David Gendelberg, MD has been a NASS member since 2015. He is an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, where he also serves as Co-Director of the Spine Pathology Advanced Research Center. His clinical interests include spine trauma, minimally invasive surgery, and expanding access to high-quality spine care, while his longstanding commitment to advocacy has made him a rising leader within NASS.

"Dr. David Gendelberg represents the future of NASS in multiple areas," said Michael Klein, MD, MS, FACS. "He enjoys interacting with members of Congress on health care issues and the importance of building relationships with representatives and policy makers who support the mission of NASS."

Within NASS, Dr. Gendelberg has served as Chair of the Political Engagement Subcommittee, a member of the SpinePAC Advisory Committee, the Health Policy & Advocacy Council, Early Career Advisory Council, Legislative Subcommittee, and several additional committees. He has represented NASS at congressional fly-ins, organized SpinePAC events that strengthened relationships between lawmakers and spine surgeons, and has become a passionate advocate for policies that improve patient access to high-quality spine care and advance the future of the specialty.

All awards will be presented to winners during an awards ceremony at the NASS 2026 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX on October 15, 2026. If you would like to read more about this year’s winners, or nominate a colleague for 2027 awards, please visit www.spine.org/awards.