Dr. David O’Brien has been a NASS member since 1997. A physiatrist at the Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC., he has served on numerous NASS committees, as well as positions on the NASS Board of Directors. Most recently, his NASS Board positions included Treasurer from 2018-2021 and Secretary from 2021-2024.

Dr. O’Brien has served as course chair and faculty for dozens of courses in at least eight countries and has presented over 120 times nationally and internationally on back pain, sports injuries and health care policy. He is also the director of a NASS interventional spine and musculoskeletal fellowship.

"Dave O'Brien has spent over two decades of unwavering service to NASS," said Karin Swartz, MD. "His work in AMA and CPT on behalf of NASS required endless hours, and goes largely unrecognized. This award helps to celebrate this among his many accomplishments. He is committed to his family, and in honor of them, his patients, and his community, he is working toward greater impact in continuing to fight against the drug overdose epidemic. He has been a great mentor to the benefit of many of us."

He received his medical degree at Indiana University, and completed residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Cincinnati and a fellowship at Portner Orthopaedic Rehabilitation in Hawaii.