Dr Heidi Hullinger

I feel so honored to be selected to our spine society's "20 under 40" for 2020. 2020 is a tough year on so many of us, so we have to focus on these bright spots!! It's rewarding to read about some of my fellow award winners, seeing all the diverse ways in which we are not only providing spine care but also doing good for society in diverse ways!! Thanks to all those who have helped me get here. Also, thanks to Brad Barket for the awesome updated professional photos! https://www.spineline-digital.org//MobilePagedReplica.acti

Tonight, I enjoyed the chance to participate in a webinar from colleagues throughout the Americas. I had the opportunity to teach about spinal trauma, as well as learn about how colleagues treat severe spinal deformities and other spinal conditions. I had the bonus of further working on my Spanish (They were kind enough to let me present in English, but I got to hear other presentations in Spanish) Thanks to the Orthopaedic Women of Latin America for including me as a panelist! @orthowomen_latam

There are perks but also downsides to working from home. Increasing numbers of my patients have had worsening aching of the neck and/or back because their workspace at home isn't set up as well as at work. If this is you, consider some changes to your workplace at home to mimic your set up at work. Your neck and back will thank you! I have become used to giving tips on "ergonomic set ups at home" during recent office visits! https://www.wsj.com//working-from-home-is-taking-a-toll-on

Normally at this time, I would be in Chicago with wonderful colleagues and experts in public health. This year, we were truncated to a one-day virtual meeting because of COVID. Proud of all the work the AMA has done including Patrice Harris MD as a voice of calm and direction in the storm. https://www.ama-assn.org//2020-special-meeting-house-deleg I also can't wait to see colleague and friend Dr Sue Bailey continue this important work. Lastly, we enjoyed the beautiful tribute that the Hamilton cast made to healthcare workers battling this crisis. Please enjoy and do what needs to be done to continue to flatten the curve https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYlxVJubdww

Memorial Day Weekend proved an excellent example of what happens when people feel they are faced with an "all or none" proposal of how to start to re-engage in society. Early on, when transmission rates were skyrocketing, we faced extreme measures. Now, especially in the northeast where rates continue to decline, it's time to figure out how to cautiously re-engage. This article does an excellent job of providing guidance (and pointing out the lack of on a national level) as to how we can dip our toes back in the water. Some people, like those in Ocean City or Lake at the Ozarks, may recklessly abandon caution regardless, and this is disheartening. However, the rest of us can use this information as we start to re-engage, as responsibly as possibe, in person. https://www.theatlantic.com//no-one-telling-americ/612172/