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August 11, 2026


2026 Leon Wiltse Award Winner Announced: Todd Albert, MD

Dr. Todd Albert, MD

Each year, the North American Spine Society (NASS) recognizes exceptional contributions to the field and the Society through its annual Recognition Awards:

  • Leon Wiltse Award
  • Henry Farfan Award
  • David Selby Award
  • Past President’s Award (awarded every 3 years)
  • Spine Advocacy Award
  • International Award

The Leon Wiltse Award was developed to recognize excellence in leadership and/or clinical research in spine care. In 2026, the Leon Wiltse Award will be bestowed upon Todd Albert, MD.

Todd Albert, MD has been a NASS member since 1995. He is Surgeon-in-Chief Emeritus at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), where he previously served as Surgeon-in-Chief and Chief Medical Officer, and is Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College. He also serves as Chief Medical Officer of Legent Health and co-founded See All AI, a company focused on advancing medical imaging and surgical navigation technologies. Throughout his career, Dr. Albert has combined clinical excellence with visionary leadership, helping transform two of the nation's premier orthopaedic institutions while mentoring more than 150 spine fellows and contributing significantly to innovation in spine care.

“Dr. Albert’s visionary leadership has guided several organizations through periods of meaningful change and transformation,” said Santhosh Thomas, MD. “Through his mentorship, he has inspired and developed the next generation of leaders. His commitment to surgical innovation has advanced patient care and elevated clinical excellence, confirming his business acumen.”

Dr. Albert is internationally recognized for his contributions to spine research, innovation, and leadership. He has authored more than 450 peer-reviewed publications, 80 book chapters, and 14 books, while securing NIH funding and holding multiple patents for spine technologies that have generated widespread clinical impact. He is the only orthopaedic surgeon to have served as president of both the Cervical Spine Research Society and the Scoliosis Research Society, and currently serves as President of the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons. An active NASS volunteer for more than three decades, he has served on numerous committees, including the Annual Meeting Program Committee, Continuing Medical Education Committee, Resident & Fellow Education Committee, Compensation & Benefits Committee, and as deputy editor of The Spine Journal. His distinguished career has been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2025 Hospital for Special Surgery Lifetime Achievement Award.

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.

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