Episodes

In this episode, Dr. Xiaofei Zhou, Associate Program Director of Neurosurgery at University Hospitals, discusses her journey into endoscopic spine surgery, her priorities for advancing education and patient care, and how collaboration and innovation are shaping the future of minimally invasive spine procedures.

Kathy Meccia, RNBC, BSN, CNOR, CRCST, Nurse Administrator at Lake George Surgery Center, shares her perspective on transitioning from hospital settings to ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). She offers practical tips for running a successful surgery practice and discusses projected growth for the center in the coming months.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. John Lucio, Regional Chief Medical Officer, SSM Health. He discusses supply chain challenges, payer dynamics, workforce strategies, and the growing role of AI, wearables, and outpatient surgery in shaping the future of healthcare delivery.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Bruce Feldman, Administrator, Eastern Orange Ambulatory Surgery Center. He shares insights on the shift of higher acuity cases to ASCs, innovative workforce recruitment and retention strategies, and how health systems and vendors are shaping the next chapter of outpatient care.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Alaa Abd-Elsayed, Medical Director, UW Health Pain Services. Dr. Abd-Elsayed discusses reimbursement challenges, workforce shortages, the rapid growth of outpatient care, and innovations such as minimally invasive procedures and enhanced perioperative pain management that improve outcomes and efficiency.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Omar Khokhar, Managing Partner, Illinois GastroHealth. Dr. Khokhar discusses the growing demand for GI care, strategies to navigate workforce shortages, the role of artificial intelligence in improving colonoscopy outcomes, and how financial transparency can strengthen trust between patients and providers.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Janet L. Carlson, Vice President of Ambulatory Operations, Commonwealth Pain & Spine. Janet shares insights on emerging trends in outpatient spine and orthopedic care, from smart implants and digital patient engagement to financial transparency and strategies for retaining top clinical talent.

This episode features Todd Currier, Administrator at Bend Surgery Center, sharing insights on key trends shaping the ASC industry, including mergers and acquisitions, expanding procedure types, and the growing role of technology and robotics in surgical care. Todd also discusses strategic growth plans and the ongoing need for advocacy in reimbursement policies.

This episode features Dr. Tan (Dan) Chen, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Geisinger, as he shares insights on advancing minimally invasive spine techniques, the promise of endoscopic surgery and systemic challenges facing rural healthcare. He also discusses emerging technologies in implant design, motion-preserving surgery and the potential role of AI in standardizing spine care.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Sarah Carson, Administrator, Ascentist ASC Merriam, LLC. Sarah discusses her center’s rapid growth since opening during COVID, their strong focus on pediatric care, and future plans to expand services through additional locations and increased pain management offerings.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Omkar Baxi, Orthopedic Hand Surgeon at Mid Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. Dr. Baxi discusses the evolving role of ASCs, the promise of AI in clinical workflows, and how financial transparency and patient engagement are reshaping orthopedic care delivery.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Vinay Belamkar, CEO of Apollo Pain Center. Dr. Belamkar shares his insights on the challenges of chronic pain care, staffing in a competitive market, the evolving role of ASCs, and how AI and value-based care models are shaping the future of independent practices.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Levi Scheppers, CEO, Sequel Ortho, and Jason Ficken, Managing Partner, Quadriga Partners. They discuss how cultural alignment, physician-led decision making, and a long-term growth strategy are redefining private equity partnerships in musculoskeletal care. This episode is sponsored by Quadriga Partners.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features John Russell, Director, Area Operations, Sutter Health System Office. John discusses strategies to improve patient access, optimize surgery center utilization, expand hours of operation, and support sustainable growth in response to rising demand across the system.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Sean Gipson, CEO of Remedy Surgery Centers. He shares insights on payer market disruption, workforce recruitment strategies, ASC growth in orthopedics, and the transformative role of AI in operations and billing.

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Fanous, Section Chief of Neurosurgery at Inova Alexandria Hospital, shares how emerging technologies like AI, robotics, augmented reality, and endoscopy are improving precision, reducing complications, and advancing outpatient spine surgery.

In this episode, Caleb Ashmore, PT, DPT, Orthopedic Rehabilitation Services Supervisor at Harris Health, shares how his team is evolving orthopedic care through evidence-based approaches, telehealth, and novel research. He also discusses the importance of meeting patients where they are—socially and economically—to deliver accessible, whole-person care in a safety-net system.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Alyson Engle, Interventional Pain Physician. Dr. Engle shares her perspective on shifting payer dynamics, workforce engagement, the growing role of AI, and how collaborative, patient-centered care models are reshaping independent practice and outpatient pain management.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Daniel Choi, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and Owner, Spine Medicine and Surgery of Long Island. Dr. Choi shares how his independent practice is thriving amid industry consolidation, the critical role ASCs play in spine care, and how AI and independent dispute resolution are transforming operational and financial efficiency.

In this episode, Andrew Lovewell, CEO of Columbia Orthopaedic Group, shares his perspective on the evolving role of AI in healthcare, market consolidation, and how his organization is expanding services and market share. He discusses the importance of collaboration, practical innovation, and staying grounded in patient-centered, high-value care.

In this episode, Emma Gimmel, Director of Nursing at Manhattan Endoscopy Center, shares insights on the evolution of ASCs, the expansion into new specialties, and how outpatient care can play a pivotal role in building a more affordable, resilient healthcare system. She also discusses upcoming regulatory changes and how the center is preparing for future growth.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Robert S. Bray, Founding Director, DISC Sports & Spine Center. Dr. Bray shares insights on the accelerating shift toward outpatient spine care, the rise of global payment models, the role of AI across healthcare operations, and the importance of creating sustainable pathways for the next generation of surgeons.

In this episode, Nyleen Flores, Administrator & COO of Lake Oconee Orthopedics, shares key insights on the future of orthopedic care, including digital transformation, ASC trends, and expanding access to innovative procedures. She also highlights the importance of leadership in navigating operational challenges and creating lasting change in outpatient care.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Earl Kilbride, Orthopedic Surgeon, Austin Orthopedic Institute. He discusses workforce retention through culture-building, the growth and permanence of ASCs, and how his team forms direct partnerships with employers while exploring high-acuity cases and innovative procedures like peripheral neuromodulation.