Dr. Luis Tumialán Appointed Chair of AANS/CNS Spine Section
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) have appointed Dr. Luis Manuel Tumialán as the Chair of the Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves (Spine Section). This section holds significant influence within the field of neurosurgery.
Dr. Tumialán serves as a Professor of Neurosurgery at Arizona State University School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, collaborating with HonorHealth. He is renowned for his expertise in minimally invasive and motion preservation spine surgery. His extensive portfolio includes over 140 peer-reviewed articles and 20 book chapters, alongside the textbook "Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: A Primer."
His academic background boasts a degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, complemented by neurosurgical training at Emory University. Dr. Tumialán's distinguished career includes his tenure as a Diving Medical Officer with the Naval Special Warfare Unit One, where he received commendations for his military service.
In his leadership roles, Dr. Tumialán has contributed as the Scientific Program Chairman, Annual Meeting Chairman, and Secretary of the Spine Section. He also serves as a Director of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons (ABNS) and the Chair of the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies (CSNS).
Dr. Tumialán has expressed a key focus on enhancing advocacy for the Spine Section amidst rising regulatory, economic, and administrative challenges impacting patient care. He underscores the Spine Section's pivotal role in supporting neurosurgeons and advancing patient outcomes.
Addressing surgical policies, Dr. Tumialán raised concerns over policies complicating the use of established implants in cervical fusion surgery, emphasizing their status as essential medical standards. Furthermore, he called for the repeal of the 2010 physician ownership restrictions from the Affordable Care Act, citing increased costs and reduced access to care.
Dr. Tumialán noted the Spine Section's commitment to embracing new technologies such as spinal endoscopy, advocating for fair compensation and reduced administrative barriers for surgeons. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, he continues to advance the field of spine surgery and mentor aspiring surgeons. The AANS/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves remains dedicated to promoting spine care through scientific innovation, education, and policy advocacy to improve global patient outcomes.