Here are 20 spine surgeons who are leaders on device company scientific, medical or executive boards. If you would like to add a spine surgeon to the list, please contact Laura at lmiller@beckershealthcare.com.
Joseph Aferzon, MD (Connecticut Spine Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, New Britain). Dr. Aferzon is a clinical adviser for Orthozon Technologies, a medical device company for spine surgery solutions. He is a neurological surgeon and co-director at the Connecticut Spine Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery and chief of the department of neurosurgery at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. He has a master's degree from Courant Institute of Mathematics at New York University in mathematics and computers with application in bio-medical sciences. He also completed a neurosurgery residency at the University of Connecticut's Hartford Hospital. Dr. Aferzon has 14 years of clinical experience, and his area of expertise is minimally invasive spinal fusions. He was the first surgeon in Connecticut to be accepted as a member of the Society for Lateral Access Surgery. He is also a member of the American Academy of Neurological Surgery, Congress of Neurological Surgery, National Association of Spine Surgeons and New England Neurosurgical Society.
Jeffrey A. Bash, MD (Connecticut Spine Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, New Britain). Dr. Bash is a spine surgeon with Connecticut Spine Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery and chief of spine surgery at Middlesex Community Hospital. During his career, he has authored several patents and participated directly in the development of new spine products. He is on the medical advisory board for US Spine and serves as a consultant for several other device companies. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Bash is a member of the National Association for Spine Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Society of Lateral Access Surgeons. Dr. Bash earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at New York University Medical Center-Hospital for Joint Diseases. His additional training includes a spine surgery fellowship at Texas Back Institute in Plano.
Clay Baynham, MD (Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, Palm Beach, Fla.). Dr. Baynham is a founder and director of Atlas Spine, a company focused on developing products for the cervical and lumbar spine. He is currently an orthopedic spine surgeon at Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute with a professional interest in adult and pediatric spinal problems as well as a consultant with the Palm Beach County Trauma District. He is trained in microsurgical and laser techniques and has served as a spinal consultant to Children's Medical Services. Dr. Baynham earned his medical degree at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he also completed his residency. His additional training includes an adult and pediatric spine surgery fellowship at Lakewood Orthopedic Clinic, and he spent time training at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles.
Steve Courtney, MD (Plano Orthopedic Sports Medicine & Spine Center, Plano, Texas). Dr. Courtney is the founder of Eminent Spine, a medical device company focused on manufacturing spinal implants. He is a spine surgeon at Plano (Texas) Orthopedic Sports Medicine & Spine Center and has served as chief of orthopedic surgery at the Medical Center of Plano. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Courtney is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and North American Spine Society. He has been recognized as a top physician in Texas by several local publications and has a professional interest in reconstructive neck and back surgery. Dr. Courtney earned his medical degree at Louisiana State University Medical School in Eunice and completed his residency at Texas A&M University Medical Center in College Station. His additional training includes a fellowship in spine surgery at the Florida Neck & Back Institute in Gainesville.
Jeffrey Fischgrund, MD (Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, Mich.). Dr. Fischgrund is an orthopedic spine surgeon who has been on the board of directors of Trans1, a medical device company for degenerative conditions of the lower lumbar spine region, since April 2012. He is a professor of orthopedic surgery at The Oakland University School of Medicine in Royal Oak, Mich. He has served as editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons since 2009 and has been the spine fellowship director at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak since 2008. His research interests are in spinal surgery, bone morphogenetic proteins and cervical disc replacements. Dr. Fischgrund received his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He completed an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore and a spine surgery fellowship at the Beaumont Hospital. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Michigan Orthopaedic Society, Michigan State Medical Society, Oakland Count Medical Society, Detroit Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Spine Study Group.
Kevin Foley, MD (University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis). Dr. Foley is the chairman of the medical advisory board for BioDlogics, a biomedical company which develops novel wound covering products from amniotic tissue. He is a professor of neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. He also serves as the director of complex spine surgery at Semmes-Murphey Neurologic & Spine Institute, director of the spine fellowship program for the University of Tennessee Department of Neurosurgery and medical director for the Medical Education & Research Institute. Dr. Foley received his medical degree from the University of California Los Angeles, and he interned at Letterman Army Medical Center. He completed a neurosurgery residency at UCLA. In additional to spine surgery practice, he is involved with research in image-guided spinal navigation, minimally invasive spine surgery and spinal biomechanics. He regularly lectures at scientific meetings and workshops and has written more than 20 book chapters and 80 journal publications.
Steven R. Garfin, MD (University of California, San Diego). Dr. Garfin is the chairman of the Surgeon Advisory Board at SI-BONE, a company focused on minimally invasive sacroiliac joint surgery. He is a professor and chairman in the department of orthopedic surgery at the University of California in San Diego. During his career, Dr. Garfin has been the president of the North American Spine Society and Cervical Spine Research Society. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Garfin has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and was part of a group of surgeons who met to devise an algorithm for treatment of patients with SI joint pathology. Dr. Garfin earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of California in San Diego. His additional training includes a spine disorders fellowship at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.
Charles Gordon, MD (Gordon Spine Associates, Tyler, Texas). Dr. Gordon is the founder and scientific advisory board chairman for Flexus Spine, a device company focused on total spine arthroplasty. He also holds the patents on Flexus Spine technology. He is board certified in neurological surgery, and his interests are solving problems related to the entire functional spinal unit. He is the founder of Gordon Spine Associates and performs cases at The Texas Spine & Joint Hospital in Tyler. Dr. Gordon received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completed his fellowship in neurosurgery at The Medical College of Virginia. He completed and internship and residency in general surgery from the Medical College of Virginia. He is affiliated with the North American Spine Society, Texas Medical Association, Smith County Medical Association, American Medical Association, Texas Association of Neurological Surgeons and American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD (Texas Back Institute, Plano). Dr. Hochschuler is the chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of Physicians for Alphatec Spine, a spine device company. In addition to his spine device development work, Dr. Hochschuler co-founded Texas Back Institute in Plano and is a founding member and former president of the board of directors for the Spine Arthroplasty Society, now known as the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery. During his career, Dr. Hochschuler has published several articles in professional journals and authored two books for the patient population about managing back pain. Dr. Hochschuler earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in Boston and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. He also spent time in the United States Air Force and is the founder of the spine division of the Veterans Administration in Dallas.
Stephen James, DO (Resurgens Orthopaedics, Atlanta). Dr. James is a clinical adviser for Ascendx Spine, a device company for treatment of vertebral compression fractures. He is an orthopedic spine surgeon at Atlanta-based Resurgens Orthopaedics with several hospital affiliations. His areas of expertise include complex reconstructive spine surgery, cervical spine surgery, spinal tumors and trauma, total disc arthroplasty and kyphoplasty. Dr. James received his degree in osteopathic medicine from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Calif. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Michigan State University in Lansing and a fellowship in orthopedic spine surgery from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in New York. He's a member of many organizations, including the North American Spine Society, American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopaedics, American Osteopathic Association, Scoliosis Research Society and Atlanta Orthopaedic Society.
John P. Kostuik, MD (Formerly of Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Baltimore). Dr. Kostuik is the founder, past chairman and chief medical officer of K2M. He previously served as chief of spine surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. During his career, Dr. Kostuik served as president of the Scoliosis Research Society and North American Spine Society. He was one of the original members and organizers of NASS and is recognized as a leading teacher in spine surgery, having instructed more than 150 international spine fellows. In addition to his clinical practice, he has authored several articles on advanced spinal technologies and treatments and served as a key note speaker at major spine society events. Dr. Kostuik earned his medical degree at Queen's University Faculty of Health in Ontario, Canada.
Carl Lauryssen, MD (Olympia Medical Center, Los Angeles). Dr. Lauryssen is on the Scientific Advisory Board for Intrinsic Therapeutics, a company focused on providing solutions for patients with disc herniations. Dr. Lauryssen is a spine surgeon at Olympia Medical Center in Los Angeles and previously directed the advanced neurosurgical spine program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Lauryssen is focused on research and was among the first neurosurgeons in the country to inject stem cells into a human spinal cord during an FDA trial. He has received the Young Investigator Award from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons for his work with cervical disorders and stem cell research. Dr. Lauryssen earned his medical degree at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and completed his neurosurgical residency at University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. His additional training includes a fellowship in neurosurgery at the University of Alabama.
Isador Lieberman, MD (Texas Back Institute, Plano). Dr. Lieberman is on the medical advisory board for Mazor Robotics, a spine surgery device company who focuses on robotic guidance systems. Mazor is well-known for its Renaissance Surgical Guidance System. Dr. Lieberman is also the director of the scoliosis and spine tumor center at the Texas Back Institute in Plano. His clinical specialties include minimally invasive spinal surgery, spine deformities, spine tumors, osteoporosis and spine fractures. He received his medical degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. He completed a comprehensive surgery internship at The Wellesley Hospital in Toronto and an orthopedic surgery residency at the Sunnybrook Health Centre and Toronto East General Hospital. Dr. Lieberman is also fellowship-trained in spine surgery from both the Toronto Hospital and Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, United Kingdom. He's a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, North American Spine Society and Scoliosis Research Society.
Dennis McGowan, MD (Kearney Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, Kearney, Neb.). Dr. McGowan is on the board of directors for Osseon Therapeutics, which produces products for patients with vertebral compression fractures. He is an orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist at Kearney Orthopedic and Sports Medicine in Nebraska. He previously served as the assistant chief of orthopedic surgery at Veteran's Affairs Medical Center in Des Moines. Dr. McGowan received his medical degree from the University of Iowa and completed an orthopedic residency at the State University of New York. He received a spine and trauma fellowship at Kantonsspital in St. Gallen, Switzerland and has a combined research spine fellowship and clinical spine training from Harvard Medical School in Cambridge.
Warren Neely, MD (Methodist Healthcare, San Antonio). Dr. Neely is co-founder and chief medical officer for Wenzel Spine. During his career, Dr. Neely has focused on research and participated in pioneering research and development of new stand-alone lumbar fusion technology and procedures. He has a professional interest in treating adult patients with cervical and lumbar spinal pathologies and has been in private practice for more than 32 years. He is a board-certified neurological surgeon and a diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons. Dr. Neely earned his medical degree at The University of Louisville (Ky.) and completed his residency and fellowship at Montreal Neurological Institute in Canada.
James Ogilvie, MD (Shriners Hospital for Children, Salt Lake City). Dr. Ogilvie is the founder, director and the chief medical officer for Axial Biotech, a company focused on developing genetic tests and treatment for spinal disorders. He is also a staff surgeon at Shriners Hospital for Children in Salt Lake City. He's a former professor and vice-chair of the University of Minnesota department of orthopedic surgery. Dr. Ogilvie has three recently-issued patents to methods and instrumentation for spine surgery. He is a past president of the Scoliosis Research Society and associate editor of the Spine Journal. He received his medical degree from Yale Medical School in New Haven, Conn., and completed a surgical internship at the University of California San Francisco. He completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Utah and a spine fellowship at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Ogilvie is a member of the Academic Orthopaedic Society, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Scoliosis Research Society and Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons.
John E. Sherman, MD (Twin Cities Orthopedics, Edina, Minn.). Dr. Sherman is the medical director of CoreSpine, a company focused on developing technology for advanced surgical devices for spine surgery. He practices at Twin Cities Orthopedics in Edina, Minn., and specializes in spine surgery. Dr. Sherman also has served as an assistant professor at the University of California Los Angeles. He has conducted research on engineering technologies and focuses on motion preservation and minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Sherman graduated from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He completed a surgery residency at the University of Minnesota Medical School and a fellowship at UCLA's department of orthopedics. He's a member of many organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hennepin County Medical Society, Minnesota Medical Association, Minnesota Orthopaedic Society, North American Spine Society and International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery.
Paul Slosar, MD (SpineCare Medical Group, San Francisco). Dr. Slosar is the medical director of Titan Spine, a spine device company. He serves as president of SpineCare Medical Group and assistant director of surgical research and surgical fellowship at The San Francisco Spine Institute. During his career, he has served as a reviewer for Spine and on the editorial board of The Spine Journal. He is a member of several professional societies, including North American Spine Society, Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine. Dr. Slosar earned his medical degree at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill. His additional training includes a fellowship in spine surgery at The San Francisco Spine Institute and SpineCare Medical Group.
Jeffrey Thramann, MD (Boulder Neurological Associates, Boulder, Colo.). Dr. Thramann is the co-founder and chairman of the board of directors at Lanx, a spine device company. He also founded his practice, Boulder Neurological Associates. During his career, he has served on the medical advisory board for NeoSpine, a spine surgery center management and development company. Dr. Thramann is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. In addition to his clinical work, he has published articles in professional journals. He earned his medical degree from Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City and completed his neurosurgery residency at Maricopa Medical Center at St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. His additional training includes time at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix.
Eric Woodard, MD (New England Baptist Hospital). Dr. Woodard is the chief medical officer of InVivo Therapeutics, a medical device company focused on finding solutions for patients with spinal cord injury. Dr. Woodard is also the chief of neurosurgery at New England Baptist Hospital and former chief of spine surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital, both in Boston. He established the neurosurgery fellowship in spine surgery at NEBH and has been on the editorial board for The Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques and Spine Universe. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Woodard is a member of several professional societies, including North American Spine Society and has served as chairman of the AO Spine North America Board. Dr. Woodard earned his medical degree from Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pa., and completed his neurological surgery residency at Emory University in Atlanta. His additional training includes a fellowship in complex spine surgery at Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
Joseph Aferzon, MD (Connecticut Spine Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, New Britain). Dr. Aferzon is a clinical adviser for Orthozon Technologies, a medical device company for spine surgery solutions. He is a neurological surgeon and co-director at the Connecticut Spine Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery and chief of the department of neurosurgery at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. He has a master's degree from Courant Institute of Mathematics at New York University in mathematics and computers with application in bio-medical sciences. He also completed a neurosurgery residency at the University of Connecticut's Hartford Hospital. Dr. Aferzon has 14 years of clinical experience, and his area of expertise is minimally invasive spinal fusions. He was the first surgeon in Connecticut to be accepted as a member of the Society for Lateral Access Surgery. He is also a member of the American Academy of Neurological Surgery, Congress of Neurological Surgery, National Association of Spine Surgeons and New England Neurosurgical Society.
Jeffrey A. Bash, MD (Connecticut Spine Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, New Britain). Dr. Bash is a spine surgeon with Connecticut Spine Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery and chief of spine surgery at Middlesex Community Hospital. During his career, he has authored several patents and participated directly in the development of new spine products. He is on the medical advisory board for US Spine and serves as a consultant for several other device companies. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Bash is a member of the National Association for Spine Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Society of Lateral Access Surgeons. Dr. Bash earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at New York University Medical Center-Hospital for Joint Diseases. His additional training includes a spine surgery fellowship at Texas Back Institute in Plano.
Clay Baynham, MD (Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, Palm Beach, Fla.). Dr. Baynham is a founder and director of Atlas Spine, a company focused on developing products for the cervical and lumbar spine. He is currently an orthopedic spine surgeon at Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute with a professional interest in adult and pediatric spinal problems as well as a consultant with the Palm Beach County Trauma District. He is trained in microsurgical and laser techniques and has served as a spinal consultant to Children's Medical Services. Dr. Baynham earned his medical degree at the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he also completed his residency. His additional training includes an adult and pediatric spine surgery fellowship at Lakewood Orthopedic Clinic, and he spent time training at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles.
Steve Courtney, MD (Plano Orthopedic Sports Medicine & Spine Center, Plano, Texas). Dr. Courtney is the founder of Eminent Spine, a medical device company focused on manufacturing spinal implants. He is a spine surgeon at Plano (Texas) Orthopedic Sports Medicine & Spine Center and has served as chief of orthopedic surgery at the Medical Center of Plano. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Courtney is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and North American Spine Society. He has been recognized as a top physician in Texas by several local publications and has a professional interest in reconstructive neck and back surgery. Dr. Courtney earned his medical degree at Louisiana State University Medical School in Eunice and completed his residency at Texas A&M University Medical Center in College Station. His additional training includes a fellowship in spine surgery at the Florida Neck & Back Institute in Gainesville.
Jeffrey Fischgrund, MD (Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, Mich.). Dr. Fischgrund is an orthopedic spine surgeon who has been on the board of directors of Trans1, a medical device company for degenerative conditions of the lower lumbar spine region, since April 2012. He is a professor of orthopedic surgery at The Oakland University School of Medicine in Royal Oak, Mich. He has served as editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons since 2009 and has been the spine fellowship director at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak since 2008. His research interests are in spinal surgery, bone morphogenetic proteins and cervical disc replacements. Dr. Fischgrund received his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He completed an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore and a spine surgery fellowship at the Beaumont Hospital. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Michigan Orthopaedic Society, Michigan State Medical Society, Oakland Count Medical Society, Detroit Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Spine Study Group.
Kevin Foley, MD (University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis). Dr. Foley is the chairman of the medical advisory board for BioDlogics, a biomedical company which develops novel wound covering products from amniotic tissue. He is a professor of neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. He also serves as the director of complex spine surgery at Semmes-Murphey Neurologic & Spine Institute, director of the spine fellowship program for the University of Tennessee Department of Neurosurgery and medical director for the Medical Education & Research Institute. Dr. Foley received his medical degree from the University of California Los Angeles, and he interned at Letterman Army Medical Center. He completed a neurosurgery residency at UCLA. In additional to spine surgery practice, he is involved with research in image-guided spinal navigation, minimally invasive spine surgery and spinal biomechanics. He regularly lectures at scientific meetings and workshops and has written more than 20 book chapters and 80 journal publications.
Steven R. Garfin, MD (University of California, San Diego). Dr. Garfin is the chairman of the Surgeon Advisory Board at SI-BONE, a company focused on minimally invasive sacroiliac joint surgery. He is a professor and chairman in the department of orthopedic surgery at the University of California in San Diego. During his career, Dr. Garfin has been the president of the North American Spine Society and Cervical Spine Research Society. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Garfin has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and was part of a group of surgeons who met to devise an algorithm for treatment of patients with SI joint pathology. Dr. Garfin earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of California in San Diego. His additional training includes a spine disorders fellowship at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.
Charles Gordon, MD (Gordon Spine Associates, Tyler, Texas). Dr. Gordon is the founder and scientific advisory board chairman for Flexus Spine, a device company focused on total spine arthroplasty. He also holds the patents on Flexus Spine technology. He is board certified in neurological surgery, and his interests are solving problems related to the entire functional spinal unit. He is the founder of Gordon Spine Associates and performs cases at The Texas Spine & Joint Hospital in Tyler. Dr. Gordon received his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completed his fellowship in neurosurgery at The Medical College of Virginia. He completed and internship and residency in general surgery from the Medical College of Virginia. He is affiliated with the North American Spine Society, Texas Medical Association, Smith County Medical Association, American Medical Association, Texas Association of Neurological Surgeons and American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD (Texas Back Institute, Plano). Dr. Hochschuler is the chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of Physicians for Alphatec Spine, a spine device company. In addition to his spine device development work, Dr. Hochschuler co-founded Texas Back Institute in Plano and is a founding member and former president of the board of directors for the Spine Arthroplasty Society, now known as the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery. During his career, Dr. Hochschuler has published several articles in professional journals and authored two books for the patient population about managing back pain. Dr. Hochschuler earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in Boston and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. He also spent time in the United States Air Force and is the founder of the spine division of the Veterans Administration in Dallas.
Stephen James, DO (Resurgens Orthopaedics, Atlanta). Dr. James is a clinical adviser for Ascendx Spine, a device company for treatment of vertebral compression fractures. He is an orthopedic spine surgeon at Atlanta-based Resurgens Orthopaedics with several hospital affiliations. His areas of expertise include complex reconstructive spine surgery, cervical spine surgery, spinal tumors and trauma, total disc arthroplasty and kyphoplasty. Dr. James received his degree in osteopathic medicine from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Calif. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Michigan State University in Lansing and a fellowship in orthopedic spine surgery from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in New York. He's a member of many organizations, including the North American Spine Society, American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopaedics, American Osteopathic Association, Scoliosis Research Society and Atlanta Orthopaedic Society.
John P. Kostuik, MD (Formerly of Johns Hopkins Medical Center, Baltimore). Dr. Kostuik is the founder, past chairman and chief medical officer of K2M. He previously served as chief of spine surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. During his career, Dr. Kostuik served as president of the Scoliosis Research Society and North American Spine Society. He was one of the original members and organizers of NASS and is recognized as a leading teacher in spine surgery, having instructed more than 150 international spine fellows. In addition to his clinical practice, he has authored several articles on advanced spinal technologies and treatments and served as a key note speaker at major spine society events. Dr. Kostuik earned his medical degree at Queen's University Faculty of Health in Ontario, Canada.
Carl Lauryssen, MD (Olympia Medical Center, Los Angeles). Dr. Lauryssen is on the Scientific Advisory Board for Intrinsic Therapeutics, a company focused on providing solutions for patients with disc herniations. Dr. Lauryssen is a spine surgeon at Olympia Medical Center in Los Angeles and previously directed the advanced neurosurgical spine program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Lauryssen is focused on research and was among the first neurosurgeons in the country to inject stem cells into a human spinal cord during an FDA trial. He has received the Young Investigator Award from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons for his work with cervical disorders and stem cell research. Dr. Lauryssen earned his medical degree at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and completed his neurosurgical residency at University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. His additional training includes a fellowship in neurosurgery at the University of Alabama.
Isador Lieberman, MD (Texas Back Institute, Plano). Dr. Lieberman is on the medical advisory board for Mazor Robotics, a spine surgery device company who focuses on robotic guidance systems. Mazor is well-known for its Renaissance Surgical Guidance System. Dr. Lieberman is also the director of the scoliosis and spine tumor center at the Texas Back Institute in Plano. His clinical specialties include minimally invasive spinal surgery, spine deformities, spine tumors, osteoporosis and spine fractures. He received his medical degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. He completed a comprehensive surgery internship at The Wellesley Hospital in Toronto and an orthopedic surgery residency at the Sunnybrook Health Centre and Toronto East General Hospital. Dr. Lieberman is also fellowship-trained in spine surgery from both the Toronto Hospital and Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, United Kingdom. He's a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, North American Spine Society and Scoliosis Research Society.
Dennis McGowan, MD (Kearney Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, Kearney, Neb.). Dr. McGowan is on the board of directors for Osseon Therapeutics, which produces products for patients with vertebral compression fractures. He is an orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist at Kearney Orthopedic and Sports Medicine in Nebraska. He previously served as the assistant chief of orthopedic surgery at Veteran's Affairs Medical Center in Des Moines. Dr. McGowan received his medical degree from the University of Iowa and completed an orthopedic residency at the State University of New York. He received a spine and trauma fellowship at Kantonsspital in St. Gallen, Switzerland and has a combined research spine fellowship and clinical spine training from Harvard Medical School in Cambridge.
Warren Neely, MD (Methodist Healthcare, San Antonio). Dr. Neely is co-founder and chief medical officer for Wenzel Spine. During his career, Dr. Neely has focused on research and participated in pioneering research and development of new stand-alone lumbar fusion technology and procedures. He has a professional interest in treating adult patients with cervical and lumbar spinal pathologies and has been in private practice for more than 32 years. He is a board-certified neurological surgeon and a diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons. Dr. Neely earned his medical degree at The University of Louisville (Ky.) and completed his residency and fellowship at Montreal Neurological Institute in Canada.
James Ogilvie, MD (Shriners Hospital for Children, Salt Lake City). Dr. Ogilvie is the founder, director and the chief medical officer for Axial Biotech, a company focused on developing genetic tests and treatment for spinal disorders. He is also a staff surgeon at Shriners Hospital for Children in Salt Lake City. He's a former professor and vice-chair of the University of Minnesota department of orthopedic surgery. Dr. Ogilvie has three recently-issued patents to methods and instrumentation for spine surgery. He is a past president of the Scoliosis Research Society and associate editor of the Spine Journal. He received his medical degree from Yale Medical School in New Haven, Conn., and completed a surgical internship at the University of California San Francisco. He completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Utah and a spine fellowship at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Ogilvie is a member of the Academic Orthopaedic Society, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Scoliosis Research Society and Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons.
John E. Sherman, MD (Twin Cities Orthopedics, Edina, Minn.). Dr. Sherman is the medical director of CoreSpine, a company focused on developing technology for advanced surgical devices for spine surgery. He practices at Twin Cities Orthopedics in Edina, Minn., and specializes in spine surgery. Dr. Sherman also has served as an assistant professor at the University of California Los Angeles. He has conducted research on engineering technologies and focuses on motion preservation and minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Sherman graduated from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He completed a surgery residency at the University of Minnesota Medical School and a fellowship at UCLA's department of orthopedics. He's a member of many organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Hennepin County Medical Society, Minnesota Medical Association, Minnesota Orthopaedic Society, North American Spine Society and International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery.
Paul Slosar, MD (SpineCare Medical Group, San Francisco). Dr. Slosar is the medical director of Titan Spine, a spine device company. He serves as president of SpineCare Medical Group and assistant director of surgical research and surgical fellowship at The San Francisco Spine Institute. During his career, he has served as a reviewer for Spine and on the editorial board of The Spine Journal. He is a member of several professional societies, including North American Spine Society, Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine. Dr. Slosar earned his medical degree at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill. His additional training includes a fellowship in spine surgery at The San Francisco Spine Institute and SpineCare Medical Group.
Jeffrey Thramann, MD (Boulder Neurological Associates, Boulder, Colo.). Dr. Thramann is the co-founder and chairman of the board of directors at Lanx, a spine device company. He also founded his practice, Boulder Neurological Associates. During his career, he has served on the medical advisory board for NeoSpine, a spine surgery center management and development company. Dr. Thramann is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. In addition to his clinical work, he has published articles in professional journals. He earned his medical degree from Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City and completed his neurosurgery residency at Maricopa Medical Center at St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. His additional training includes time at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix.
Eric Woodard, MD (New England Baptist Hospital). Dr. Woodard is the chief medical officer of InVivo Therapeutics, a medical device company focused on finding solutions for patients with spinal cord injury. Dr. Woodard is also the chief of neurosurgery at New England Baptist Hospital and former chief of spine surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital, both in Boston. He established the neurosurgery fellowship in spine surgery at NEBH and has been on the editorial board for The Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques and Spine Universe. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Woodard is a member of several professional societies, including North American Spine Society and has served as chairman of the AO Spine North America Board. Dr. Woodard earned his medical degree from Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pa., and completed his neurological surgery residency at Emory University in Atlanta. His additional training includes a fellowship in complex spine surgery at Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.