Conference Overview
The Multidisciplinary Spine Care Conference returns for its ninth year, continuing its tradition of fostering collaborative approaches to complex spine conditions. This distinguished gathering brings together neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, physiatrists, pain management specialists, physical therapists, rehabilitation professionals, researchers, and industry innovators to share knowledge and advance patient care.
Dates: November 20–22, 2025
Location: The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Amelia Island, Florida, USA
CME Credits: Up to 21.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
Early Registration: Opens March 15, 2025
The 2025 conference theme, "Integrating Precision and Holism in Spine Care," explores the balance between advanced diagnostic and interventional technologies and whole-person treatment approaches. This theme reflects the evolving landscape of spine care, where targeted precision medicine increasingly complements comprehensive rehabilitation and functional restoration models.
Program Highlights
The three-day program offers diverse learning formats designed to engage practitioners across specialties and experience levels:
Scientific Sessions
Expert-led presentations on emerging research, treatment innovations, and outcomes data. Featured topics include advanced imaging techniques, biomarker development, novel surgical approaches, neuroinflammation pathways, and regenerative medicine applications in spine care.
Clinical Workshops
Hands-on skill development sessions in small-group settings. Workshops cover procedural techniques, physical assessment methods, rehabilitation protocols, patient communication strategies, and technology implementation in practice settings.
Interdisciplinary Forums
Facilitated discussions among diverse specialists focused on collaborative care models. Topics include developing integrated spine centers, optimizing care team communication, transitions of care, measuring interdisciplinary outcomes, and challenging case management.
Featured Speakers
The 2025 conference faculty includes internationally recognized experts and emerging leaders across spine care disciplines:
- Elizabeth Chen, MD, PhD – Director of Spinal Neurosurgery, Northwestern University, delivering the opening keynote on "Precision Targeting in Complex Spine Disorders: From Molecular Markers to Intervention Selection"
- Marcus Tullberg, MD – Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Karolinska Institute, presenting the Marian Williams Memorial Lecture on "Long-term Outcomes in Surgical vs. Non-surgical Management of Degenerative Spine Conditions"
- Jaime Gómez, PT, PhD – Research Director, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, presenting on "Neuroplasticity Principles in Spine Rehabilitation: Translating Neuroscience to Clinical Protocols"
- Sofia Washington, MD, MPH – Chief of Spine Division, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, leading the closing plenary on "Building Equitable Spine Care Systems: Addressing Disparities in Access and Outcomes"
Additional faculty includes over 40 specialists representing diverse geographic regions, practice settings, and subspecialty expertise. The program prioritizes multidisciplinary representation with balanced participation from surgical, medical, rehabilitation, and research perspectives.
Special Sessions
The 2025 conference introduces several innovative session formats:
Structured debates addressing controversial spine care topics including vertebroplasty efficacy, appropriate timing of surgical intervention, opioid prescribing approaches, and the utility of advanced imaging in non-specific spine pain. Each debate includes audience polling and moderated discussion.
The Technology Integration Symposium explores emerging tools including artificial intelligence applications in diagnosis and treatment planning, advanced navigation systems, robotics in spine surgery, wearable rehabilitation technologies, and remote monitoring solutions. This full-day pre-conference session includes demonstrations and hands-on exploration opportunities.
A dedicated Patient Perspective Panel brings together individuals with diverse spine conditions to share their experiences navigating care systems and implementing treatment recommendations. This powerful session helps clinicians understand the lived experience of spine disorders and treatment journeys.
Research Presentations
The Scientific Committee welcomes abstract submissions for both podium and poster presentations. The conference particularly encourages research addressing:
- Outcome prediction models that identify which patients benefit from specific interventions
- Innovative rehabilitation approaches with measurable functional improvements
- Cost-effectiveness analyses of treatment pathways
- Patient-reported outcome measures specific to spine conditions
- Clinical decision support tools for treatment selection
- Implementation science studies on integrating evidence into practice
Abstract submission opens April 1, 2025, with a final deadline of July 15, 2025. The peer review process prioritizes methodological rigor, clinical relevance, and alignment with the conference's multidisciplinary focus.
Educational Objectives
Upon completion of the conference, participants will be able to:
- Implement evidence-based assessment protocols for common and complex spine conditions
- Evaluate current and emerging treatment options based on patient-specific factors and quality evidence
- Apply principles of interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize patient outcomes
- Integrate appropriate rehabilitation strategies throughout the spine care continuum
- Utilize shared decision-making approaches when discussing treatment options with patients
- Recognize indications for specialty referral and consultation in complex cases
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. Continuing education credits are available for physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and physician assistants. See conference website for specific accreditation details by discipline.
Registration Information
The conference offers flexible registration options to accommodate different scheduling needs and budget considerations:
Attendance Options
| Package | Includes | Early Bird Rate (before Aug 15) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Conference | All scientific sessions, workshops, materials, and social events | $995 |
| Single Day | All sessions and materials for selected day | $395 |
| Pre-Conference Workshop | Technology Integration Symposium (Nov 19) | $375 |
| Trainee/Resident | All scientific sessions and materials (verification required) | $395 |
Group discounts are available for practices or institutions registering five or more participants. A limited number of scholarships are available for early-career professionals demonstrating financial need and commitment to multidisciplinary spine care.
Accommodations
The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island offers a special conference rate of $249 per night for attendees who book before September 30, 2025. The oceanfront resort provides comprehensive amenities and is fully accessible for attendees with mobility considerations.
Alternative accommodations at various price points are available within a short distance of the conference venue, with shuttle service provided between official conference hotels and the main venue.
For those unable to attend in person, a virtual attendance option provides livestreamed access to all plenary sessions and selected workshops, along with interactive Q&A participation. Virtual registration includes 90-day access to session recordings and all digital conference materials.
Industry Engagement
The conference includes a carefully curated exhibition featuring innovators in spine care technology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, rehabilitation equipment, and practice management solutions. Exhibitors are selected based on relevance to multidisciplinary practice and commitment to evidence-based approaches.
Industry partners may also support the conference through educational grants and sponsored symposia. All industry involvement adheres to ACCME Standards for Commercial Support to ensure scientific integrity and freedom from commercial bias.
For more information about the 9th Annual Multidisciplinary Spine Care Conference, including registration, abstract submission guidelines, and accommodation details, visit spinecarecollaborative.org/conference or contact the conference secretariat at conference@spinecarecollaborative.org.
