Michael Fehlings is a renowned neurosurgeon and director of NASS’ Strategic Growth Council. He is also a professor of neurosurgery and co-director of the spine program at the University of Toronto, and head of the spinal program at Toronto Western Hospital. He recently took time to participate in our Council Director Q&A series.
What is the most important work your council is pursuing right now, and why does it matter to NASS members?
Currently, our most critical work involves expanding the global footprint of NASS and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. For NASS members, this matters because the future of spine care is no longer siloed. By integrating neurosurgery, orthopedics, physiatry, allied health disciplines and researchers on a global scale, we ensure that our members have access to the widest possible network of expertise, research, and standardized best practices, which directly translates to improved patient outcomes.
What's changing in the Strategic Growth Council that members should be paying attention to?
We are pivoting toward a more ‘future-focused’ data integration model. We are moving beyond traditional networking to focus on how digital health, AI, and big data registries can be leveraged to track long-term surgical and non-surgical outcomes. Members should watch for new initiatives that provide tools to help them quantify the value of their care in an increasingly value-based health care environment.
Where do you see the biggest opportunity or challenge in spine care over the next year?
Here, I will present a personal perspective. The biggest opportunity lies in neuroprotection and regenerative medicine. We are on the cusp of significant breakthroughs in treating spinal cord injuries and degenerative conditions through biological therapies. The challenge, however, remains the translation gap—ensuring that these high-level scientific advancements are accessible and applicable for the community spine surgeon and their patients.
What's one area of your council's work that you wish people were more aware of?
I wish more members were aware of our advocacy for inclusivity in a broad range of areas. The Strategic Growth Council works tirelessly to ensure that NASS isn’t just a North American entity, but a global leader. We are building bridges with international spine societies to harmonize training standards, which elevates the profession for everyone, regardless of where they practice. NASS is also a strong advocate to enhance opportunities for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds. This includes early career individuals and people from diverse backgrounds.
What accomplishment from the past year are you most proud of — and what impact has it had?
I am most proud of our enhanced mentorship framework for young investigators and clinicians. By pairing emerging leaders with established experts, we have accelerated the pace of clinical research. This has already resulted in a measurable increase in high-impact publications and has secured a pipeline of innovation that will sustain NASS for decades.
How can members engage with or benefit from your council's work in the coming year?
Members can engage by participating in our upcoming Innovation Forums and by contributing to our growth initiatives through committee applications. Benefit comes from the networking opportunities we provide—connecting members with industry partners and global thought leaders that they might not encounter in their daily practice.
Bonus Questions
How did you become interested in the Strategic Growth Council, and how has that involvement impacted your own personal practice?
My interest stemmed from a desire to see spine care evolve from a collection of techniques into a unified, evidence-based medical discipline. My involvement has profoundly impacted my practice by keeping me at the absolute forefront of emerging technologies, allowing me to offer my patients cutting-edge options—such as cervical myelopathy treatments—long before they become mainstream.
How has your experience as a council chair influenced your perspective on the field?
It has humbled me. Seeing the diversity of challenges faced by spine specialists—from rural clinics to major academic centers—has reinforced my belief that ‘one size does not fit all.’ It has shifted my focus from purely technical surgical excellence to a broader view of health policy and global health equity.
What aspects of your council’s work do you find most rewarding?
The most rewarding aspect is witnessing a lightbulb moment for a young clinician or researcher when they realize that through NASS, they have the power to influence the trajectory of our entire specialty, not just the patient on their table.
What keeps you motivated in this work right now?
The patients, families and early career individuals. Every time we move the needle on a clinical guideline or fund a new piece of research, we are potentially improving the life of someone suffering from a debilitating spinal condition. That mission—the restoration of function and hope—is an endless source of motivation.