Orthopedic

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began nearly two years ago, spine and orthopedic specialties have made major shifts in how care is delivered. As 2021 ends, spine and orthopedic leaders are thinking about what to expect next year.

Consolidation in orthopedics is nothing new, but more independent practices are weighing strategic partnerships as overhead rises, reimbursements decline and the effects of staff shortages and the COVID-19 pandemic continue to plague the healthcare industry.

Chief medical officers at healthcare facilities are tasked with ensuring that physicians provide safe and effective care, while CMOs in the medtech industry typically set strategic direction and direct medical activities associated with the company.

Here are 45 orthopedic surgeons who moved to new practices in 2021:

The University of New Mexico Health Sciences' Center of Excellence for Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation has opened, The Rio Rancho Observer reported Dec. 19.

Altamonte Springs, Fla.-based AdventHealth on Dec. 16 topped off its 12-story Innovation Tower that will be dedicated to orthopedics and neuroscience, Orlando Business Journal reported.

Total joint surgeon Michael Ast, MD, has been appointed vice chair and chief medical innovation officer of the HSS Innovation Institute in New York City.

Two orthopedic surgeons shared with Becker's their proudest clinical accomplishment in 2021.

Medical City McKinney (Texas) has finished construction on a $64 million patient tower that will expand access to orthopedic surgery and trauma care, among other services, Community Impact Newspaper reported Dec. 14.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons updated its clinical practice guidelines for hip fractures in older adults.