From navigating new technologies to balancing work and family, eight spine surgeons shared their biggest focuses headed into 2026.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity.
Question: What’s your top priority for 2026? Why?
Chester Donnally, MD. Texas Spine Consultants (Addision): My priority for 2026 is to stay anchored in the three pillars that guide me: my family, my local Dallas reputation and striving to be a leader in spine care nationally. First, I want to be an example for my children. I want them to know that they’re the No. 1 factor in my life, and while I care deeply about my patients, nothing comes before my family. Second, I’m committed to continuing to earn the trust of the Dallas community. My great-grandfather lived here, and my roots in Dallas run deep, so maintaining a strong reputation on outcomes and a sound surgical judgment matters to me. That’s why I’m thoughtful about patient selection and only operate when I’m confident the outcome will truly help someone. And third, I’m focused on contributing nationally to the spine surgery field by supporting technologies and approaches that make surgery safer, more efficient, and, where possible, more affordable. Along those lines I’ve built a social media following — not for funny trends or showing off fancy cars (I don’t have), but to educate patients and help them understand their conditions and their options. My goal is to meet people where they are, make the field better, and help patients get back to their lives sooner.
Michael Duffy, MD. Texas Back Institute (Plano): Learning how to integrate AI into my practice to streamline insurance authorizations in a more timely fashion leading to better patient care.
Quentin Durward, MD. CNOS (Dakota Dunes, S.D.): Having reached the age of 71, and transitioned from owner in my private practice to employee of the practice as I’ve gone to half-time, my biggest concern is being able to keep my head above water financially and not become a financial burden on the partners. The declining insurance receipts and ever-increasing overhead costs (particularly for fixed overhead items like malpractice insurance) are punishing for part-time practitioners. Locum work is an option as one is paid more, but the downsides outweigh the finances for me.
One might ask “why not just retire?” The simple answer is that I still enjoy neurosurgical practice very much, and there’s nothing else at this stage of my life I’d rather do.
Michael Fehlings, MD, PhD. University of Toronto: My biggest goal is to advance innovations in spine surgery in theatres of artificial intelligence, personalized approaches to care and regenerative neuroscience.
Kern Singh, MD. Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (Chicago): As Vice Chair and Chief of Spine at Rush, my clinical and academic responsibilities continue to grow, and I want to make sure I’m investing that energy smartly by focusing on high-impact work, elevating our spine program, and mentoring the next generation without letting the noise dilute the mission.
At the same time, my two kids are now 13 and 11, and these years are flying by. I want to be present. Showing up for them, traveling with them, and snowboarding together while they still think it’s fun to hang out with their dad.
2026 for me is about recalibrating: tightening the efficiency of my practice, sharpening my academic output, and protecting space for the parts of life that don’t show up on a CV but matter the most.
Vladimir Sinkov, MD. Sinkov Spine Center (Las Vegas): The top priority of my spine surgery practice in 2026 is to continue providing high quality care for our patients. I will continue staying up to date with the latest research and technology developments in spine surgery to improve outcomes for my patients. We as a practice will continue successfully navigating and overcoming the challenges posed by the current healthcare system including the regulatory burdens, treatment denials, and declining reimbursements. I do not anticipate any significant changes in the way my practice operates in the next year. Being small and independent allows us to adapt quickly to any changes in the current environment.
Paul Slosar, MD. Co-founder of Physicians Capital Fund: My top priority for 2026 is to become a nexus for physician involvement in the venture capital and startup ecosystem. I want to serve as the connector who opens doors to actionable opportunities in investing, advising, and entrepreneurship that physicians can pursue alongside their clinical practice. This is inspired by the successful transition of leaders like Scott Becker, who built a similar network for healthcare executives. I believe bridging the gap between clinical expertise and innovation is the next critical step for physician advancement and influence in healthcare.
Christian Zimmerman, MD. St. Alphonsus Medical Group and SAHS Neuroscience Institute (Boise, Idaho): The most persuasive and weighty preference will be timeliness and partiality towards defined importance. Particularly, further strengthening of kindred and professional relationships. Albeit assurances in job-stability and community stature are essential; having a presence or pseudo-permanence in healthcare certainly transitions. Being unimaginably fortunate in this surgeon’s circumstance has been co-dependent on systems reinforcements and the strongest, most loyal staff foundations. Gratitude is the pillar of ascendency.
The other top focus is constant and pervading. Living is attended with loss and realizing the ones who sincerely care the most are those truly deserving proper attention without distraction. Unquestionably important of late.
