The next generation of orthopedic surgeons will enter a rapidly changing field shaped by technology, new care models and evolving patient expectations. Beyond clinical mastery, tomorrow’s surgeons will need skills that help them lead, adapt and sustain their practice.
Question: If you were training the next generation of orthopedic surgeons, what non-clinical skills would you say are essential for the future of practice?
Editor’s note: Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Gregory Berlet, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center (Worthington, Ohio): As more orthopedic surgeons enter employed settings, developing a personal identity and professional brand is crucial. Large healthcare systems often highlight their own institutional brands, which can overshadow individual surgeons. Building and maintaining one’s own value proposition helps establish mutual respect and professional recognition. Surgeons should continuously refine their “brand print” throughout their careers and communicate their unique value to patients, partners and employers.
Pablo Castañeda, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at Texas Children’s Hospital (The Woodlands): Training future orthopedic surgeons must extend beyond clinical skill to include digital literacy, data fluency and ethical innovation. As AI, robotics and automation become integral to surgical care, surgeons need to understand how these technologies work, their limitations and potential biases. Leadership, communication and business acumen are equally critical. Future surgeons should be equipped to navigate complex health systems, manage resources and lead with empathy — ensuring the profession remains human-centered and guided by surgeons themselves.
Jonathan Godin, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at The Steadman Clinic (Vail, Colo.): Leadership and business acumen are essential for the next generation. Orthopedic surgeons must understand how to lead teams, negotiate contracts and manage the business side of medicine. Programs like the Feagin Leadership Program at Duke University (Durham, N.C.) and the Bold program through the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine offer strong examples of how leadership training can be integrated into medical education. At our sports medicine fellowship, we incorporate these skills as part of training to prepare surgeons for real-world challenges.
Lloyd Hey, MD. Spinal Surgeon and Founder of Hey Clinic for Scoliosis and Spine Care (Raleigh, N.C.): Compassion, resilience and a commitment to safety and continuous improvement are foundational. Medicine is about caring for each patient and family as precious — a mindset that sustains joy and purpose even amid challenges. Through weekly mentorship gatherings, I’ve seen how community and purpose-based learning inspire the next generation. When surgeons lead with empathy and service, they build careers grounded in meaning and integrity.
Jack Jensen, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at Athletic Orthopedics & Knee Center (Houston): Even with the rise of AI, nothing can replace human intuition. The ability to connect with patients — to look them in the eye, listen deeply and use clinical instinct — remains irreplaceable. Medicine involves a kind of “synesthesia,” where touch and perception guide diagnosis beyond data. Preserving this human connection is essential for future surgeons.
Scott Mollison, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at Bloomington Orthopedic Specialists (Wooster, Ohio): Adaptability is the most important nonclinical skill. Orthopedics — like the world around it — is evolving rapidly, especially with the growth of AI and neural technology. Surgeons must be lifelong learners, ready to adapt to constant change. Yet, the human side of medicine will always matter most. Personal connection and empathy drive innovation and ensure that technology serves, rather than replaces, the physician’s role.
Stephen Thompson, MD. Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon at Northern Light Orthopedics (Bangor, Maine): Financial literacy is vital. Surgeons must understand contracts, reimbursement and practice management regardless of their employment model. A solid grasp of the financial and operational side of medicine helps surgeons sustain their practices and continue delivering high-quality patient care.
