In 2025 some spine and orthopedic surgeons have taken their work into their own hands, opening their own practices.
1. Duane Pitt, MD, opened Spine Disorders of Texas, a new advanced spine care practice in Flower Mound, Texas. Dr. Pitt has been a practicing spine surgeon since 1997, and from 2006 to 2011, Dr. Pitt served as the spine service medical director for Scottsdale Healthcare’s Osborn, Shea and Thompson Peak medical centers, which are now part of Scottsdale, Ariz.-based HonorHealth.
2. Orthopedic spine surgeon Antonio Webb, MD, opened a spinal clinic in Schertz, Texas. The South Texas Spinal Clinic will offer nonoperative and operative spine care, as well as a photography and podcasting studio. Physicians will perform spinal fusions, microdiscectomies, artificial disc replacements, spinal decompression and scoliosis surgery, as well as comprehensive orthopedic services.
3. Orthopedic surgeon Drew Ratner, MD, opened American Orthopedics on Oct. 14. It’s one of the only independent orthopedic practice in Greenville, S.C.
4. Sports medicine surgeon Justin Smith, MD, plans to launch his own practice, Journey Orthopaedic Institute. He previously worked within health systems, and said in a LinkedIn post that he’s building his practice on values including cost transparency, holistic sports medicine, patient-first care and innovation.
5. Neurosurgeon Aaron Cohen-Gadol, MD, launched the Atlas Institute of Brain & Spine in Los Angeles. The practice is focused on complex brain and spine conditions. Dr. Cohen is a pioneer in techniques that remove the most complex brain and spine tumors.
6. Orthopedic surgeon Timothy Ghattas, MD, has opened a private practice in Riverdale, Ga. Dr. Ghattas spent years working at a large private practice before deciding to open a facility that could offer direct surgeon access, customized treatment plans and a patient-focused experience.
