Dr. Kingsley R. Chin's Historic Lecture at the Seattle Science Foundation in 2016 -- and How He Still Challenges the Status Quo

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2016, orthopedic spine surgeon, CEO and Founder of KIC Ventures , Dr. Kingsley R. Chin , was invited by world-renowned spine surgeon Dr. Jens Chapman to deliver a lecture at the Seattle Science Foundation. The topic he chose — "History and Future of Spine Surgeons Investing in Advancing Spine Care" — was a bold call for physicians to reclaim their role as innovators, investors, and leaders in shaping the future of spine surgery.

"That lecture was never meant to be comfortable," Dr. Chin said. "I wanted to challenge the profession to stop being consumers of industry-driven solutions and start creating the future we want for our patients. Industry should not own the innovation agenda — we should."

From Vision to Reality

Nearly a decade later, much of what Dr. Chin predicted is becoming reality. Under his leadership, KIC Ventures has raised $30 million , most from physician partners who are actively engaged in advancing spine care. Together, they have driven innovations through NANISX and AxioMed , pioneering the LESS Exposure Spine Surgery (LESS) philosophy and the REP Principles — Restore Function, Early Intervention, Preserve Anatomy — as guiding frameworks for innovation.

KIC Ventures has also acquired NanoFuse Biologics , the only FDA-approved 45S5 synthetic bioactive glass therapeutic that can be combined with DBM or used alone, uniquely positioning the company to address the biologics market with a differentiated solution.

Physician-Led and Patient-Driven

KIC Ventures continues to strengthen its physician leadership team with Dr. Erik Spayde as Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Josue Gabriel as Director of Physician Training, and two new physician board members from diverse specialties.

"We have built a physician-led ecosystem that puts patient outcomes before sales quotas," Dr. Chin noted. "This was exactly the message I brought to Seattle — that surgeons must lead again, not follow industry trends. I'm still challenging the status quo."

A Call for Bold Physicians

In his 2016 lecture, Dr. Chin argued that overreliance on industry-sponsored training and fellowships had turned many physicians into consumers rather than creators. Today, he continues to partner with pioneering surgeons who see beyond traditional pedicle screws and cages and want to help shape the next generation of spine care.

"I was willing to act outside the box then, and I still am today," Dr. Chin said. "We are proving that surgeon-led innovation is not just possible but essential — and with time, I believe more physicians will join us."

Watch the Lecture

The full lecture, delivered at the Seattle Science Foundation, is available to watch on YouTube: Watch Dr. Kingsley R. Chin's 2016 Lecture Here

In this talk, Dr. Chin traces the historic role of spine surgeons as the original innovators , highlights the risk of becoming dependent on industry-driven solutions, and issues a challenge to his colleagues to reclaim leadership in advancing spine care. The lecture features AxioMed and sets the foundation for what has become nearly a decade of surgeon-led innovation under KIC Ventures.

About KIC Ventures. Founded in 2013 as the venture arm of Kingsley Investment Company (KIC) LLC, KIC Ventures focuses exclusively on advancing outpatient spine surgery through its Less Exposure Spine Surgery (LESS™) philosophy. With a portfolio of innovative spine technologies and a commitment to empowering physicians, KIC Ventures has become the world's largest private equity firm with a majority-owned portfolio of differentiated spine companies focused on outpatient spine solutions.

SOURCE KIC Ventures