The 2025 North Carolina Spine Society (NCSS) annual meeting brought together leading experts in spine care from across the state, with Duke Orthopaedics and Duke Neurosurgery faculty playing a central role in organizing, presenting, and inspiring attendees.
Dr. Melissa Erickson, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and current President of NCSS, led this year’s meeting with a bold and inclusive vision.
“One of the most meaningful aspects of the experience was feeling the strong support of my spine colleagues—across institutions, specialties, and levels of training—while hosting such a high-caliber meeting,” she shared. “The event truly showcased the strength of our collaborative spine division, uniting orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. The sense of camaraderie was unmistakable.”
Dr. Erickson also emphasized the importance of addressing occupational hazards in spine surgery. “The most important talk I heard was about the physical and emotional burden of spine surgery to the surgeon. The data on cancer risk and suicide risk were alarming, but the proposed solutions were insightful and hopeful. The ongoing discussion is a reflection of our commitment as surgeons to taking better care of ourselves, our trainees, and our patients. The future is bright!”
Dr. Muhammad Abd-El-Barr, professor of Neurosurgery and NCSS President-Elect, echoed the enthusiasm. “Standout moments for me included seeing young, diverse premedical and medical students present amazing science aimed at improving spine care,” he said. “It’s exciting to see how technologies like AI and robotics are being used to help patients.” He also highlighted the value of the meeting’s non-scientific components, including discussions on gender inequities and surgeon burnout.
A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Mike Krzyzewski, known globally as Coach K—the iconic leader behind Duke Basketball’s five NCAA championships and the mastermind behind Team USA’s six Olympic and World Championship gold medals. His talk on leadership and team building left a lasting impression on attendees.
Duke Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery presenters included Dr. Anthony Catanzano, Dr. Olumide Danisa, Dr. C. Rory Goodwin, and Dr. Douglas G. Orndorff, each of whom contributed valuable insights to the program. Their presence further underscored Duke’s commitment to advancing spine care through research, innovation, and community engagement.
Founded in 1994 by Dr. William Richardson, professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, the NCSS remains a vital resource for orthopaedic and neurosurgical spine professionals across North Carolina, providing education, networking, and collaboration opportunities. This year’s meeting reflected the society’s mission and the strength of Duke’s leadership in shaping the future of spine care.