Frank Phillips, MD, named President of the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery

(ROSEMONT, IL, March 16, 2020)  Frank Phillips, MD, was named president of the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery during the Annual Meeting on Feb. 26, 2020 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan.

Dr. Phillips is the director of the section of minimally invasive spine surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and is a pioneer in minimally invasive and motion-sparing techniques for spinal procedures. His research has earned several awards and grants, and he is a frequent director of educational course for spine.

“I look forward to reinforcing ISASS’s position as the premier international spine surgeon society focused on innovative technologies to better patient care,” he said. “We will continue to expand our international outreach, engage young surgeons and ensure that we provide value for our members and all stake holders in spinal care.”

Dr. Phillips earned his medical degree at the University of Witwatersand in South Africa and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Chicago Medical Center. He did his spine fellowship at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland.

The presidential term will last for the next year. In addition, ISASS named three new Board members after a member vote to update its Bylaws expanded the ISASS Board. Also named to the Board are: Morgan Lorio, MD, chairman of ISASS’ Coding & Reimbursement Task Force; Ali Araghi, DO, chairman of ISASS’ Membership Committee and Matthew Scott-Young, MBBA, FRACS, FAOrthA. The other remaining board members include Jack Zigler, MD, ISASS Immediate Past President; Domagoj Coric, MD, Treasurer; Massimo Balsano, MD; Hulin Yang, MD, PhD; Michael Wang, MD.

The ISASS Annual Meeting took place Feb. 26-28, at the Puerto Rico Convention Center and brought together surgeons, scientists, and industry to share research and learn about new techniques, best practices and how surgeons in various countries approach their cases.

ISASS was founded in 2001 and is the only society dedicated exclusively to the surgical care of the spine and managed exclusively by spine surgeons. The Society blends the fields of neurosurgery and orthopaedic spine surgery, enjoying active participation by some of the best scientists in the world.

With membership in 78 countries, ISASS publishes the International Journal of Spine Surgery, and provides advocacy for patients’ rights and access to surgical care.  ISASS has published position papers on several areas of spinal surgery that have helped payors make policy decisions giving patient access to newer technologies like cervical and lumbar arthroplasty, surgical treatment of sacroiliac joint disease, and interlaminar stabilization following decompression for spinal stenosis.