Michael Klein, Jr., M.D., FACS, Clinical Volunteer Professor at the University of California–Davis Department of Orthopedic Surgery, has been honored with the David O. Selby Award, recognizing his contributions to the art and science of spinal disorder management through service to the North American Spine Society (NASS).
“When I received the letter indicating that I had been chosen for the David O. Selby award, I was completely overwhelmed,” said Dr. Klein to OTW. I honestly didn’t think that what I have been doing for NASS was unusual.”
A member of NASS for 11 years, Dr. Klein is devoted to the organization’s educational mission and has served as moderator for SpinePAC symposia at the 2016 and 2017 Annual Meetings.
Committed to keeping NASS in the minds of elected officials, Dr. Klein, co-chair of the SpinePAC Advisory Committee, has co-hosted five SpinePAC fundraising dinners. At each event a member of Congress was asked to discuss the issues facing spine care providers specifically, regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA), reimbursement and a comprehensive insurance plan for all Americans.
Regarding his original involvement with the organization, Dr. Klein states that he started going to the NASS annual meetings in 2005. “What prompted me to get involved was seeing the intense level of dedication amongst people working on behalf of the organization. In addition, I noticed that NASS has a very egalitarian approach to education in that all are welcome—chiropractors, physical therapists, physician assistants and nurse practioners.”
Shortly thereafter, Dr. Klein could see that NASS would benefit from having a “voice” in Washington, D.C. “In 2009 I hosted a SpinePAC dinner in Los Angeles where a Congressman spoke to the participants. After that NASS asked me to co-chair the SpinePAC Advisory Committee, a wonderful experience that was truly a collective effort.”
In addition to his work as Co-Chair of the the SpinePAC Advisory Committee, Dr. Klein has served on the Evidence Based Medicine Committee and the Professional Ethics Committee.
Dr. Klein has contributed greatly to the growth of SpineConnect, an online NASS forum involving case presentations with accompanying diagnostic studies. As a moderator and facilitator, Dr. Klein encouraged NASS members worldwide to post clinical cases with teaching issues, and encouraged spine care providers to ask for assistance with difficult cases. Since Dr. Klein assumed the position of SpineConnect chair in 2015, its membership has doubled.
“SpineConnect is a gem,” says Dr. Klein. “Any NASS member around the world can post a case and get assistance. Off the top of my head I can think of a doctor in Malaysia who is very bright and offers wonderful suggestions. Another spine professional in Athens, who is a regular valued contributor, always provides his 35 years of experience. In order to be useful to members, we are moving to a new format where those who post questions are being asked to later provide us with information on the outcomes.”
Always interested in pushing the organization in new and helpful directions, Dr. Klein says, “I recently suggested that David Attenborough, author of the new documentary, ‘A Life on Our Planet,’ be invited by NASS President, Dr.Eeric Truumees, as the keynote speaker at the annual 2021 meeting. Instead of focusing on geopolitics and geoeconomics, let’s talk about our planet and the risks we’re running by not paying attention to the natural world. Stay tuned to see if Sir David accepts our offer.”
