Steven R. Garfin, M.D., professor and chair of UCSD School of Medicine Department of Orthopaedics, was awarded The Wiltse Award by the North American Spine Society at its annual meeting in New Orleans.

The Wiltse Award, named after Leon Wiltse, M.D., a founder of NASS and a pioneer in the area of spine surgery, is given to an outstanding physician who has been a key contributor to the field of spine surgery through research, teaching and/or innovations in spine surgery. Dr. Garfin is being recognized for his work in all three areas and for his life’s effort in the field of spine surgery to the benefit of patients who suffer from spinal disorders.

A leading researcher in the field, Dr. Garfin has contributed to numerous published papers and books on spine care. Along with being well known for his innovations to the field of spine surgery with a special interest in cervical spine surgery, Dr. Garfin is also regarded as an excellent teacher and mentor to those entering the field of spine surgery.