Frank Schwab, M.D. is taking charge of spine at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). Dr. Schwab, who comes to HSS from the New York University (NYU) Hospital for Joint Diseases, will be the new Spine Service Chief as of August 1, 2015.
Frank Schwab, M.D. to Lead HSS Spine Division
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“Spine care is a top and growing population health need, and we are committed to providing the very best, ” said Todd Albert, M.D., Surgeon-in-Chief, Medical Director and Korein-Wilson Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at HSS, in the April 30, 2015 news release. “There is no one better than Dr. Schwab to build on the great work of Dr. Frank Cammisa and lead the finest spine team in the world to a new level of excellence in patient care.”
Dr. Schwab succeeds Frank Cammisa, M.D., as Spine Service Chief. He was formerly the Chief of Spine Deformity at the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. Dr. Schwab earned his undergraduate degree at Princeton and his medical degree at Columbia University, where he also performed his residency. Over the past 20 years his extensive research has originated more than 180 published articles, six major awards and honors including from the NIH (National Institutes of Health) and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), eight grants, and other notable recognition.
“In all that they do, HSS continues to prove that focus drives excellence, ” said Dr. Schwab. “This is the ultimate opportunity for me to focus my abilities on leading the most focused and excellent spine service in the world.”
“In the changing healthcare landscape, HSS is committed to demonstrating that value is a factor of excellence, and excellence is a factor of talent, experience, and quality, ” said HSS president and CEO Louis A. Shapiro. “Dr. Schwab’s proven track record in both spine surgery and strategic development means continued strength in the great tradition of musculoskeletal care at Hospital for Special Surgery.”
Dr. Schwab told OTW, “HSS is already a leader in spine care. The opportunity is to build on that reputation in two important areas: expanded translational research that directly impacts patient care, and a focused multidisciplinary approach to optimize the patient experience and outcomes for spine care whether operative or non-operative.”
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This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
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