2021 Gala Program

5:00 P.m. Pre-event vip board reception:

By invite only.

6:00 p.m. Cocktails and Spinal Tech Lounge:

Interactive demonstrations and open bar begin at 6:00 p.m.

Spinal Champion® Emcee: Tim Heller

Tim Heller is a voice actor who, after suffering with excruciating back pain for many years as a young person, pivoted his career from the stage to the studio. He brings his experience as a professional actor and enthusiasm for NSHF to the We’ve Got Your Back Gala stage.

Featured Speaker: Dr. Todd Albert

Dr. Todd Albert is Surgeon-in-Chief Emeritus at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Dr. Albert is also a Professor of Orthopedic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, past President of the Scoliosis Research Society and the Cervical Spine Research Society, and he is a major contributor to Spine-Talks®. A pioneer in spine, his particular areas of interest are minimally invasive surgery and spine disorders.

Presentation of the Innovator of the Year Award: Linnea Burman

Linnea Burman is the Vice President and General Manager of Enabling Technologies, Cranial and Spine, for Medtronic Corporation. Because Ms. Burman’s work seeks to bring technological advancement to the field of spine and echoes this spirit of hope, we are delighted to be naming her our 2021 Innovator of the Year at the Gala.

Closing Reception:

Demonstrations and bars reopen with after-dinner treats