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Members in the News
Companies Helping to Shape the Future of Spinecare
Introduction
The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) is an organization comprised of healthcare professionals dedicated to excellence in spinecare. The primary mission of the academy is to facilitate integrated and multidisciplinary spinecare. The AASP is committed to providing educational opportunities and resources for healthcare professionals and their patients. To help meet its goals the AASP has partnered with the International Spine Association (ISA), an organization dedicated to informing professionals and the public worldwide about the spine, spine disorders, available spinecare and spinecare products.
The AASP offers numerous opportunities and programs for companies, who are committed to reaching members of the spinecare community and improving spinecare. Companies are encouraged to become educational partners. Companies are also encouraged to display product information on the International Directory of Spinecare Products and to help the AASP and to help keep spinecare professionals and the public informed about new technology and available products in spinecare.
The American Academy of Spine Physicians
The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) is one of the largest professional organizations of its kind, representing healthcare professionals of various disciplines who care for patients with spine and related disorders. The primary mission of the AASP is to facilitate an integrated and collaborative approach to spinecare. The AASP is committed to providing educational opportunities and resources to patients, physicians and the public.
National Initiatives
The AASP has implemented numerous national initiatives to help inform the public, patients and professionals about the spine, spine disorders, available spinecare and spinecare products. To help improve the delivery of spinecare, the AASP offers continuing education opportunities to healthcare professionals leading to prestigious credentialing (Diplomate and Fellow status). The AASP leads the National Spinecare Awareness Initiative, which encompasses many educational projects, one of the largest being the online Public Information Center (PIC) of the International Spine Association (ISA). The AASP with the help of the ISA has the potential to reach millions of individuals with information about spinecare, lifestyle and product recommendations.
Influence of the American Academy of Spine Physicians
The prevalence of spine-related disorders has grown to epidemic proportions with back pain representing one of the most common reasons for seeing a healthcare provider. The direct and indirect costs of spinecare have a profound impact on many societies including the United States (U.S.). The majority of individuals over 50 years of age have degenerative changes in their spine. Approximately 80% of the U.S. population will experience a back problem at some time during their lifetime. Most people go to the internet to search for health-related subjects, which include information about spine disorders and spinecare professionals and to research treatment options.
Consumers are influenced less by traditional marketing approaches and are looking to national organizations and peer-reviewed content on the internet to help make healthcare decisions. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), like the American Heart Association (AHA), and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), is in a position of influence, and, therefore, assumes the responsibility to educate the public and members of the healthcare profession about spinecare-related topics. This is a monumental task and requires the integrated efforts of spinecare professionals, educational institutions, and corporate partners.
The AASP frequently receives requests from consumers, the media, physicians and other healthcare professionals for product recommendations. The AASP is frequently cited for its perspectives on lifestyle issues and the role of products. From time to time, the AASP endorses products and publishes recommendations to help individuals make good choices.
The American Academy of Spine Physicians has implemented effective strategies to help Corporate Educational Partners and Educational Sponsors reach healthcare professionals, patients and the public. One of the methods utilizes advanced internet communication technology to link healthcare websites to AASP and ISA databases. One of the resources is the plug-in module which can be embedded into any website and lead the user to a multimedia database of “need-to-know” information about the spine, spine disorders, available spinecare and spinecare products. Spinecare providers can help ensure that their patients are informed through the use of Spinecare Information Prescription forms/pads. AASP members and their patients can also access and download information about spinecare products through the searchable database of the International Directory of Spinecare Products, an online catalog managed by the ISA.
Who are the AASP Members?
Members of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) represent spinecare professionals of various disciplines and specialties who are committed to excellence in spinecare. They are dedicated to integrated and spinecare and want to help shape the future of spinecare. The AASP membership represents physician and other spinecare professionals in all stages of practice development. The majority of members are actively involved in purchasing products and contracting services. Members include professionals in training and new graduates preparing to start practices. Some of the AASP members are established professionals planning to expand clinical services and further develop their physical facilities. All members of the AASP serve the public and have an oppourntiy to recommend products and related opportunities to their patients. Patients often turn to their healthcare providers to acquire direction about purchasing spinecare-related products.
AASP members practice in many different settings, including small private practice, large group practices and within healthcare systems. Physician members include chiropractic physicians, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, neurologists, pain management specialists, and rehabilitation specialists. Affiliate (non-physician) members include massage therapists, physical therapists, physician assistants, nurses, and technicians. Candidate (student/resident) members include all spinecare professionals in training. Corporate Educational Partners and Sponsors have a unique opportunity to influence and serve all spinecare professionals, those who have completed training and those presently in training.
AASP Educational and Promotional Efforts
The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) offers many opportunities and platforms which enhance the public and professional visibility of educational partners and sponsors. The opportunities include recognition and visibility via the AASP website, social media and through educational publications. The AASP is a co-sponsor of the National Spinecare Awareness Campaign, a multimedia campaign which provides distribution resources and information to the media, patients, professionals and the public through a variety of methods. The methods include printed publications, position statements, physician resources, press releases and the AASP website and through established networks.
The primary mission of this campaign is to shape the future of spinecare. This includes helping reduce the incidence of back pain and decreasing the incidence of neurological compromise and related disability associated with some spine disorders. These goals will be accomplished by educating all those involved in spinecare. The campaign consists of numerous programs and resources.
Corporate Opportunities with the AASP
The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) offers many unique opportunities for companies and organizations which are committed to supporting the education of professionals, patients, and the public about the spine and spinecare. Unique opportunities include becoming an advertiser, buying advantage member, educational sponsor or an educational partner. Products or services may be selected for possible AASP endorsement/recommendation. All approved companies are entitled to profile selected spinecare and related products in the online catalog of the International Directory of Spinecare Products. All companies invited to become an AASP Educational Partner or an AASP Educational Sponsor are also invited to participate in the AASP Buying Advantage Progam. Companies can apply for an exclusive or non-exclusive endorsement for one or more products or services. Let the academy help expose your products and/or services.
The AASP uses educational initiatives, reciprocal links, click through web banners, publications, eBlasts, networked informational databases and other advertising opportunities to acknowledge the role of participating companies. Participating companies may be given the opportunity to maximize their marketing exposure by supporting special programs or initiatives. The AASP is committed to a limited number of corporate affiliations. Join us in our mission and let the academy help expose your products and/or services.
The five areas in which you or your company can affiliate with the AASP:
Option 1: Advertiser
Option 2: Buying Advantage Member
Option 3: Educational Sponsor
Option 4: Educational Partner
Option 5: Product/Service Endorsement
Option 1: Advertiser
The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) offers companies an opportunity to purchase simple advertising space on select areas of the website and in SPINECARE NEWS and other publications. Companies are also encouraged to participate in the Buying Advantage Program but it is not necessarily a prerequisite.
For more information about advertising please contact the AASP at service@spinephysicians.org or call (847) 697-4660 for more information. You may also go to the AASP website at www.spinephysicians.org to review and download additional information about corporate opportunities.
Option 2: Buying Advantage Program
The AASP Buying Advantage Program refers to the opportunity companies are given to provide something of value to active members of the academy. The offer of value may represent a cost savings. The buying advantage offer is posted on each product catalog page. The online catalog, International Directory of Spinecare Products, represents a multimedia database designed to simplify search and find functions. Patients may be directed to the online catalog through the use of the Product script form/pad offered to AASP members.
For more information about participating in the AASP Buying Advantage Program, please contact the AASP at service@spinephysicians.org or call (847) 697-4660. You may also go to the AASP website at www.spinephysicians.org to review and download additional information about corporate opportunities.
Option 3: Educational Sponsor
The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) offers an Educational Sponsor Program for companies and organizations who wish to obtain benefits and special recognition for supporting educational initiatives and the needs of AASP members. The sponsor program provides each participating company with an opportunity to support the mission of the AASP, while enhancing their own visibility and marketing potential. Each Educational Sponsor will receive ongoing acknowledgment as a supporter of the AASP and will be named as contributors or sponsors of initiatives.
Each Educational Sponsor is entitled to one or more of the following benefits:
WWW.SPINEPHYSICIANS.ORG
• Receipt of customized press release acknowledging sponsor status and support of the AASP.
• Certificate of participation suitable for framing and display. Digital versions provided.
• Listing on the International Directory of Spinecare Companies.
• High profile member of the AASP Buying Advantage Program, leading to greater
product/service visibility.
• Acknowledgment of AASP “Educational Sponsor” status on all product catalog pages of the
International Directory of Spinecare products, an online publication.
• Authorized use of an AASP “Educational Sponsor” logo which does not constitute
a product or service endorsement. The logo can be used on the sponsor’s marketing
materials and website.
• Development of a custom website banner or advertisement, which can serve as a click through
path or portal to designated webpages or websites.
• Sponsor acknowledgment on AASP publications and selected website areas
• Increased visibility through a Corporate Sponsor click through banner/button embedded in the
Academy eNews publication titled, SPINECARE NEWS, which is periodically sent to all
members of the AASP.
For more information about becoming an Educational Partner, please contact the AASP at service@spinephysicians.org or call (847) 697-4660. You may also go to the AASP website at www.spinephysicians.org to review and download additional information about corporate opportunities.
Option 4: Educational Partner
The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) offers an Educational Partner Program for companies and organizations who wish to obtain benefits and special recognition for supporting educational initiatives and the needs of AASP members. The partner program provides each participating company with an opportunity to support the mission of the AASP, while enhancing their own visibility and marketing potential. Each Educational Partner will receive prominent acknowledgment as a supporter of the AASP and will be named as a partner of initiatives and/or programs they have chosen.
To help shape the future of spinecare, the AASP co-developed the National Spinecare Awareness Campaign along with the International Spine Association (ISA). The Campaign consists of programs and resources designed to help the evolution of spinecare facilities and the delivery of spinecare. Potential AASP Educational Partners include manufacturers, distributors, organizations, resellers, research groups, and other companies which serve the spinecare field. AASP Educational Partners all become named as partners of the Campaign.
The AASP Educational Partner status represents a premier relationship with the academy and reflects the highest level of corporate support offered to the academy. The financial and non-financial contributions of the Educational Partners help facilitate the development and implementation of special programs and resources. The AASP is committed to working creatively with each of its Partners to establish unique opportunities for members. The role of Educational; Partners will help advance and shape the field of spinecare. Partners receive greater acknowledgment and visibility than those who are Educational Sponsors.
Benefits of becoming an Educational Partner include:
• Prestigious alliance with online visibility
• Unique opportunity to help develop integrated marketing efforts with the AASP
• Placement of click-through buttons and/or banners in highly visible areas of the AASP website
• High profile member of the AASP Buying Advantage Program leading to greater
product/service visibility
• Partner acknowledgment on the AASP website homepage
• Acknowledgment at Student Resource Centers, located at colleges and universities where
available.
• Each Partner will be featured on periodic eBlasts and other educational resources.
• Receipt of a custom press release acknowledging ‘”Educational Partner” status and
related support of the AASP.
• Certificate of participation suited for framing and display. Digital and printable
versions provided.
• Prominent listing in the International Directory of Spinecare Companies, a subdirectory of the
International Spinecare Directory.
• Acknowledgment of AASP “Educational Sponsor” status on all listed product catalog pages of
the International Directory of Spinecare products, an online publication.
• Authorized use of an AASP “Educational Partner” logo. This does not constitute a product or
service endorsement. The logo can be used on the Partner’s marketing materials and website.
• Development of a custom website banner and/or advertisement.
• Sponsor will be given a click-through banner/button or advertisement for use on the AASP
website, which can also be used on their own website
• Partner acknowledgment on publications and prominent areas of the AASP website
• Increased visibility through a Corporate Partner click-through banner/button embedded in the
Academy eNews publication titled, SPINECARE NEWS, which is periodically sent to all
members of the Academy.
For more information about becoming an Educational Partner, please contact the AASP at service@spinephysicians.org or call (847) 697-4660. You may also go to the AASP website at www.spinephysicians.org to review and download additional information about corporate opportunities.
Option 5: Product or Service Endorsement
The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) is a widely recognized authority on the spine and spinecare. The academy is committed to helping professionals, patients, and the public make good choices when it comes to purchasing products and/or services. It is the position of the AASP that all spinecare professionals should provide direction to their patients about available educational resources whenever possible. To help members, their patients and the public identify good products and services, the AASP offers endorsement opportunities for services and products. There are two primary categories of endorsement: exclusive and non-exclusive.
An exclusive AASP endorsement indicates that your company, product or service is a leader in its category. An exclusive endorsement grants you the right to use the “Exclusively Endorsed by the American Academy of Spine Physicians” logo. To obtain this level of endorsement your product or service must be evaluated by the AASP Products and Services Committee followed by approval of the AASP Board of Directors.
A non-exclusive endorsement by the AASP indicates that your company, product or service is one that meets the AASP endorsement criteria. This endorsement grants you the right to use the “Endorsed by the American Academy of Spine Physicians” logo, but the AASP would retain the right to endorse competing products and services. To obtain this level of endorsement your product or service must be evaluated by the Products and Services Committee followed by approval of the AASP Board of Directors. Each endorsement will be listed on a directory of recommended products/services for professionals, patients and the public. This document can be downloaded from the AASP website and will be used by spinecare professionals, patients and the public to make good choices.
An AASP product endorsement represents that the Academy has reviewed a product and states that it is a good product that will contribute to spinehealth.
For more information about product endorsement, please contact the AASP at service@spinephysicians.org or call (847) 697-4660. You may also go to the AASP website at www.spinephysicians.org to review and download additional information about corporate opportunities.
Endorsements
Benefits of an Exclusive Endorsement
• AASP will not authorize the endorsement of a competing product
• Right to use the official “Exclusively Endorsed by the American Academy of Spine Physicians”
logo
• Prominent link to your company website from the AASP website homepage as an Exclusive
Endorsement Recipient
• Inclusion of organization and product/service description on the AASP website
• Recognition in academy publications, including the electronic newsletter of the AASP titled,
SPINECARE NEWS.
• Prominent listing in the International Directory of Spinecare Products, a subdirectory of the
International Spinecare Directory
• Most prominent listing on the AASP Buying Advantage portion of the product catalog page.
• Custom development of an endorsed product brochure or informational booklet for use
• by company
• Development of a custom internet website button/banner
• Press release acknowledging the AASP endorsement status
• Custom PowerPoint slides supporting the endorsement and the use of the product for use in
presentations
• Custom display and brochures for use at shows or conventions
Benefits of a Non-Exclusive Endorsement
• Right to use the official “ Endorsed by the American Academy of Spine Physicians” logo
• Prominent link to your company website from the AASP website homepage as an
Endorsement Recipient
• Inclusion of organization and product/service description on the AASP website
• Recognition in academy publications, including the electronic newsletter of the AASP titled,
SPINECARE NEWS.
• Prominent listing in the International Directory of Spinecare Products, a subdirectory of the
International Spinecare Directory
• Prominent listing on the AASP Buying Advantage portion of the product catalog page.
• Custom development of an endorsed product brochure or informational booklet for use
• by company
• Development of a custom internet website button/banner
• Press release acknowledging the AASP endorsement status
• Custom PowerPoint slides supporting the endorsement and the use of the product for use in
presentations
• Custom display and brochures for use at shows or conventions
Endorsement will be canceled if a competing product has been
selected as having an Exclusive Endorsement (see above).
OPTION 4: PRODUCT/SERVICE ENDORSEMENT
AASP NATIONAL SPINECARE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
There are many opportunities for Educational Partners and Educational Sponsors to increase their visibility through the National Spinecare Awareness Campaign, co-developed and co-sponsored by the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) and the International Spine Association (ISA). Some of the programs and projects are summarized below:
The International Spinecare Directory
The International Spine Association (ISA) with the assistance of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) developed and manages the International Spinecare Directory (ISD) The ISD is comprised of five interconnected subdirectories which are the International Directory of Spinecare Professionals, the International Directory of Spinecare Facilities, the International Directory of Spinecare Products, the International Directory of Spine Organizations and International Directory of Spinecare companies. All of the directories are highly visible and accessible online. Each directory houses a full profile page for listed products or participants. Active members and credentialed members of the AASP receive a higher level of recognition on the directory. AASP Educational Sponsors, Educational Partners and endorsed spinecare products/services receive special acknowledgment and/or recognition on their respective directory listings.
Each online directory is linked to the AASP website and to the online Public Information Center (PIC) of the International Spine Association (ISA). This gives each user an opportunity to acquire need-to-know-information about the spine, spine disorders, available spinecare and spinecare products. The user can also learn about the roles of the various spinecare disciplines. Educational partners and sponsors will be acknowledged with click through banners or icons on each of the directories. They will also receive prominent recognition for their contribution to the field of spinecare.
Online Public Information Center (PIC)
The online Public Information Center (PIC) represents a multimedia database of information about the spine, spine disorders, and available spinecare developed through the collaborative efforts of the International Spine Association (ISA) and the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP). The PIC is held and managed by the ISA and serves as one of the largest databases of its kind. It represents the public information hub for the AASP and the ISA. Four Spine Information Script Pads were developed for use with the PIC. The script pads were designed to direct patents to online information about their spine disorder as well as, recommended spinecare product(s), recommended treatment methods and for referral to other spinecare professionals. Healthcare professionals can use the script forms to direct patients to relevant information. The script forms are available to all healthcare providers. However, active AASP members can print personalized forms.
Good Choices Program
The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) is committed to informing the public about the importance of lifestyle modification and the use of select products to help manage neck and back pain as well as to improve spinehealth. To help achieve this goal, the AASP developed the “Good Choices” program, which includes a downloadable list of products, services and lifestyle recommendations. This includes a list of recommended and/or endorsed spinecare-related products organized by category. Products which are endorsed by the AASP and/or by the International Spine Association (ISA) will be acknowledged. AASP Educational Partners and Sponsors will be acknowledged in this program.
Practice Development Program
The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) Practice Development Program was created to provide members with resources they can use to develop and grow their practice. This program includes access to credentialing, educational brochures, marketing posters, press releases, professional introductory letters, PowerPoint slide programs, and website database plug-ins. The AASP will continue to develop resources for members. The Educational Partners and Sponsors assigned to this program will receive prominent visibility and will be considered a valuable member of the development process.
Candidate Member Program
The Candidate Member Program of the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) encompasses the development and implementation of special products and services for students and residents in training. This initiative was designed to reach candidate members and potential candidate members at various educational institutions throughout the country. This program provides a unique opportunity for AASP Educational Partners and Sponsors to increase their visibility to individuals, who will be purchasing products, requiring services and investing in their practice after graduation.
AASP Career Enhancement Program
The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) offers Career Enhancement opportunities. The AASP has partnered with another organization to provide comprehensive career services and resources. An online AASP Career Center was designed to help members expand their career opportunities. This includes posting professional information, finding employment and navigating career transitions. The program was also designed to help employers locate and learn about qualified spinecare professionals of various disciplines. It has become increasingly important for physician and non-physician spinecare professionals to have perpetual access to career opportunities, especially with the transition toward larger integrated healthcare groups and healthcare systems.
The AASP Career Enhancement Program includes an online career board which allows employers and job seekers to post opportunities, make inquires, direct offers, search databases, receive emails, and advance their careers right from their digital devices. Additional services include convenient, personalized career guidance services such as resume critiques, career coaching, resume & cover letter services, and disclosure of salary negotiation considerations. Career boards can be used to help facilities find qualified support staff. The AASP is committed to working with other associations to help facilitate nationwide “match-making” solutions. The integration of online organizational career boards/databases will enhance the visibility of resumes which will enhance the growth and development of spinecare professionals and facilities.
Social Networking Program
The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) offers social networking tools and resources to help members communicate with other professionals and the public. Networked communication provides an efficient method for “spreading the word” and revealing opportunities. The AASP has developed a resource referred to as SpineLink (Spincare360) which has many of the resources of other types of social media such as LinkedIn Twitter, My Space and Facebook. This resource can be used to inform a colleague and to invite a healthcare provider to join the AASP and to join a member’s personal spinecare network. The AASP also offers a library of text, messages and facts which can be quickly be accessed and used in social media settings. SpineLink (Spinecare360) can be used to facilitate the diffusion of innovations in spinecare.
Networking sites provide the spinecare professional with a unique opportunity to communicate with other healthcare professionals and to develop referral relationships. Social networking also facilitates the sharing of information such as pictures, brochures, videos, fact sheets, online information and other educational materials. Favorite links and tools can be shared with others. Users can also be drawn into or directed to practice settings.
Online networking is sometimes referred to as “viral marketing” because of the rapid multidirectional spread of information. With the push of a few buttons on a computer, keyboard or mobile technology, members can distribute information quicker and to a larger audience than through other forms of media. Online networking has become a powerful tool, which will continue to influence personal health and the delivery of spinecare. It will continue to empower patients, professionals and the public.
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Inform a Colleague
Expand and Educate Your Spinecare Network
 Welcome to the Inform a Colleague area of the Academy Website. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) strives to implement new and more efficient methods for members to communicate with other healthcare professionals. One of the most effective tools is the online "Inform a Colleague" function. This function can be used to expand and educate your spinecare referral network. It also represents a resource to conveniently inform others about trends in spinecare and about offers of organizations such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), the International Spine Association (ISA). The link library also contains an application for membership with the AASP.
The online "Inform a Colleague" feature provides an invaluable time-saving service for keeping spinecare professionalsup-to-date, expanding the spinecare network, stimulating interdisciplinary referrals and for inviting colleagues to join the AASP. The library of links is always being updated with useful information and resources. The linked messages can be used to
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***Edit and/or add text where appropriate** (Inform one or more colleagues)
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Join / Renew
Member:
This level of membership is for physicians (MD, DC, DO) whose practice/interest includes patients with spinal disorders. ($295)
Affiliate Member:
This level of membership is for allied healthcare professionals involved in spinecare and/or spine research. This includes physical therapists, massage therapists, exercise physiologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician's assistants, diagnostic technicians, surgical technicians, exercise instructors, personal trainers and individuals who hold a PhD and work in the field of spinecare. ($150)
Candidate Member:
This level of membership is for residents, fellows and students who have an interest in spinecare. ($35)
Membership Renewal
Membership will automatically renew each calendar year starting from the date of membership renewal or membership acceptance unless the AASP is specifically notified in writing by the member at least 30 days prior to their renewal date. Please address all correspondence to the AASP Office of Member Services.
Review the accuracy of your contact information and practice profile information including your email address. To update your profile online go to www.spinephysicians.net and login using your unique member ID and PIN as noted below.
Please notify the AASP if you no longer meet membership criteria.
This includes maintaining an active license to practice.
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American Academy of Spine Physicians
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