Lifetime Achievement Award
Cervical Spine Research Society Lifetime Achievement Award
CSRS is pleased to announce the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Regis W. Haid, Jr., MD.
Regis W. Haid, Jr., MD
With an extraordinary career that spans over three decades, Dr. Haid has established himself as a true leader, educator, innovator, and clinician in the field of spinal neurosurgery, with a special emphasis on cervical spine pathology and treatment.
Dr. Haid’s commitment to the advancement of cervical spine care is exemplified by his academic appointments, leadership in surgical education, and the lasting impact he has had on generations of spine fellows. From his tenure at Emory University, where he served as Professor of Neurological Surgery and Director of the Spinal Fellowship, to his current role as Director of the Neuroscience Service Line at Piedmont Healthcare and Co-Director of the Piedmont Spine Center, his leadership has shaped regional and national standards in spine care.
As a founding partner of Atlanta Brain and Spine Care, Dr. Haid has been at the forefront of integrating academic excellence with clinical practice. He completed his neurosurgical residency at West Virginia University and served as Clinical Instructor at the University of Florida, where he also completed a one-year Orthopaedic Fellowship in Spine Surgery. His training background also includes military service at Wilford Hall Medical Center, demonstrating a foundation built on discipline, clinical acumen, and service to others. His board certification by the American Board of Neurological Surgery since 2000 further reinforces the depth of his commitment to professional standards.
Dr. Haid’s impact transcends institutional affiliations. He has contributed significantly to our understanding of spinal cord injury management, cervical fusion techniques, and the evolution of motion-preserving spine technologies. He is recognized not only as a skilled surgeon but also as a mentor and visionary in the neurosurgical and spine communities. His leadership roles include serving as a former Board of Director of the AANS (American Association of Neurological Surgeons), former AANS Vice President, and Past President of the AANS. He formerly served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the NREF (Neurosurgery Research & Education Foundation), as a Board of Directors Member of the LSRS (Lumbar Spine Research Society, and as Past Chair of the AANS/CNS (Congress of Neurological Surgeons) Joint Spine Section.
Among his honors are the AANS Cushing Medal and the Spine Section Meritorious Service Award. Furthermore, as a widely published author, Dr. Haid has contributed over 200 scientific articles to peer-reviewed journals, written or edited 13 books, delivered more than 900 presentations, and authored over 95 chapters on the treatment of spinal disorders.
In short, Dr. Haid embodies the core mission and spirit of the Cervical Spine Research Society: scientific rigor, collegiality, innovation, and dedication to improving patient outcomes. His decades-long career is a testament to sustained excellence.
CSRS is honored to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to such a distinguished and deserving recipient.
About the Cervical Spine Research Society Lifetime Achievement Award
The Board of Directors of the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) established the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 to recognize those who have achieved academic excellence and made significant contributions to study of diseases of the cervical spine, as well as to recognize the accomplishments of the distinguished persons who have created a lasting legacy in this field.