Becker’s Healthcare -- Spine and Orthopedic Podcast

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.

In this episode, Brandon P. Hirsch, MD, FAAOS, Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at DISC Sports and Spine Center, discusses the expanding role of telemedicine, key policy changes shaping patient access, and emerging disruptors such as endoscopic techniques and digital engagement. He also shares his perspective on national healthcare reform and its direct impact on spine care.

In this episode, Anthony J. Tortolani, MD, FACS, FACC, Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeon and Professor Emeritus of Clinical Cardiothoracic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, discusses the realities of declining profit margins and how leaders are balancing financial pressures with clinical excellence. He explores practical applications of AI in clinical medicine, including improvements in efficiency and less invasive surgical approaches, and shares why aligning strategic vision with day-to-day tactical planning is essential for long-term success in cardiovascular care.

In this episode, Molly Van Oordt, Director of Specialty Account Management at NextGen Healthcare, discusses how orthopedic and MSK practices are leveraging automation, mobile tools, and AI to address staffing shortages, reduce administrative burden, and improve patient access as demand continues to rise heading into 2026.This episode was sponsored by NextGen Healthcare.

In this episode, Michael Verdon, DO, FACOS, Neurological Spine Surgeon at Transcendent Care, Inc., discusses the challenge of delivering the same high level of spine care with fewer resources and the expanding clinical applications of AI. He highlights where he expects the most meaningful growth in the next 1–2 years, including efforts to standardize patient care, and explains how technologies traditionally used in the operating room are increasingly migrating into the clinic to improve efficiency and outcomes.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Michael Redler, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Connecticut Orthopaedics. Dr. Redler discusses trends driving ASC growth, the role of advanced technology and AI in improving patient care and efficiency, and the benefits of collaboration between ASCs and health systems.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Tara Good-Young, MSHA, CASC, CEO, PDI Surgery Center. Tara discusses trends driving ASC growth, strategies for leveraging AI and technology to improve efficiency and patient experience, and the importance of collaboration with vendors and providers to optimize operations and sustainability.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Brenda Fernández, MBA, Chief Financial Officer, Puerto Rico ASC Holding. Brenda discusses strategies for financial stewardship, leveraging technology and AI to optimize ASC operations, and opportunities for collaboration and growth in the outpatient surgery space.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Nikhil Shetty, Chief Operating Officer, Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists. Dr. Shetty shares how independent ASCs are leveraging technology, lean operations, and price transparency to deliver faster, safer, and more patient-centered care while maintaining flexibility and efficiency in a growing outpatient surgery market.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Ramis Gheith, Chief Medical Officer, DxTx Pain and Spine. Dr. Gheith shares how physician-owned ASCs are reshaping care delivery, highlights the transformative role of AI in spinal therapies and informed consent, and emphasizes the power of mission-driven culture in attracting top healthcare talent.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Bob Bishop, Chief Designer, JointSpace. Bob discusses how emerging technologies like blockchain and advanced digital tools are transforming ambulatory surgery centers by streamlining operations, enhancing patient care, and restoring direct, trusted relationships between doctors and patients.

This episode features Neal ElAttrache, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist and Chairman of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Foundation in Los Angeles, and Director Medical Services and Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon LA Rams and LA Dodgers. Here, he reflects on decades of caring for elite athletes, the evolution of surgical techniques that support faster and safer returns to play, and the role of mentorship, trust, and passion in shaping exceptional orthopedic care.

In this episode, Linda Bedwell, CEO, ASCend Specialists & Audra Wallace, Director of Clinical Success, Subflow Health, explain how ASCs can reduce burnout, modernize outdated processes, and improve financial performance by simplifying workflows and better supporting frontline teams. They share practical steps leaders can take now to build a more efficient and sustainable path forward.This episode is sponsored by Subflow.

In this episode, Dr. Erich G. Anderer, Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery and Surgical Director of Perioperative Services at NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn, joins the podcast to discuss the latest advancements shaping spine care. He shares his perspective on the rapid evolution of robotic technology, strategies clinicians can use to help patients avoid surgery when appropriate, and how to address today’s growing “information culture” and misinformation challenges. Dr. Anderer also highlights where he expects to see the most meaningful growth in spine care over the next one to two years.

On this episode, Dr. Nolan Wessell, Assistant Professor and Well-being Co-Director, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division of Spine Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine joins the podcast to discuss the growing burden facing the spine field and how clinicians are adapting to rapid shifts in practice and policy. He shares insights on tracking government changes that impact research funding, the ways AI is improving efficiency and supporting clinical decision-making, and the consequences of declining reimbursements across the specialty.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Jeffrey Flynn, President of the New York State Association of Ambulatory Surgery Centers. He shares insights on market growth, the rising role of AI and robotics, and how partnerships with health systems are shaping patient care and operational efficiency in the ASC space.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Andrew Lovewell, CEO, Columbia Orthopaedic Group. He shares insights on the continued migration of cases to ASCs, the expanding role of technology, and how strategic partnerships and employer engagement are shaping the future of outpatient orthopedic care.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Geri Eaves, BSN, RN, CASC, CNOR CEO/Administrator, Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee Surgery Center. She discusses the market forces accelerating ASC growth, the transformative impact of robotics and technology, and how deeper partnerships and strategic leadership will define success in the years ahead.

In this episode, Frank D. Vrionis, M.D., M.P.H., PhD, Chief of Neurosurgery at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute, discusses the evolving role of AI in research, the growing impact of motion preservation technologies, and the challenges insurance barriers pose to innovation. He shares how his team is planning for growth, advancing spine care, and educating patients on the expanding range of treatment options.

On this episode, James Mooney, Aa complex and minimally invasive spine surgeon with VCU Health, joins the podcast to discuss the rapidly evolving future of spine surgery. He explores how AI is helping standardize clinical decision-making, the continued growth of minimally invasive and patient-specific technologies, and what increasing AI involvement means for the spine field in the years ahead.

On this episode, David L. Skaggs, MD, Co-Director of Cedars-Sinai Spine, Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Orthopaedics at Cedars-Sinai, and Director of Pediatric Orthopaedics at Guerin Children’s, joins the podcast to discuss recent innovations in spine care, including synthetic CT scans generated from MRIs and the advancement of outpatient pediatric spine surgery. He also shares insights on developing surgical tools tailored for physicians with smaller hands, and looks ahead at healthcare trends, particularly how AI-driven solutions can make care more accessible and affordable.

On this episode, Thomas Hutchinson, Administrator of the Surgery Center of Central Florida, joins the podcast to discuss the trends he’s watching—including staffing challenges and impacts of government shutdowns—as well as electrophysiology ablations in the outpatient setting and opportunities for future growth.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Jeffrey Singerman, Administrator and COO, Manhattan Endoscopy Center. He discusses key market forces driving ASC growth, the emerging impact of AI on clinical and administrative functions, and how partnerships can strengthen recruitment, staffing, and long term sustainability.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Alaa Abd-Elsayed, Medical Director, UW Health Pain Services. He discusses the rapid growth of ASC models, how AI driven tools are improving efficiency and reducing administrative burden, and why joint ventures and collaboration are key to strengthening patient care and financial sustainability.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Dr. Benjamin Levy, Gastroenterologist and Clinical Associate of Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine. He discusses rising demand for colonoscopy driven by updated screening guidelines, the value of ASC partnerships, and how emerging AI tools are transforming documentation, polyp detection, and overall efficiency in GI care.

In this episode, Brett Maxfield, MS, CRNA and President and CEO of Maxfield Healthcare Solutions, shares the top trends shaping ASCs today, including rising costs, anesthesia shortages, and the growing impact of AI. He also discusses technology adoption challenges, evolving specialties, and what he’s watching for ASC growth in the year ahead.

On this episode, Dr. Scott L. Blumenthal, Spine Surgeon at Texas Back Institute, joins the podcast to discuss the latest insights in disc replacements, including new research and the root causes of complications. He also shares his perspective on the role of private insurance in patient access and breaks down the biggest disruptors he expects to shape spine surgery in 2026, particularly growing restrictions around advanced technologies.