Episodes

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, Nathan A. Merriman, MD, MSCE, Interim Senior Medical Director Surgical Specialties and Digestive Health Clinical Program at Intermountain Medical Center, discusses how a patient-centered, team-based approach can improve access to care while enhancing the overall human experience. He shares insights on driving operational efficiency across surgical services and aligning clinical teams to deliver high-quality, coordinated care that meets patients where they are.