Future Role of Physicians and Spine Specialists (Spinecare Team)
There has never been a greater need for spine physicians and spine specialists of various disciplines to prepare for the future and begin working with one another. Successful spinecare requires collaboration, networking and integration at many different levels. In the future physicians will strive for excellence and will do what is necessary to distinguish themselves and enhance their role in spinecare. This process will include acquiring additional training credentialing. New graduates will look for opportunities in multidisciplinary spinecare facilites and centers of excellence rather than small isolated practices.
Integrated spine centers will prioritize hiring of physicians and support staff who are well trained, credentialed, and experienced in various levels of spinecare. Emphasis will be placed on hiring staff which prioritize the delivery of conservative care because the majority of patients seen in these facilities will not require invasive or surgical intervention. This trend will enhance the role of the chiropractic physican, physical therapist, and physical medicine specialists. In the future the chiropractic physician may assume the role of a primary spinecare clinician. The future will also offer unique interdisciplinary residencies, fellowships and credentialing opportunities.
Physicians of the future will have a greater responsibility to direct their patients to online "need-to-know" information about their spine disorder and reasonable treatment options. Physicians will be encouraged to recommend patients with one or more chronic spine disorders to become a member of a national and/or international organization so they can stay informed and learn more about how they can help themselves. The future will bring new standards of care and will expand the responsibilities associated with informed consent.
Welcome to the Inform a Colleague area of the Academy Website. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) strives to implement new and more efficient methods for members to communicate with other healthcare professionals. One of the most effective tools is the online "Inform a Colleague" function. This function can be used to expand and educate your spinecare referral network. It also represents a resource to conveniently inform others about trends in spinecare and about offers of organizations such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), the International Spine Association (ISA). The link library also contains an application for membership with the AASP.
The online "Inform a Colleague" feature provides an invaluable time-saving service for keeping spinecare professionalsup-to-date, expanding the spinecare network, stimulating interdisciplinary referrals and for inviting colleagues to join the AASP. The library of links is always being updated with useful information and resources. The linked messages can be used to
**Edit and/or add text where appropriate** (Inform one or more colleagues)
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Member:
This level of membership is for physicians (MD, DC, DO) whose practice/interest includes patients with spinal disorders. ($250)
Affiliate Member:
This level of membership is for allied healthcare professionals involved in spinecare and/or spine research. This includes physical therapists, massage therapists, exercise physiologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician's assistants, diagnostic technicians, surgical technicians, exercise instructors, personal trainers and individuals who hold a PhD and work in the field of spinecare. ($150)
Candidate Member:
This level of membership is for residents, fellows and students who have an interest in spinecare. ($35)
Membership will automatically renew each calendar year starting from the date of membership renewal or membership acceptance unless the AASP is specifically notified in writing by the member at least 30 days prior to their renewal date. Please address all correspondence to the AASP Office of Member Services.
Review the accuracy of your contact information and practice profile information including your email address. To update your profile online go to spinephysicians.org and login using your unique member ID and PIN as noted below.
Please notify the AASP if you no longer meet membership criteria. This includes maintaining an active license to practice.