Scientific Session 1: Expectations for Spine Surgeons are High, How Do We Elevate Our Practices?

Friday, February 27, 2026

9:00 AM - 10:45 AM MST

Presentations:

9:00 AM - 9:04 AM MST

Chair Opening & Video
Speaker: Erica F. Bisson, MD, MPH – University of Utah Health
9:05 AM - 9:07 AM MST

SPC Introduction
Speaker: Laura Snyder, MD – Barrow Neurological Institute
9:08 AM - 9:16 AM MST

Better: A Challenge for the Future
Speaker: Eric Potts, MD – Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine
9:17 AM - 9:25 AM MST

New “Waze” to Measure: Advancing Our Understanding of Outcomes.
Speaker: Michael P. Steinmetz, MD – Cleveland Clinic
9:26 AM - 9:34 AM MST

Spine Leadership: Driving Growth Through Quality
Speaker: Alpesh A. Patel, MD MBA – Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
9:35 AM - 9:37 AM MST

Introduction of Honored Neurosurgery Guest
Speaker: Daniel Hoh, MD – University of Florida
9:38 AM - 9:45 AM MST

Learning Forward: Perspectives on Elevating Spine Surgery
Speaker: Marjorie Wang, MD MPH – Medical College of Wisconsin
9:46 AM - 9:48 AM MST

Introduction of Honored Orthopaedic Guest
Speaker: Christopher I. Shaffrey, MD, FACS, FAANS – Duke University Medical Center
9:49 AM - 9:56 AM MST

The Art and Science of Medicine: Don’t Forget the Art
Speaker: Serena S. Hu, MD – Stanford Healthcare
9:57 AM - 9:59 AM MST

Introduction of Honored Peripheral Nerve Guest
Speaker: Paul Park, MD – Semmes Murphey Clinic
10:00 AM - 10:07 AM MST

Lynda’s Legacy: Boosting the Field of Peripheral Nerve Surgery and Those Around Her
Speaker: Whitney E. Muhlestein, MD – University of Utah
10:08 AM - 10:10 AM MST

Introduction of Meritorious Award Lecture
Speaker: Paul K. Kim, MD – Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates
10:11 AM - 10:18 AM MST

Does Intelligent Life Exist Outside the Spine Surgery Universe?
Speaker: Domagoj Coric, MD – Atrium Health
10:19 AM - 10:24 AM MST

Chair's Introduction
Speaker: Luis M. Tumialan, MD – Barrow Neurological Institute
10:25 AM - 10:45 AM MST

Chair's Address
Speaker: Erica F. Bisson, MD, MPH – University of Utah Health