Three spine surgeons discuss their main focus for the remainder of 2025 in their practices and beyond.
Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. Becker’s invites all spine surgeon and specialist responses.
Next question: How do you track and analyze cost and outcomes data at your practice? What have you learned?
Please send responses to Carly Behm at cbehm@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CDT Tuesday, July 8.
Editor’s note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What is your top priority in the second half of 2025?
Brian Gantwerker, MD. The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: My top priority in the remainder of 2025 is to focus on my health. My practice is doing well — and we would all like to be busier — but my family has dubbed 2025 as “the year of health.” I am getting my checkup, some routine health screening, and getting my body healthier. So far this year I have cycled over 25 miles at a go — nearing close to 30 and also hiking faster than I ever have before. We are also focusing on healthy eating habits — nothing drastic — just less bad stuff and not finishing a plate. Overall my family and I are doing well — but if you are not healthy, it’s awfully hard to convince your patients of the same.
William Taylor, MD. UC San Diego Health: Continue transfer to practice into the ASC academic practice. We anticipate greater patient satisfaction and more control over the work environment.
Christian Zimmerman, MD. St. Alphonsus Medical Group and SAHS Neuroscience Institute (Boise, Idaho): Realistically speaking, the top priority is merely maintenance of one’s usual and customary complex practice and continuance of patient-centered healthcare delivery. As the many challenges of healthcare become more pronounced, neither the disease processes nor the patient populace seems to change. Having a reliable constancy in the workplace, great support staff from entry to OR, and administrative backing undoubtedly enhance one’s performance and prospective outlook.
We are both fortunate and endowed with all facets of a team approach to complex spinal care with a proven track record for success. From intake to OR, anesthesia to post-operative management, so many contribute to this multi-decade service line as part of larger Neurological Institute and Center of Excellence.
