It has always been important to Montlick & Associates to give something meaningful back to the community. From the important role we play in society as lawyers, to providing well over 50,000 free consultations with an attorney, to all of the activities under the umbrella of our HelpKeepKidsSafe.Org program, to supporting worthy organizations and various philanthropic opportunities, our commitment to the public and the people we serve is an integral part of who we are.

Montlick & Associates has made an extensive commitment to support the research efforts at the new Emory Orthopaedic and Spine Center. This particular support is profoundly meaningful because the Emory University School of Medicine is involved in important research that will ultimately benefit both our clients and society in general.

When we hear about orthopaedic and spine problems, most of us think of people who are hurt in accidents. However, musculoskeletal disorders are now the most frequent reason for patients to visit their physicians. Since people are living longer, often that means living with degenerative arthritis, back and neck pain,
osteoporosis and other orthopaedic disorders.

The Emory Orthopaedic and Spine Center is one of the largest university-based programs of its kind in the world. Several recent advances in the laboratory have already enabled the development of new treatments for a number of musculoskeletal degenerative conditions. Researchers foresee that many of the procedures and treatments performed today on bones and joints will be replaced in the coming years by less-invasive and more biologically driven alternatives. One item of particular interest is that in 2002, one of the bone growth factors (a genetically engineered protein) that Emory's leading clinician scientist has been investigating since the early 1990's was approved by the FDA for use in orthopaedic patients. The protein will initiate bone formation, helping future patients avoid painful procedures for bone grafting.

In recognition of the particular support we are providing, we have received two significant honors in the new facility.

"Montlick & Associates Orthopaedics Waiting Room has been given through the generosity of Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law"

"Leonardo da Vinci "Vitruvian Man" Lobby Feature has been given through the generosity of Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law"

Additionally, The Montlick & Associates Discretionary Fund has been established at the Emory University School of Medicine.

We are very pleased to be able to support this important research and the dedicated physicians and staff who are committed to improving the quality of people's lives.

For more information on the Emory Spine Center, visit www.emoryhealthcare.org/departments/spine.