1. Dr. Stephen Hochschuler: 8 Changes to Ensure a Brighter Future for Spine Surgery.              

2. Cleveland Clinic Names Dr. David Gurd Head of Pediatric Spinal Deformity Surgery. 

3. 20 Spine and Neurosurgeon Inventors to Know.        

4. Two Complimentary Webinars: 1. ASCs - Key Strategic and Business Issues for 2012 (Feb. 29, 1:15p.m.-2:15 p.m. CST). 2. Health Care Finance 2012 - A look at Trends, Terms and Provider Sectors (March 8, 1:15p.m.-2:15p.m.). We have two great webinars scheduled for late February and early March. The ASC strategies webinar will be led by a team from ASCOA (Jeff Peo, Jimbo Cross and Donna Greene) and moderated by Scott Becker. The healthcare finance webinar will be led by a team from HFG (Shane Passarelli and Claudia Gordon) and moderated by Scott Becker.   

To learn more and register for the ASC webinar, .

To learn more and register for the finance webinar, .                       

5. Spine Surgeons: Why did you choose hospital employment or private practice? 

Dr. Brian Gill (Neb.): I enjoy the freedom that comes with being an independent physician. 

Dr. Michael Gleiber (Fla.): I enjoy the business aspect of running my practice. 

Dr. Brian Subach (Va.): I believe that my interests as a physician may not coincide with the interests of the hospital. 

For full answers and next week's question, .   

6. 10 New Spine-Focused Practices & Programs.    

7. Exactech Reports 21% Decline in 4Q Spine & Biologics Sales.        

8. Eden Spine Receives FDA Clearance for Corpectomy Device.         

9. Becker's Orthopedic, Spine & Pain Management Review is working on a list of outstanding spine surgeons. If you would like to recommend a spine surgeon for our list, please e-mail the surgeon's name and CV to Laura at laura@beckershealthcare.com.

10. Signing Bonuses for Placed Physicians Leaped 15% in 2011 to 88% Overall.