in leadership and/or clinical research in spine care. |
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| Marcel Dvorak, MD, FRCSC is a highly skilled and internationally respected spinal surgeon. He is also an admired leader, innovator and educator. Upon his arrival at UBC/Vancouver, he steadfastly pursued and recruited several talented clinical and research partners until he had achieved his ultimate goal: an internationally recognized academic spine center. During his tenure as Director of the Vancouver Spine Center, he and his colleagues have been prolific in their basic science and clinical research contributions. Dr Dvorak has also been the driving force behind several Canadian, North American and international educational and research initiatives. Dr. Dvorak is extremely deserving of the NASS Leon Wiltse Award. |
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Mitchel Harris, MD, FACS |
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