Two orthopedic surgeons connected with Becker's to discuss the hardest choice orthopedic surgeons have to make.
Ask Orthopedic Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting orthopedic care. We invite all orthopedic surgeon and specialist responses.
Next question: What's your best piece of advice for up-and-coming orthopedic surgeons?
Please send responses to Riz Hatton at rhatton@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CDT Thursday, June 29.
Note: This response has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Steven Gorin, DO. Orthopedic Surgeon at Advanced Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute (Aventura, Fla.): The hardest choice an orthopedic surgeon can make is when not to do surgery. In residency and fellowship, we are trained to be the best surgeon we can be, which is extremely important. But what often gets lost to the young practicing physician is when not to do surgery. To rely on your clinical acumen and not always jump headfirst into surgery that is not needed or into a procedure where someone else may be more qualified.
Nasser Heyrani, MD. Founder and President of Oak Tree Orthopedics (Corona, Calif.): One of the hardest choices any orthopedic surgeon must make is finding appropriate right work-life balance. This becomes even more important when taking calls and working long hours in training and establishing a practice.