Dr. Garcia is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a member of the North American Spine Society.
Question: What are some barriers standing in the way of spine surgeons learning new techniques and technologies?
RG: I would say that a major barrier is the lack of coverage by insurance companies of new technologies, such as lumbar disc arthroplasty, which results in a surgeon’s lack of impetus to learn and apply such technologies.
Q: What are some best practices for spine surgeons looking to continue growing professionally?
RG: In my opinion, the best practices for future growth are larger single-specialty groups that may be able to have a more influential voice than a solo practitioner.
Q: Would you recommend being active in professional societies? Why?
RG: Membership and active participation in professional societies are essential not only from an educational standpoint, but it also allows surgeons to have a voice within his/her specialty, and a voice as a specialty within organized medicine.
Learn more from Dr. Garcia at the 15th Annual Spine, Orthopedic & Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine in June 2017! Click here for more information.
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At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
