Growth Plates

You've all spent plenty of time seeing orthopaedic implants used in their final form. But where do these things come from? And how are they made? What you see in the ORis a polished implant, but behind that device is a hidden, high-stakes journey where one broken link in the chain can delay care and alter outcomes.In this episode, Gary Thomas, SVP of Manufacturing at Onkos Surgical, takes us inside the unseen world of medical device manufacturing. We uncover fragile supply chains that threaten timelines, the quiet revolution of robotics in production, and the myths and limits of 3D printing. This is the untold race that transforms raw material into survival, and it’s happening long before a surgeon ever makes an incision.

Every dollar, device, and decision in healthcare is shaped by a committee most people never think about: the value analysis committee. In this episode, supply chain leader Angelique Beslic and industry veteran Mark Copeland pull back the curtain on how these groups operate, from balancing cost, quality, and outcomes to navigating physician preferences and vendor relationships. They reveal why value analysis has become so influential, where it’s headed in the era of value-based care, and what it takes for suppliers, big or small, to stand out.If you’ve ever wondered why some products move forward while others stall, or how purchasing decisions ripple all the way to patient outcomes, this conversation will changethe way you see the healthcare system and your role in it.

Surgeon Reimbursement isn’t just about cutting checks; it’s about understanding the hidden economy that drives surgical decisions. In this episode, Dr. Arjun Saxena, orthopedic surgeon and physician partner at the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, takes us inside the complex world of surgeon pay structures.We uncover how RVUs actually work, the role ofancillary revenue streams, and the game-changing differences between hospital employment and private practice. These aren’t just numbers; they influence career paths, patient care, and even how your products are evaluated. If you want to navigate the surgical space with confidence, this is the intel the textbooks won’t give you. Listen now! 

Is marketing just the team that makes flyers and books dinners? Not even close. In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Michael Rhee, a veteran marketing leader in the orthopedic industry, to unpack the real power and complexity of marketing within MedTech. From shapingproduct roadmaps before R&D sketches a single concept to driving launch strategies and guiding resource allocation, marketing is everywhere and often overlooked.We dive into why marketers so often become top executives, how upstream and downstream roles work in real life, and what sales teams often misunderstand about the people behind the scenes. Spoiler: if you're not building bridgeswith marketing, you’re missing big opportunities.

What happens when a brilliant medical device gets regulatory approval but no one will pay for it? That’s the reality for countless innovations that overlook one critical factor: reimbursement. In this eye-opening episode, Jo Devers, partner at JD Lyman, breaks down the true meaning of reimbursement and why it’s far more complex than most realize. From coding and coverage to payment and policy, you'll learn how each piece impacts market success and whyunderstanding reimbursement early in product development can make or break your entire business. Whether you're in sales, product development, or raising capital, this conversation is packed with essential insights that will shifthow you think about getting your product not just approved, but actually adopted. Don’t launch without hearing this!

What if the biggest barrier to medical innovation isn’t science, but everything around it? In this episode, veteran R&D leader Kyle Lapin unpacks the hidden friction behind getting orthopedic devices from sketch to surgery. He exposes why most ideas never make it, how red tape quietly kills progress, and why solving the right problem is more radical than inventing the next “big thing.” We move a fictitious product through the development process, highlighting the frequent pitfalls of being first to market, and discuss how packaging failures have led to the bankruptcy of entire companies. This isn't just a technical chat; it’s an inside look at the human, strategic, and systemic challenges that shape what actually reaches patients. 

You’ve read the studies. You’ve shared the articles. But have you ever paused to question what kind of evidence you’re putting in front of your customers?In this conversation, clinical affairs expert Erin Mundstock shares insight into a part of an orthopaedic business that is frequently misunderstood by sales professionals. Erin will help describe why not all evidence is equal, why randomized trials carry a different weight than case reports, and why the words “clinically proven” mean nothing without the right foundation to back them up.Listen now if you want to begin coming across as more credible to your customers when discussing “the literature.”

What if the reason a medical device fails isn’t bad design, but a communication gap? In this episode, we dig into a topic often overlooked but absolutely critical: quality in MedTech.Patrick is joined by Travis Christman of Priority Medical, a problem solver at heart with deep expertise in ensuring that medical devices don’t just meet regulations, but truly meet patient needs. With insights from Joe Majewski, Senior SalesDirector at ZB Wisco, this episode connects the dots between the OR, the salesforce, and the manufacturing line.From real-life quality holds and FDA audits to the difference between user error and product failure, this episode lifts the veil on how quality affects everyone, from engineers to surgeons to patients. Whether you’re a sales rep, engineer, or just curious how the MedTech ecosystem truly works, this episode will challenge how you think about quality and why it’s everyone’s responsibility.

Ever wondered why some medical devices make it to market while others disappear into oblivion? Why some "game changing" innovations take years or decades to get approved? It all comes down to one often misunderstood word: Regulatory.In this episode, we dive into the real story behind regulatory affairs with Christine Scifert, Partner at MRC Global, and Al Nanni, Founder of North MedTech Advisors and Pivot Med Tech. From navigating the FDA’s complex approval process to debunking myths about product clearances, this conversation reveals why regulation isn't just red tape—it's the invisible force shaping much of the MedTech industry.Whether you're in sales, product development, or just curious how medical devices really works, this episode will change how you view every medical device you touch.Listen now and learn how the rules explain why things are the way they are!

The orthopedic sales world is demanding. Knowing your product specs isn’t enough if you want to stand out and build a long-lasting career. But where do you go to truly understand the bigger picture of the MedTech industry, beyond the operating room and daily quotas?Growth Plates Podcast is designed to answer exactly that.In this episode, you'll learn what this show is all about: providing orthopedic sales professionals with a clear, practical understanding of their industry. This isn’t about sales scripts or product pitches, it’s about understanding thewhy behind the way things work in MedTech. If you're ready to become more than just a rep, if you want to become a resource, a trusted guide, and someone who truly gets the broader healthcare ecosystem, this podcast is for you!It’s time to grow your perspective. Start here!