Becker’s Healthcare -- Spine and Orthopedic Podcast

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Akshay Yadhati, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, Austin Regional Clinic. He discusses launching and scaling a spine surgery program, expanding access to advanced technologies such as robotic and endoscopic spine procedures, and creating comprehensive care pathways that improve patient outcomes while supporting ASC growth.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Kevin Bozic, Professor and Chair, Surgery and Perioperative Care Department, Dell Medical School at UT Austin. He discusses leading through rapid growth, preserving organizational culture, and why purpose, adaptability, and mission alignment are essential for long-term success in healthcare.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Gary Herschman, Healthcare Transactions Shareholder, Baker Donelson, and Dana Jacoby, President & CEO, Vector Medical Group. Here, they discuss how joint ventures and strategic partnerships are evolving across musculoskeletal care and explore the growing role of physicians, hospitals, private equity, payers, and ASC operators in shaping future care models, governance structures, and value creation strategies.This episode is sponsored by Baker Donelson.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. William Levine, Frank E. Stinchfield Professor and Chair, Orthopedic Surgery Department, Chief, Shoulder Service, and Co-Director, Center for Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center. He discusses navigating financial and operational pressures in academic medicine, expanding ambulatory care, and the leadership principles that help organizations adapt and thrive during times of constant change.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Ravi Bashyal, Vice-Chairman, Patient and Provider Experience and Director, Outpatient Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery, Endeavor Health; Clinical Assistant Professor, Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He discusses leading through healthcare consolidation, maintaining a relentless focus on patient outcomes and experience, and delivering high-value outpatient joint replacement care in an evolving healthcare landscape.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Martin Jenter, Orthopedic Surgeon, Integrowth Orthopedic Specialists and Henry Ford Health System & Medical Director, Michigan Outpatient Surgical Center ASC. He discusses the rapid growth of outpatient joint replacement, the challenges posed by health system consolidation and electronic health records, and how physician-led ambulatory surgery centers can enhance efficiency, patient experience, and clinical outcomes.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Nancy Cibotti, US CMIO, Heidi Health. Here, she discusses how AI is helping orthopedic practices reduce administrative burden, improve documentation quality, and enhance the patient experience.This episode is sponsored by Heidi Health.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Nicholas Grosso, President, The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics. He discusses the launch of MedVanta, the importance of physician ownership in healthcare operations and technology, and how strong teams help organizations navigate rapid change while preserving long-term value.

In this episode, Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs, Orthopedic Surgeon and Founder of the Joint Replacement Institute in Florida, joins the podcast to discuss how AI-powered chatbots can improve efficiency and streamline patient communication. He also shares his perspective on the fee-for-service model, strategies for delivering high-value orthopedic care, and efforts to limit opioid prescriptions while supporting safe and effective pain management.

In this episode, Namath Hussain, MD, MBA, Neurosurgeon in the Department of Neurosurgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center, discusses the future of endoscopic spine surgery, the growing role of AI in healthcare, the importance of surgeon leadership, and how mindfulness, mentorship, and continuous learning can help physicians build exceptional careers.

In this episode, Rory K.J. Murphy, MD, Board Certified Neurosurgeon, Barrow Brain and Spine, Associate Professor Barrow Neurological Institute, discusses how AI is improving clinical workflows, patient engagement, and surgical planning in neurosurgery.

In this episode, Travis Doering, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon based in Austin, Texas, discusses launching what he describes as the first AI native medical clinic in the country. He shares how local AI infrastructure, human oversight, and workflow orchestration could reshape orthopedic practice operations, patient privacy, and care delivery.

In this episode, Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, MBA, President of Rothman Orthopaedics, discusses balancing surgeon autonomy with the realities of modern healthcare systems, aligning academic and clinical priorities, and preparing organizations for rapid technological and operational change.

In this episode, Ronjon Paul, MD, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, Endeavor Health Medical Group, discusses developing multidisciplinary spine programs, leading within a large health system, and how AI is transforming patient care, clinical decision making, and physician workflows.

In this episode, Antonia F. Chen, MD, Chair and Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern and incoming President of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), and R. Michael Meneghini, MD, CEO and Founder of the Indiana Orthopedic Institute and immediate past president of AAHKS, join the podcast to discuss leadership transitions and the importance of reestablishing communication as new leaders. They also explore how AI dictation tools can reduce administrative burden and improve work-life balance, the impact of Medicaid cuts and financial pressures on orthopedic care, and the importance of supporting women in healthcare leadership and surgery.

In this episode, Edward J. Dohring, M.D., of the Spine Institute of Arizona, discusses the value of multidisciplinary collaboration, emerging innovations in spine care, and the evolving role of AI and minimally invasive approaches. He also shares insights on improving patient outcomes, balancing cost and quality, and shaping the next generation of spine leaders.

This episode features Aqib Zehri, MD, Neurosurgeon at The Oregon Clinic. Here he discusses his thoughts on access to care, exhausting non-surgical options first, what he is doing to improve quality outcomes, and more.

In this episode, Cory Calendine, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, joins the podcast to discuss the growing role of personalization in surgery and the adoption of AI in clinical practice. He shares insights on building and scaling individual practices through patient education online, as well as the broader impact of GLP-1 medications on patient health and orthopedic outcomes.

In this episode, Leo Spector, MD, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and CEO of OrthoCarolina, joins the podcast to discuss major industry shifts from inpatient to outpatient surgery. He shares how expanding access to care, lowering costs, and improving outcomes are shaping strategy, and offers his perspective on what success will look like for healthcare organizations in the future.

In this episode, Dr. Bradley Lamm, DPM, Director of the Foot and Ankle Deformity Center and Director of the Foot and Ankle Deformity Correction Fellowship at the Paley Institute, joins the podcast to discuss groundbreaking advancements in foot and ankle surgery. He highlights the world’s first patient-specific 3D-printed procedure, explores MedCad treatment options, and shares how these innovations are driving more advanced healing and improved patient outcomes.

In this episode, Wake Radiology’s President and Managing Partner Brent Townsend, MD and COO Parul Galloway discuss practical strategies to help mitigate patient access, workforce and other common challenges to successfully scale outpatient imaging. Together with Jason Weshler, VP of Outpatient Solutions at Siemens Healthineers, they explore how digitalization and AI-based tools, operational innovations, and advocacy efforts are shaping the future of patient-centered radiology care.This episode is sponsored by Siemens Healthineers.

In this episode, Samir Mehta, MD, Chief of Orthopaedic Trauma & Fracture Service and Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, joins the podcast to discuss the evolution of trauma care and how machine learning and AI are shaping the future of the field. He also shares practical advice for emerging leaders looking to grow and lead in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

In this episode, Dr. James Ryaby, PhD, Principal Scientific Advisor at Orthofix, shares insights from more than 30 years at the forefront of bone healing innovation. He discusses the science behind PEMF and ultrasound therapies, the clinical trials that validated these technologies, and where the future of regenerative bone healing may be headed.This episode is sponsored by Orthofix.

In this episode, Morgan P. Lorio, MD, FACS, Past President, International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS), discusses the growing role of AI in spine care and its impact on clinical decision-making, policy, and medical knowledge. He highlights the importance of physician-led governance to ensure technology enhances rather than erodes critical thinking and patient-centered care.

In this episode, Ravi K. Bashyal, MD, Vice Chairman of Patient and Provider Experience at Endeavor Health and Clinical Assistant Professor at University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, shares how patient centered culture, standardized pathways, and surgical specialization have built the busiest orthopedic hospital in Illinois. He discusses outpatient joint replacement, system wide growth, and why humility and human connection remain at the core of high performance care.

In this episode, Dr. Osamah Choudhry, Co Founder and CEO of Medivis and neurosurgeon at NYU Langone Health, discusses the evolving role of artificial intelligence and augmented reality in spine and cranial surgery. He shares insights on FDA clearances, distribution strategy, and how next generation navigation technology is improving precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes.

In this episode, Dr. Mauricio Avila, Assistant Professor and Director of the Neurosurgery Spine program at Saint Louis University and SSM Health, shares how he is uniting neurosurgery and orthopedic spine teams while expanding endoscopic and robotic capabilities. He discusses the value of minimally invasive care, the promise of next generation robotics software, and the workforce and reimbursement challenges shaping spine surgery today.

In this episode, Kai Lewandrowski, MD and Morgan Lorio, MD, FACS explore how disposable HD endoscopy, predictable per case economics, and CMS rural transformation efforts can make spine surgery more viable in low volume settings while preserving local access and sustaining community based practices.

In this episode, Dr. Christian Péan, CEO and Co Founder of Revel Ai Health and practicing orthopedic trauma surgeon at Duke University School of Medicine, discusses how AI is redefining surgical readiness in ambulatory surgery centers. He explores scalable use cases in patient engagement, quality reporting, interoperability, and how ASC leaders can prepare their data, workflows, and culture for safe AI adoption. This episode is sponsored by Revel Ai.

In this episode, Matthew J. Dietz, MD, FAOA, Chair of Orthopaedics at the West Virginia University School of Medicine and WVU Medicine, discusses leading rapid departmental growth, advancing research in prosthetic joint infection, and expanding reliable orthopedic care across rural communities.

In this episode, Shaleen Vira, MD, MBA, Chief of Orthopaedic Spine Surgery at Banner University Medical Center and author of Spine and Strategy, discusses scaling spine services in a high growth market while taking a disciplined approach to robotics and AI adoption. He shares why resilience, surgeon skill preservation, and thoughtful capital allocation matter more than hype when evaluating new technology.

In this episode, Dr. William Kemp, a board-certified spine neurosurgeon in Richmond, Virginia, discusses the latest in motion preservation, minimally invasive surgery, and regenerative medicine. He shares insights on optimizing patient outcomes, navigating insurance and AI challenges, and strategies for growth in spine care over the next two years.

In this episode, Franco E. Vigna, MD, MPH, FAAOS, minimally invasive spine surgeon specializing in disc replacement, decompression, and motion preservation, shares his journey into spine surgery and the innovations shaping care today. He discusses biologics, reimbursement pressures, practice growth, and how nutrition informed recovery and regenerative strategies are improving outcomes for spine patients.

In this episode, Dr. Sylvester Youlo, Orthopedic Surgeon at Phelps Health, shares how shifting CMS rules and the move toward outpatient care are reshaping surgical practice in rural health systems. He discusses Phelps Health’s clinical documentation initiative and why strong documentation is critical for patient care, reimbursement, and the future of healthcare delivery.

In this episode, Dr. Ramin Rak, Chief of Neurosurgery at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital and founder of iMind Brain Food & Lifestyle, discusses improving patient outcomes with minimally invasive spine and brain surgeries, enhancing community access to care, and promoting brain health through nutrition and lifestyle.

In this episode, Robert C. Rhoad, MD, Partner at OrthoCincy Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Hand, Wrist & Elbow Orthopaedic Surgery, shares how orthopedic care is shifting to outpatient, ASC, and office based settings. He discusses staying independent, expanding walk in and in office procedures, and the collaborations helping physician led groups innovate while preserving autonomy.

In this episode, Allison Roditi, Vice President of Orthopedics at Catholic Health, shares how the system is unifying employed and independent physicians, preparing for rapid outpatient growth, and navigating CMS policy changes. She discusses regional strategy, standardizing care and education, and building resilient orthopedic service lines centered on access, quality, and patient experience.

In this episode, Michael Meneghini, MD, founder and CEO of Indiana Orthopedic Institute and Chief Market Development Officer at Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company, shares how orthopedic practices can improve efficiency by reducing administrative waste, leveraging AI, and aligning clinical workflows with financial sustainability. He also discusses collective physician autonomy, reimbursement pressures, and growth strategies centered on patient experience and value based care.

In this episode, Frank A. Cordasco, MD, MS, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College and Attending Surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery, joins the Becker’s Spine and Orthopedics Podcast to discuss how AI, virtual care, and remote monitoring are reshaping orthopedic practice. He also shares insights on emerging innovations in sports medicine, wearable technology, and the evolving role of biologics in patient care.

In this episode, Rory KJ Murphy, MD, neurosurgical, orthopedic, and minimally invasive spine surgeon at Barrow Neurological Institute, discusses evolving debates around multilevel cervical disc replacement versus fusion, emerging research in spinal cord injury care, and the growing role of neuroprosthetics.

In this episode, Alan H. Daniels, MD, Professor of Orthopaedics and Chief of Spine Surgery at The Miriam Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital, discusses balancing private practice autonomy with academic medicine, navigating reimbursement pressures, and growing complex spine programs. He also shares insights on innovations in spinal deformity care, including data driven decision making, specialized teams, and alignment focused technologies.

In this episode, Dr. Morgan Lorio shares why declining reimbursement, policy driven efficiency measures, and consolidation are reshaping spine surgery and threatening physician autonomy. He discusses his analysis The Price of Silence, the impact on surgeons and patients, and what meaningful reform must address next.

In this episode, Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, a board certified spinal and orthopedic surgeon based in New York City, discusses common misconceptions about spine surgery, advances in minimally invasive and robotic techniques, and how technology is improving outcomes.

In this episode, Roger Hartl, MD, Hansen-MacDonald Professor of Neurological Surgery, Director of Neurosurgery Spine at Weill Cornell Medicine, and Neurosurgical Director of Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, shares key trends shaping spine care, including AI, biologics, minimally invasive surgery, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and patient communication.

In this episode, Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, MBA, President of Rothman Orthopaedics, joins the podcast to discuss how agentic AI is making spine surgery safer and more precise. He shares his priorities heading into 2026, including supporting professional and organic growth, expanding geographically, and navigating the evolving landscape of medical malpractice while continuing to advance high-quality spine care.

In this episode, Daniel Goldberg, SVP of Sales and Growth at United Musculoskeletal Partners, shares how reducing friction across the patient journey and improving access can accelerate new patient growth. He also discusses the growing role of AI, market specific strategies, and measuring marketing ROI to support sustainable practice expansion.

In this episode, Rachel Bratescu, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon and member of the GW Spine and Pain Center at George Washington University Hospital, discusses her goals for expanding endoscopic spine surgery and building a comprehensive, multidisciplinary spine center. She also shares perspectives on emerging spine technologies, mentorship, and navigating payer challenges while improving patient outcomes.

In this episode, Xiaofei Zhou, MD - Associate Program Director, Neurosurgery, Section Chief of Neurosurgery, Southwest General Hospital, Director of Endoscopic Spine Surgery, discusses how surgical innovation should be guided by patient outcomes and real data, not just flashy trends. They also explore the early role of AI in spine surgery, plus the financial forces shaping care including insurance, spine coding, bundled models and the need for broader systems and medical training education. 

In this episode, Dr. Aaron Chamberlain, orthopedic surgeon and Senior Medical Director for the Musculoskeletal Clinical Program at Intermountain Health, discusses the evolution of shoulder surgery and how the Intact subscapularis sparing technique is reshaping anatomic shoulder arthroplasty and patient recovery.This episode is sponsored by DePuy Synthes.

In this episode, Dr. Aaron Chamberlain, orthopedic surgeon and Senior Medical Director for the Musculoskeletal Clinical Program at Intermountain Health, discusses the evolution of shoulder and elbow surgery, the rapid shift to ASC settings, and how innovation and patient expectations are reshaping orthopedic care.This episode is sponsored by DePuy Synthes.