An aging population, new technologies and the rise of outpatient surgery are redefining what it means to be an orthopedic surgeon. Leaders from across the field shared which skills and training they believe will matter most for the next generation.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: With an aging population driving unprecedented demand, what skills or training do you think will matter most for the next generation of orthopedic surgeons?
Ned Amendola, MD. President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:
As demand grows, the next generation of surgeons will need to advance their surgical skills, integrate new technologies and evidence-based orthobiologics and navigate a value-based care system that rewards quality and efficiency. Strong teamwork, data literacy and lifelong learning will be as critical as technical expertise. The AAOS continues to provide education and resources at every career stage to help surgeons adapt and lead through change.
Sachin Gupta, MD. Spine surgeon at OrthoIndy (Indianapolis): Using AI and other technologies to streamline inefficiencies will be key to caring for a larger population. Patients are also more informed than ever, which means surgeons must be prepared for more transparent, data-driven conversations before surgery to improve outcomes and trust.
Earl Kilbride, MD. Orthopedic surgeon at Austin (Texas) Orthopedic Institute: As our population ages, we’ll see more complex revision joints and fragility fractures. Unfortunately, reimbursement won’t match that complexity. Future surgeons will need techniques to enhance bone healing and explore less invasive options — such as neuromodulation — for managing pain and preserving function in older patients.
Philip Louie, MD. Spine surgeon and Medical Director of Research and Academics at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (Tacoma, Wash.): Tomorrow’s surgeons will need to master more than the scalpel. Data-driven decision-making, value literacy, collaboration and responsible innovation will define the next era. Surgeons must integrate AI, predictive analytics and ergonomics into their practice while communicating risk and value clearly to patients. A continuous learning mindset — and mentoring those who follow — will ensure progress continues.
Michael Gillman, MD. Orthopedic surgeon and founding member at Restore Orthopedics and Spine Center (Orange, Calif.): Meeting demand will require increasing efficiency and safely expanding the range of procedures done in ASCs. Taking higher-acuity cases outpatient improves patient satisfaction, reduces infection risk and lowers cost — a win for patients, surgeons and payers alike.
Christopher Stevens, MD. Orthopedic surgeon at Tucson (Ariz.) Orthopaedic Institute: The future of orthopedics will rely heavily on midlevel providers managing nonoperative care and postoperative rehab. Surgeons will spend more time in the OR, while advanced practice clinicians handle evaluations and less complex procedures, helping extend access and efficiency.
James Wylie, MD. Associate Medical Director and hip and knee preservation orthopedic surgeon at Intermountain Healthcare (Salt Lake City): We’ll see soaring demand for total joints, spine procedures and trauma care — but we also need to focus upstream. Better nonoperative treatments for osteoarthritis, including biologics, and stronger collaboration with bone health specialists will be essential to reduce fractures and the need for complex surgeries.
Bruce Ziran, MD. Orthopedic surgeon at Atlanta Orthopedic Institute: Training must shift from teaching “recipes” to teaching true surgical skill. Too many trainees learn one specific approach without understanding alternatives or how to manage complications. Future surgeons must be trained as chefs, not recipe followers — equipped with adaptable skills and judgment to handle the unexpected.
