We’re delighted to announce that at the 59th Annual Meeting of the Scoliosis Research Society, the SRS, Dr. Rick Hodes has been awarded the 2024 Blount Humanitarian Award.

The Walter P. Blount Award is given to an individual who has provided outstanding service for those with spinal deformities, through their generous actions out of a sense of service to larger social and professional goals.

Dr. Rick commented: “this is an amazing honor. I am an not an orthopedist. In fact I’ve never had formal training in orthopedics or neurosurgery. I’m sure that I’m the only internist in the world with a spine deformity practice. I adopted my first two spine patients, abandoned orphans from Mother Teresa’s Mission with tuberculosis of the spine. After 18 years, I have one of the largest collections of the worst spine deformities on the planet. There is huge need – people may travel by bus for 3 days to reach us. Or even cross the border from neighboring countries to get to us. Out patients have gone on to become doctors, nurses, teachers, and artists. The top spine surgeons in the world have operated on our patients. We have performed over 1,600 surgeries and procedures, and  succeeded in putting Ethiopia on the world spine map.” 

Dr. Rick concluded: “I want to thank our supporters, and thank our wonderful patients. Every day my patients give me lessons on how to live with dignity and courage and optimism."