Scott F. Nadler, D.O., F.A.C.S.M

The Spine Journal 5 (2005) 351

In Memoriam

Scott F. Nadler, D.O., F.A.C.S.M. September 19, 1964–December 26, 2004 The best doctors seem to be able to balance the science and art of medicine in the care of their patients, blending their academic knowledge with warmth and compassion. They understand the important interrelationships of clinical care, education and research. The medical community has lost one of these rare physicians in the passing of Scott F. Nadler, D.O.. Scott began his medical training in the School of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry (UMDNJ) in Stratford, New Jersey. The skills he learned there were incorporated and refined by him in his comprehensive treatment of patients with a variety of spine problems. It was perhaps this initial introduction to the interrelationship of various segments of the musculoskeletal system that sparked his inquiry of the “kinetic chain.” After completing his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation, Scott completed a one-year fellowship in sports medicine at Kessler Institute. It was there that he gained experience in the evaluation and treatment of a variety of sports injuries, and where he initiated his first research examining the influence of flexibility in athletic injuries. He then took a position in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UMDNJ Medical School. During his tenure at UMDNJ, Scott took on the challenges of balancing academic rigor, teaching responsibilities and clinical practice. He soon became Director of Sports Medicine and Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He has served as a team physician for several local high schools and colleges as well as the former New Jersey XFL professional football team. He was invited to serve on the medical faculty at the Olympic Training Centers in Lake Placid, New York and Colorado Springs, Colorado and was the head U.S. team physician at the international figure skating championships in Beijing, China in 2003, and in Dortmann, Germany in 2004. Scott Nadler’s research addressed many areas of musculoskeletal medicine, with several papers elucidating some of the issues of what has become an often used (but not well studied) concept of “core muscle strength.” He was a leading researcher in the clinical efficacy of innovative commercial products for treating low back pain. He authored 76 articles and case reports, and 31 chapters, books and monographs. He was working on his second book on musculoskeletal physical examination when he became ill. As was his nature, while he was battling his own illness he found the time and energy to write an extensive portion of a white paper for the Lance Armstrong Foundation on Effects of Exercise and Training on the Cancer Patient.

Scott’s academic prowess was equaled by his teaching abilities. Regarded as one of the top lecturers and teachers at UMDNJ, as well as nationally and internationally in the areas of spine and sports rehabilitation, Scott lectured extensively around the world. He trained numerous fellows and residents at UMDNJ. He also served in many national organizations and on editorial boards, as an item writer, oral examiner for boards, and clinical guideline task force member. Scott was recognized numerous times for his outstanding accomplishments throughout his medical career. He received his department’s Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award; was listed 15 times as a “Best Doctor” by various regional and national publications; received regional recognition from managed care organizations for excellence in workers’ compensation; and in 2003 received the Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Lectureship Award from the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for his nationwide prominence in the non-surgical care of low back pain. Perhaps Scott’s greatest accomplishment was his patient care in clinical practice and the respect and admiration he received from referring physicians and, more importantly to him, from his patients. Very few doctors were as revered by patients as he was. His compassionate care, encouragement and positive outlook led to his outstanding clinical and academic reputation. Scott was very concerned by what he felt was a lack of ethics in the treatment of many patients, particularly those with spine problems. He was discouraged by treatments motivated more by what benefited the physicians than what was in the best interests of the patient. In a time where medicine has many problems, more than anything Scott Nadler had epitomized all of the things that are right with medicine. He worked tirelessly for his patients. He always gave of his time to teach residents, fellows, medical students and colleagues. He passionately pursued high-quality research with the aim of helping clinicians better understand how they treat their patients, while improving the quality of life for patients with spine and musculoskeletal disorders. He did all of this with a warm smile and passion. For those of us who knew him well, he will be greatly missed. For those who he trained and taught and cared for, he will be further missed. Because of his work and dedication to research, education, and most of all, to the care of his patients, his efforts and contributions will never be forgotten. Gerard A. Malanga, MD Chatham, NJ Joel Press, MD Chicago, IL

1529-9430/05/$ – see front matter doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2005.02.004

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